Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development

Marked Paths
and Sustainable
Rural Development
Marked Paths
and Sustainable
Rural Development
PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STUDY:
JOSÉ MARÍA NASARRE SARMIENTO
CHIEF RESEARCHERS:
LÁZARO MEDIAVILLA SALDAÑA
PEDRO MANUEL MILLÁN DEL ROSARIO
RESEARCHERS:
CARLOS FERRIS GIL
VICENTE MANUEL ZAPATA HERNÁNDEZ
ANTONIO ALBA MORATILLA
PEDRO BRAVO DOMÍNGUEZ
ANTONIO JOAQUÍN SÁNCHEZ SÁNCHEZ
MARÍA RUIPÉREZ GONZÁLEZ
PAU PÉREZ DE PEDRO
ANTONIO TURMO ARNAL
JUAN JESÚS IBÁÑEZ MARTÍN
DESIGN AND LAYOUT:
CHEMI CABALEIRO
WWW.CREATECNIA.ES
PHOTOGRAPHY:
ALL PHOTOS ARE PART OF THE FILE CREATED BY
THE AUTHORS OF THIS STUDY.
©FEDME. 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NO PART OF THIS STUDY MAY BE REPRODUCED,
IN ANY FORM WITHOUT THE EXPRESS CONSENT OF
THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS.
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
Content
Presentation
3
Introduction
5
Methodology
13
Characterisation of footpaths analysed
29
Study data
71
Qualitative data in the study
72
Quantitative data in the study
84
Conclusions and recommendations
93
Conclusions
94
Recommendations
98
Acknowledgements
103
The study in figures
105
presentation
Trailwalking is one of the sports carried out under the supervision and direction of the Spanish
Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports and the Regional Mountaineering Federations, who
are responsible for promoting and implementing trailwalking projects in Spain and have full competency in their respective regions.
Ever since the first long-distance trail (GR) was marked in Spain in 1975, the network has continued
to grow until the present day, thanks to the generosity and efforts of the mountain association
affiliated to the mountaineering clubs. The development of this network of paths has gone hand in
hand with spectacular growth in the number of walkers in Spain, with this sport now boasting the
highest proportion of sportsmen and women practising the various mountain activities contemplated by the Federation.
Walking is a sports activity that is perfect when it comes to meeting the requirements for low
impact on the environment and respect for nature, and has recently become a major tourist attraction. The marked paths recover and maintain trails that our ancestors used for trade and communication. They run mainly through areas of high environmental value, revealing some veritable gems
with regard to the flora and fauna, and often feature samples of local heritage of great historical
value. Familiarity with the geography, topography and landscape, together with perception on the
ground of the culture and customs of rural people, provide a significant wealth of knowledge of
the first magnitude.
Excellent planning of the trail network acts as a socio-economic catalyst in the rural areas the routes pass through. It recovers the traditional communications network, creates the services sector, distributes tourist flows in space and time, and fosters a model of sustainable development.
Mountaineers have always been sensitive to the endemic problems suffered by many mountain
villages that are often remote, with no amenities and located in rugged terrain, which in many cases forces the inhabitants to leave, leading to the obvious deterioration of the environment. Such
activities help to fix the population and create better standards of living for mountain dwellers and
should therefore be given top priority by the authorities concerned, in conjunction with initiatives
put forward by the rural population.
We mountaineers will continue working to help bring these legitimate aspirations to fruition. The
study presented today, drawn up by FEDME’s nature access committee with the decisive support
of the General Directorate of Sustainable Rural Development of the Ministry of the Environment
and Rural and Marine Affairs, is moving in this direction. In our opinion, the conclusions and recommendations ensuing from this study should be used to take a step forward in promoting walking
and rambling in our society and to channel their positive effects in the conservation of the natural
environment and in improving standard of living in Spanish rural areas.
Juan Garrigós i Toro
President of the Spanish Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports
3
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
The growing social demand for the chance to practise activities in direct contact with nature is a
fact that needs to be taken into account by the public authorities with specific responsibilities for
rural areas. Furthermore, the close relationship between the rural and natural environments offers
great opportunities for socio-economic development in the case of the former, while ensuring
sustainable use and adequate conservation of the resources of the latter.
In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment has extensive experience in
using the resources the rural environment has to offer to meet the growing importance of “green
tourism”. A programme of non-motorised itineraries or nature trails has been in the works since
1993 with the recovery of thousands of miles of infrastructure that had fallen into disuse, such as
cattle trails, towpaths, old railway lines, etc. This has generated a new source of wealth for the
surrounding area after their original purpose has subsided, and has given them a “new lease of
life” by adapting them to the demands of present-day tracks and trails, boosted by other activities
that aim to showcase existing natural and cultural resources, as is the case of the interpretative
signage in place along the various routes.
All public and private organisations involved in construction activities and waymarking for this
type of route are greatly concerned to ascertain the real impact such activities have on the socioeconomic situation of the rural environment they pass through, in order to optimise the use of
public resources, which are always so limited. This study aims to cover the need to obtain valid
conclusions for taking decisions about tracks and trails in rural areas, based on the systematic
analysis of the experience culled from similar infrastructure.
In this study, the Spanish Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports offers an in-depth analysis
of a heterogeneous set of existing trails in our country along with their socio-economic impact,
and presents a number of conclusions and recommendations, which will almost certainly prove to
be an extremely useful tool for everyone involved in the task of combining economic development
with the valuation of natural resources.
Begoña Nieto Gilarte
Director General for Rural Development and Forest Policy
introduction
5
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
FEADER
6
introduction
Essential
evolution of rural
areas
Ninety per cent of the land in Spain is rural, but it is home to only twenty per cent of the population. The gradual decline in the number of inhabitants in rural areas in recent decades makes
it necessary to take measures to make it more attractive to stay, and to generate future potential. For this reason, it is imperative to redress the imbalances that have arisen, particularly in
terms of amenities and quality of life, so as to offer the same opportunities that can be found in
a town. To do so, we need complex, multisector, active policies combining small actions linked
to the region with a broader, comprehensive vision, in partnership with the organisations upholding the social fabric. While powers in this area basically belong to the regional authorities,
it befalls the statewide administrations and organisations to promote activities for guidance,
coordination and large-scale design. This is the function of the Ministry of Environment, and
Rural and Marine Affairs (hereinafter referred to as MARM from the Spanish Ministerio de
Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino), along with the Spanish Federation for Mountain and
Climbing Sports (hereinafter referred to as FEDME) insofar as they are responsible, who will
endeavour to offer guidance and coordination for the regional federations that form part of their
membership.
A legal
framework for
sustainable
rural development
In the face of what is now seen as a need in the early 21st century, Law 45/2007, of 13 December, for sustainable rural development, aims to boost the socio-economic fabric of rural areas
and offer access to public amenities that are adequate in both quantity and quality. Article 2
sets out the general aims of the law as follows:
a) To maintain and broaden the economic base of rural areas by preserving competitive and
multifunctional activities, and diversifying their economy with the incorporation of new activities that are compatible with sustained development.
b) To maintain and improve conditions in the towns and villages and raise the standard of living
among the inhabitants, by guaranteeing basic public amenities that are both adequate and
sufficient to ensure equal opportunities and non-discrimination, particularly for the population
that is most vulnerable or at risk of exclusion.
c) To conserve and restore heritage and cultural and natural resources in rural areas through
both public and private initiatives that are consistent with sustainable development. The study
on footpaths and sustainable rural development is built on these general objectives and is
7
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
channelled through the First Sustainable Rural Development Programme.
Trailwalking, which is a sports phenomenon that first appeared over twenty years ago (in 1975)
and has been developing since then solely within the sphere of the federations and mountaineering sector, has led mountaineers/ramblers to live in close and constant contact with the
small mountain villages, where life is hard and difficult. Moreover, for a long time mountaineers
were one of the few groups that approached the small villages - with their tortuous communications, off the beaten track with no amenities, and surrounded by rugged mountains. Nowadays,
mountain clubs and associations breathe life into these small towns and channel the concerns
of the local youth. Although they are not the groups with the largest membership, it is true to
say that most Spanish mountaineering clubs are based in rural areas, since 1,240 of the 1,759
clubs that belong to FEDME have their main offices in towns other than the provincial capitals.
Mountaineers and rural area managers have spent more than ten years negotiating to establish agreements to harmonise mountain sports with the conservation of rural areas. Since
1999, when the first seminar on protected natural areas and mountain sports (“I Seminario de
espacios naturales protegidos y deportes de montaña”) was held in Tenerife and attended by
representatives from nearly all of the autonomous regions, about a dozen common documents
have been drawn up, three of which have focused on footpaths: “Rambling in protected natural
areas” (the second seminar held in Jaca in 2003), “Mountaineering’s contribution to sustainable development in natural areas” (the third seminar in Granada in 2005) and “Rambling and
Rural Development” (the fifth seminar in Los Barrios in 2009). The involvement of mountaineers
in rural development as an organised group is nothing new.
Mountaineers
as observers of
evolution in rural
areas
Collaboration
between public
authorities and
mountaineering
federations
8
introduction
A sports and
recreational
activity that
involves walking
along footpaths
that are preferably
traditional
Apart from their value as historical heritage, reflecting the socio-economic activities and relationships flowing between our ancestors, in recent years the network of traditional trails has
provided the basis for developing a type of physical activity that we have referred to as “walking” or “rambling” and which is defined as “a sports and recreational activity, which involves
walking along footpaths that are preferably traditional and may or may not be signposted”
(the second seminar held in Jaca in 2003). While the mere fact of restoring the trails for their
original use is already something to be valued, their marking as a footpath opens up new opportunities for the local population in rural areas. Whenever the term “footpath” is used in the
following pages, it refers to a trail that is marked in such a way that it makes it easy to follow
for sports and recreational purposes.
The rich variety
of implications in
the trailwalkers’
movement
Rambling, which, over a century ago, emerged as a sports and social movement for city dwellers, offers a leisure activity in which the aim is to seek enjoyment, knowledge and reunion
with the landscape and surrounding area. It has environmental, economic, cultural and social
connotations, and fosters contact with nature in a sustainable and respectful manner. It has a
significant economic impact on the environment, by generating a specialised form of tourism,
unconstrained by seasonality, which helps organise the area, contributes towards fixing the
local population and is compatible with the uses traditionally associated with the mountains.
Therefore, it seems particularly appropriate to promote sustainable rural development in Spain.
9
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
The agreement document drawn up at the fifth seminar (Los Barrios, 2009) established that
“a good basis for the process of boosting trail networks has a great many effects, with one of
its most striking qualities being its contribution to rural development, especially in areas that
exhibit a significant degree of decline in socio-demographic and economic terms and with regard to traditional uses”. In such cases, it may prove to be pivotal for the social dynamics of the
local community and a tool for aiding the recovery, maintenance and promotion of the region’s
heritage. For this to be so, it is essential to involve the community in the different stages of the
process. The various initiatives should focus on the local residents so as to help them improve
their living conditions through rural development projects. Attention is drawn to some of the
more significant contributions to rural development, which are as follows:
Rambling and
rural development
-Traditional trails are recovered which, by and large, are public rights of way, along
with the rural heritage associated with them. This articulates the attractions of the
local surroundings and supports protection initiatives in all fields, creating synergies with the trail network.
- A new activity is generated, creating an offer that may help develop the service
sector. Tourism is stimulated by fomenting an offer that is innovative and not subject to seasonal fluctuations, based on renewing interest in the local heritage.
- Tourist flows are distributed in time and space, providing they are planned with
the right tools and strategies.
- A model of sustainable development is generated that respects the environment
and local culture through coordination between land managers and socio-economic stakeholders.
Spain is fully aware of the tourism factor. Being pioneers in sun and beach tourism, with worldwide fame as an artistic heritage tourist destination in large cities, it is not hard to take on
board tourist plans for sustainable rural development. What we know as “mountain tourism”, in
which hiking is the main activity (as explained in the Study by the Secretary General for Tourism
in 2009) is very poorly structured and developed. Small-scale activities, developing original
high-quality tourist products, need to be projected worldwide to avoid having to surmount the
Herculean task of selling each product individually. This is what will happen with the hiking
trails, which require strong support from the tourist industry and government institutions. For
all the interest shown in establishing quality footpaths in rural areas, there is a further difficulty
in reaching potential visitors in an attractive manner.
Rambling in
the wake of
tourism
10
introduction
Contribution of
public authorities in rambling
projects
Depopulation, traditional farming methods, limited industrialisation have all made it possible
to maintain many ecologically important systems including populations in an excellent state
of conservation. In recent decades, public administrations have invested in the improvement
of thousands of miles of marked footpaths, sometimes supported by cultural or religious phenomena, or by the beauty and value of the natural landscape, but on other occasions merely
because they were trying to attract visitors by offering walks through the fields and mountains.
Most of them are in regular use. However, the results of public effort in a great many projects
have not responded to the purposes that prompted their construction. In some cases, they are
hardly ever used by the local population when they go rambling and need to be inspected and
re-oriented.
Mountaineers
commit themselves
to rural development
Mountain clubs were the first to mark footpaths along trails that had traditionally been used
by the local population to open up sports opportunities. FEDME’s experience regarding rambling trails cannot be boasted by any other organisation. Its 87,147 members (December 2010),
who take part in nature activities, can offer a privileged view of the situation of rural areas in
Spain. Hence, now that the driving force for rural areas is shifting from a focus on irrigation and
farming activities and opening up to broader horizons, mountaineers understand that they can
make a relevant contribution to rural development. At present, FEDME forms part of the FollowUp Committee of the National Rural Networks taking on this new commitment.
Cooperation and
studies for sustainable rural development
When the National Rural Network takes up the challenge of changing the tourist model, FEDME thinks it can offer its collaboration in an areas with which it is very familiar, both because
mountaineers have always had a close relationship with the rural environment and also because of their knowledge of Rambling in Europe and their proven experience in matters like design
or the marking of routes. In 2010, the joint efforts of FEDME and the Directorate General for
Sustainable Rural Development resulted in the ground-breaking study “Socio-economic and
environmental impact of mountain paths on the rural and natural environment in Spain” (MARM
2010). The success and repercussions of such work have led to a new and more complex joint
study being set in motion: “Marked paths and sustainable rural development”.
11
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
FEDME is a sports federation and, as such, it is a private body that carries out public functions
for administrative purposes. Its statutes, issued by Resolution of the Supreme Council for Sport
of 20 September 1993 (published in the National Gazette, BOE 15-10-93), identifies rambling
in Article 3.7 among the sports that are under its responsibility. This competency is grouped
together with those relating to excursions and hikes through areas of low, mid and high altitude,
mountaineering, rock-climbing, canyoning, downhill skiing, snow-shoe routes, mountaineering
camps and competitions relating to these sports events. However, in its role of working in the
“public sphere”, it endeavours to go beyond the assumed activities of a sports federation. In
accordance with its Statutes, its goals include “developing and promoting studies and work,
albeit scientific, technical, for dissemination or any other practices relating to the mountains
and/or the sporting events under the umbrella of FEDME”. When addressing the current study,
the activities dealt with are those set out in its Statutes.
FEDME is a sports
federation with a
social role
One of FEDME’s goals is to create a network of footpaths marked GR®, PR® and SL®, (trademarks registered in its name), enabling everyone living in Spain to get to know the country on
foot and under safe conditions. An endorsement procedure is used for such purposes, under the
auspices of the regional federations, which ensures compliance with the exact requirements
for routes and signage in accordance with its Trailwalker’s Handbook. The aim is to endeavour
to establish homogeneity throughout Spain and place these trails on equal terms with the
standards of quality enjoyed by the European network. Spain currently has a network of 60,000
kilometres of trails with the GR®, PR® and SL® markings, linking up more than 800,000 kilometres of paths sponsored by the various European Rambling clubs and associations.
GR, PR and
SL footpaths
- registered
trademarks
Although FEDME take a sports perspective, and their action focuses on the signage itself, they
are pursuing a policy that is open to compatibility with other marking systems, such as nature
trails, or other markings for protected areas. They are also taking part in all those processes of
analysis and knowledge examining the socio-economic impact of rambling, its repercussions
on health, on people’s environmental awareness, and also on the recovery of trails as part of
our extremely valuable historical heritage. The study entitled “Marked paths and sustainable
rural development” therefore not only includes GR footpaths, but also Vías Verdes (Greenways),
Caminos Naturales (Nature Trails), Vía de la Plata (the Silver Way), Ruta del Quijote (the Don
Quixote Route) and Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James), which use different signage,
with pedestrians sometimes sharing their paths with other non-motorised forms of transport
such as cycling and horse-riding. In some cases they have worked together with the public
authorities to harmonise the use of different signs.
Interest in
forming a
network of fully
marked trails
methodology
13
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
14
methodology
The initial
proposal of
“Marked paths
and sustainable
rural development”
The study entitled “Marked paths and sustainable rural development” analysed ten paths running through the lands of various autonomous communities, to try and identify the factors
driving the processes of sustainable development in the towns through which they pass and to
implement proposals or recommendations for improvement. In order to achieve this objective,
it was essential to seek out diversity in the ten routes selected: different motivations, different
waymarkings, different approaches to management and maintenance, different ways of revitalising and promoting the areas came into focus right from the outset:
- Firstly, tourism: the visitors. Traditional trails are now enhanced by facilitating rambling, as
sports and leisure activities, because they constitute an efficient tool associated with developing tourist products.
- Secondly, the local population itself, which uses the footpaths to promote health, active leisure pursuits and sports, in a society that is reshaping rural values and opportunities associated
with nature.
-Thirdly, quality, extending such criteria to signage materials, design, dissemination of specialised channels, promotion, connection with statewide and European networks, integration in the
natural surroundings, or their relationship with the preservation of biodiversity.
Team members
To carry out the study entitled “Marked paths and sustainable rural development”, all members
of the Scientific Mountain Advisory Board were transferred. Those that wanted to take part of
their own free will were convened for the first meeting in Barcelona on 12 February 2011. The
following people were directly involved in the study:
•
José María Nasarre Sarmiento (Aragon), Doctor in Law, Senior Lecturer at the University of Zaragoza, Academic Director of the Master’s Programme in Mountain Sports-related
Law. Member of the FEDME Board of Directors and person responsible for the Nature Access
Committee.
•
Lázaro Mediavilla Saldaña (Madrid), Doctor in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences,
Senior Lecturer at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, FEDME Trails Expert.
•
Pedro Manuel Millán del Rosario (Canary Islands), Bachelor in Geography and History,
Master in Local Development, Co-Director of Cultural Tourism Programme at the University of La
Laguna, Manager of the foundation “Fundación Canaria Santa Cruz Sostenible”.
•
Carlos Ferrís Gil (Valencia), Bachelor in Law, Master in Environmental Management,
FEDME Trails Expert and Specialist in Public Use of Natural Parks, Coordinator of FEDME’s Scientific Mountain Advisory Board.
•
Vicente Manuel Zapata Hernández (Canary Islands), Doctor in Geography and History,
Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of La Laguna, Director of the Cultural
Tourism Programme and the Seminar on Thematic Rambling, Valuation of Local Heritage and
Development.
•
Antonio Alba Moratilla (Asturias), Technical Agricultural Engineer, Director of Natural
Parks in the Principality of Asturias and the Nature Reserve of Muniellos, Member of the Spanish
MAB Committee, FEDME Trails Expert.
15
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
•
Pedro Alberto Bravo Domínguez (Valencia), Geographer, Mountain Guide, University
Expert in Environmental Science.
•
Antonio Joaquín Sánchez Sánchez (Andalusia), Human Resource Technician, member
of the Governing Board of Los Alcornocales Natural Park.
•
María Ruipérez González (Castilla-La Mancha), Bachelor in Environmental Science, Remote Sensing and GIS Technician.
•
Pau Pérez de Pedro (Catalonia), Geographer and Geologist. Natural Areas Expert, member of the Environment Commission of the Spanish Olympic Committee.
•
Also participating in the study were Antonio Turmo Arnal, FEDME Director for Rambling,
FEDME Trails Expert, representative at the European Ramblers Association, and Archaeologist;
and Juan Jesús Ibáñez Martín, Secretary for the Access Committee of the International Mountain
and Climbing Federation (IUAA), who, on account of his association with the Secretary’s Office
of FEDME’s Nature Access Committee, took over the duties of secretary and communications
manager for the group and control of the project.
Responsibility for managing the project was taken over by José María Nasarre, with the main
researchers for the study also being Lázaro Mediavilla and Pedro Millán.
16
methodology
Criteria for
selecting the
trails under
study
The selected
trails
The selection of the 10 trails was based on the diversity of the regions, origins and type of
signage. The team decided to go for lengths of route requiring an overnight stay. On trails that
were hundreds of kilometres long, sections with two stages were selected. The following
premises were established:
•
40 to 60 kilometres in length.
•
Pass through more than 10 autonomous communities.
•
Take two days to cover, with an overnight stay in the area.
•
Choose at least one with the “vía verde” (Greenway) label.
•
Choose at least one with the “camino natural” (Nature Trail) label.
•
Choose at least one with the “gran recorrido” (GR – long-distance footpath) label.
•
Have at least one religious reason.
•
Select at least one path that has opened in the last five years.
•
Select at least one historical path that has been traversed since time immemorial.
•
Include at least one path that traverses island environments.
•
Include at least one path that belongs to a local network.
Once the rules had been decided upon, all the trails were examined. In the end, 11 autonomous
communities were represented. The presence of Andalusia and Castilla y León, the two most
extensive regions, was twice as large as the others. The following proposal was finally adopted:
Camí de Cavalls (Balearic Islands). Historical coastal path that was recovered very recently,
running around the perimeter of the Island of Menorca, and marked as a Nature Trail and GR
(long-distance footpath). Its itinerary links up natural and rural areas, with accommodation
designed for sun and beach tourism.
Camino de la Virgen (Canary Islands). Middle section of a traditional pilgrimage route that has
recently been extended to the east and west of the island of El Hierro as a Nature Trail. The
backbone articulating all the other trails on an island that has recently attempted to develop
rambling activities.
Camino de Santiago (La Rioja-Castilla y León). Historical Trail, with religious origins and its own
waymark. It is looked after by associations and has hostels and amenities dotted along the route which help support the local population. It is one thousand kilometres long and the section
selected includes two autonomous communities.
Camino del Ebro (Cantabria-Castilla y León). Riverside footpath, with signage added only very
recently, with the Nature Trail waymarkings being compatible with those identifying it as a GR
Footpath. It is one thousand kilometres long and the section selected runs through two autonomous communities.
17
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
Las Alpujarras (Andalusia). A footpath that runs along the southern side of the Sierra Nevada,
but forms part of the trail extending for more than 10,000 kilometres linking up Athens and
Tarifa. Marked as GR 7 and European Long-Distance Path E 4, recognised by the European
Ramblers Association. This is a mountain trail that links up various villages along the way.
Los Oscos (Asturias). This is a network of trails starting out from places with PR waymarkings.
These trails have emerged as more rural accommodation has become available, enabling walks
to be offered to tourists visiting the area.
Ports de Beceite or Els Ports (Catalonia-Aragon-Valencia). This is a network of trails that is partly
linked to the GR7 and the E4 European long-distance footpath recognised by the European
Ramblers Association, in a sparsely populated area with rugged terrain. The massif known as
Els Ports de Beceite is a mountainous area that is of great environmental and cultural value,
located in a mountain region shared by three autonomous communities.
Ruta de Don Quijote/the Don Quixote Route (Castilla-La Mancha). An important project that
began life with the celebration of the anniversary of the publication of Don Quixote, with waymarkings and its own specific objectives, spreading across all the provinces of Castilla-La Mancha. It differs from all the other long-distance paths in that it can be used throughout by motor
vehicles.
Vía de la Plata (Extremadura-Castilla y León). A natural corridor that has linked up the west of
Spain since Roman times, with vestiges of its old cobblestones. It has recently been reconditioned for pedestrian use. It has its own waymarkings, even though GR markings are gradually
being introduced.
Vía Verde Subbética / Subbética Greenway (Andalusia). This is a disused railway line with the
waymarking typically used on greenways. The gentle slope makes it particularly suitable for
cycling and the link between the stations of neighbouring towns makes it popular with local
residents.
18
methodology
Trail analysis
fact file
This study was carried out using a direct observation fact sheet, specifically designed to analyse the trails, consisting of five sections:
-
The technical identification of the footpath, in which an attempt was made to establish
its basic details, length, location, places along the route, names it is known by, etc.
-
The social and historical framework of the long-distance path itself, from which information was extracted concerning its history, people, tourist profile, promoters of the initiative, etc.
-
The photo archive, which had to contain items that were significant and representative
of the footpath, information boards, vegetation, type of surface, waymarkings, villages, etc.
-
The sources of information used, alluding to both bibliographic or digital references, and
the expert informants consulted.
-
The evaluative survey, with 106 items concerning the footpath, with reference to the
itinerary, infrastructure, information, local population, etc. An evaluative tool in the form of a fact
file was adapted for such purposes (known as HEVA, standing for Herramienta Valorativa in the
original Spanish), and presented in 2009 for the active tourism study (Mediavilla), which used the
5-point and 7-point Likert scales, and the Guttman “yes/no” scales.
The team, who were members of the Scientific Mountain Advisory Board, had successive
meetings, enhanced by email communication, to extract the meaningful content from the file.
First, the items that needed to be included were proposed, and then the wording for each one
was agreed upon. The documentation for direct observation of each footpath was divided into
three basic parts.
a) The survey on the footpath profile. The team decided on the format that would be used to
group the content required from the technical profile and socio-historical analysis, for which it
was necessary to resort to written information and personal testimonies. The technical profile
included the details of the name of the footpath, location, places associated with it, length, difference in altitude, dominant surface, section selected, natural and heritage-related elements,
weather, people in charge, etc.
b) The photo archive. Subsequently, it was necessary to decide on the information requirements for the photo archive for the footpath, which would follow a thematic script. The photo
dossier consists of twenty images with captions, which are used to characterise the footpath
and highlight its most significant elements with consistency and precision. The selection includes: an information board, waymarking, surface, urban segments, significant population,
walkers, impact, businesses, cultural heritage, natural heritage, scenery, difficulty, publication,
and other noteworthy elements.
c) The evaluative survey. Finally, a structure had to be found for the evaluative survey, which
contained more than 100 points, chosen by consensus, that were considered to allow a precise,
19
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
contrastive analysis to be made to assess the footpaths. The file identified the specific weight
of each piece of content using arithmetic mean values, determined by the workgroup, which
were used as a corrective measure for the final data. In its final version, the assessment was
set out in two scales:
1) Affirmative or negative, providing objective recognition of whether or not the specific
variable of the 96 items is really present.
2) An evaluative response, from 1 to 5, which allowed for a more nuanced response to
each of the affirmative answers.
To check the effectiveness and correct design of the analysis report, it was imperative to carry
out a pre-test on the ground. This test was performed on the GR-131 “Camino de la Virgen” (island of El Hierro, Canary Islands). This initial test enabled us to complete all sections of the file
by interviewing expert informants, consulting the documentation and walking over the actual
terrain. This pre-test provided qualitative and quantitative data, along with the experience of
the observers, which helped us adjust the file, completing and improving on it, to arrive at its
final form, thereby making it ready for application to the other footpaths that had been selected.
Testing the
designed file in
situ
During the months of May and June in 2011, ten footpaths were visited and documented by
members of the Scientific Mountain Advisory Board. The field work was done in pairs, except
where, for personal reasons, this proved not to be feasible. Such work did not consist solely in
walking along the whole path in two days and collecting data, but also involved interviewing expert informants and handling all the paperwork, including geographic, historical, demographic,
socio-economic documents. The work needed to include a photo archive that was as complete
as possible, from which the most representative images could be extracted.
The people responsible for the observation sheet for each of the footpaths were as follows:
The field work
•
Camí de Cavalls: Carlos Ferrís.
•
Camino de la Virgen: Pedro Millán, Vicente Zapata and José María Nasarre.
•
Camino de Santiago: José María Nasarre, Pedro Millán and Vicente Zapata.
•
Camino del Ebro: Antonio Alba and Juan Jesús Ibáñez.
•
Las Alpujarras: Pedro Millán and Antonio Joaquín Sánchez.
•
Los Oscos: Antonio Alba and Juan Jesús Ibáñez.
•
Ports de Beceit: Carlos Ferrís and Pedro Bravo.
•
Ruta de Don Quijote: Antonio Turmo and Lázaro Mediavilla.
•
Vía de la Plata: Antonio Alba and Juan Jesús Ibáñez.
•
Vía Verde Subbética: María Ruipérez.
20
methodology
Data analysis
Once the data analysis file for the footpath was complete, the team proceeded to analyse the
data obtained:
a) Qualitative data. Such data were studied by means of direct and experiential observation, reviewing all the documentation that had been compiled, and drawing
the most significant conclusions from the various sections: technical profile, socio-historical
analysis, photo dossier, and documentary sources
b) Quantitative data. Such data were analysed using Excel Office 2010
and SPSS 19, to extract the significance of the five blocks in which the file had been divided
for each of the footpaths, to ascertain the representative values for these trails. A contrastive
analysis of the blocks of content was also carried out, so as to accurately identify the sections
and sectors that needed to be improved both immediately and in the future.
Consensus
among the
members of the
team
However, merely completing this study by performing quantitative and qualitative analyses of
the data would not be sufficient to achieve the goal of rigorously tackling the situation of the
footpaths in Spain. It was also of paramount importance to have joint discussions to reach
conclusions that would be as meaningful and accurate as possible, and also to amend the
analysis file for the footpaths, and more specifically, to design an evaluative tool that was valid.
Successive drafts of the present text were sent to all members of the team, who played an
active role in its preparation and final review.
21
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
PATH FACT FILE
1 TECHNICAL PROFILE OF THE PATH
PATH
- Technical name for the path
- Locations associated with it
- Popular names for the path and meaning of the name
- Total length:
- Number of recognised stages
SECTION SELECTED
- Distance selected
- Start
- End
- Altitude difference (ascent)
- Altitude difference (descent)
FIGURES
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
- Autonomous Communities
- Provinces
- Local districts – Islands
- Municipalities passed through
- Villages passed through
- Developer
- Entity responsible for maintenance
- Budget
- Opening date
- Date last modified
- Number of modifications made to date
- Uses for which it is recognised
-Theme-related potential recognised for the path
- Most common type of surface
- Peak seasons
- Average temperatures
- Average rainfall
- Exceptional weather
OBSERVATIONS
22
methodology
PATH FACT FILE
2 SOCIO-HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PATH
- Brief history of the path
- Population and geodemographic profile
- Tourist dimension:
- Number of companies and types of business (rural holiday homes, hotels, hostels, adventure
tourism, restaurants, bars, sports shops, souvenir shops, local handicraft, transport companies,
etc.) plus number of each type.
- Contrastive analysis of companies registered with the Chamber of Commerce with those held
by the tourist office.
- Evolution of the tourist sector: visits, tourist profile, etc.
- Business development, sector identified with, etc.
- Developer: motivations, programme, etc.
- Public resources.
3 PHOTO REPORT (MAXIMUM OF 20 PHOTOS).
- Information Board
- Waymarking
- Surface
- Urban sections
- Significant population
- Walkers
- Significant impacts
- Companies
- Cultural heritage
- Natural heritage
- Landscape
- Level of difficulty
- Cover photo for the path’s own hardcopy publication
4 DOCUMENTATION, SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND INFORMANTS CONSULTED
- Documentation and information sources:
- Informants consulted:
23
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
PATH FACT FILE
5 OBSERVATION SHEET:
24
methodology
FICHAFACT
DE SENDERO
PATH
FILE
25
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
PATH FACT FILE
Block B: Tourist information
Importance
Done
Physical elements:
045-Information offices can be found along the route
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
046-There is a tourist office
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
047-The tourist office has promotional items specifically about the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
048-The path is made available through specialised companies
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
049-The path is integrated in an organised tourist product
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
050-The path is advertised on the tourist office website
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
051-The website displays its content in several languages
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
052-The website contains information for using new technologies in connection with the use
of the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
053-It is possible to obtain information from the panel on the footpath through the website
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
054-The website enables the information on the path to be accessed in less than four “clicks”
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
055-The information mentions the integration of the path in a network of paths
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
056-The website divulges its information through social networks
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
Virtual elements:
Block B: Information system
Importance
Done
057-It is possible to obtain guides and brochures offering information
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
058-The latest guide to be published was less than five years ago
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
059-The guide contains information from the information panels on the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
060-The guide contains information on the natural and cultural heritage sites along the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
061-The guide includes information on amenities
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
062-The information in the guide coincides with the reality of the route
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
OBSERVATIONS:
26
methodology
FICHAFACT
DE SENDERO
PATH
FILE
Block C: Use by local people and town council
Importance
Done
063-The path is a “health circuit” for the local people
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
064-The path is used by the local people
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
065-The path is used by education centres
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
066-There are conflicts between the local population and users of the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
067-The path is at least partly used for livestock and agricultural purposes
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
068-The local people help maintain this path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
069-The whole path runs along public rights of way
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
070-The route of the path passes through some of the most relevant areas in the region
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
071-The walkers’ stopover sites coincide with the local people’s meeting places
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
072-The project for the path has involved social participation
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
073-The municipality is involved in maintaining the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
074-Other public authorities are involved in maintaining the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
075-Selective refuse collection takes place in the locations along the route of the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
OBSERVATIONS:
27
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
PATH FACT FILE
Block D: Walkers
Importance
Done
076-They usually have a tourist profile
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
077-They come mainly from the local autonomous community
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
078-They come mainly from other autonomous communities
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
079-They come mainly from other countries
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
080-They are mainly between 18 and 65 years of age
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
081-They are mainly over 65 years of age
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
082- They mainly walk in groups
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
Block D: Companies
Importance
Done
083-The companies associated with the path belong to the local population
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
084-The local people participate in related businesses (workers)
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
085-There are transport companies in the most important towns along the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
086-Tourist companies offer activities associated with the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
087-The path is advertised in the publicity offered by the hotel and catering industry
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
088-There are companies offering adventure tourism along the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
089-The companies have participated in the project for the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
OBSERVATIONS:
28
methodology
FICHAFACT
DE SENDERO
PATH
FILE
Block E: Quality
Importance
Done
090-The businesses or location offering this path are in possession of some kind of recognised
environmental quality
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
091-The protected natural areas along the path have their own identification mark
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
092-The path has its own recognised rules
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
093-The path has been approved by F.E.D.M.E.
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
094-The path is linked to other networks of paths (natural rights of way, among others)
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
095-Warnings are issued about the risks along the route in the information given in situ
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
096-Warnings are issued about the risks along the route in the documentation available in the
tourist office
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
097-There are no noises along the route that are foreign to the natural surroundings
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
098-There are no main roads or factories in the vicinity of the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
099-There are structural elements along the route of the path that are foreign to the natural
environment (outside urban areas)
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
100-The path has mobile coverage
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
101- A system is in place for collecting opinions about the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
102-The facilities are in good condition
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
103-There is a guidebook for the path
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
104-Some sections of the path can be negotiated by the disabled
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
105-The information on the website was updated less than a year ago
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
106-The path has been included in the Agenda 21 of those municipalities that have it
1
2
3
4
5
Yes
No
OBSERVATIONS:
Characterisation of the
footpaths analysed
29
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
FEADER
30
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Camí de Cavalls
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
CAMI DE CAVALLS
- Technical name for the footpath
GR223
- Total length
185 kilometres
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Baleares
- Provinces
Menorca
- Local districts – Island
Menorca
- Municipalities passed through
Ferreries, Es Migjorn Gran and Alaior
- Villages and towns passed through
None, just housing estates along the coast in these municipal districts
- Developer
Consell Insular de Menorca (Council of the Island of Menorca) – Ministry of the Environment (Nature Trails)
- Entity responsible for maintenance
Consell Insular de Menorca
- Opening date
2009 (1st phase) and in April 2010 all the waymarking for the circular route around the island was completed.
- Start
Ferreries (Cala Galdana)
- Finish
Alaior( Cala en Porter)
- Distance selected
35.2 kilometres
31
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 2
Orientation during the route: 2
Walking difficulty: 2
Amount of effort required: 4
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Menorca Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO), Special Protection Areas for the conservation of wild
birds (SPAs – EU Directive) and Natural Area of Special Interest (ANEI – Balearic Regional
Government).
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Lime kilns and traditional wells, dry stone walls, old threshing floors and remains of the Paleochristian basilica of Son Bou. In general, all the traditional architecture associated with
cattle grazing, fishing, hunting, livestock and forestry activities in an anthropised landscape
little altered by human activity.
- Uses for which it is recognised
Rambling, mountain biking, and horse-riding for recreational and tourist purposes. Access
rights are also enjoyed by the owners and other people authorised to enter farms and carry
out cattle-raising activities and forestry operations, as well as for recreational and tourist
purposes.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Cultural and nature-related themes
-Predominant type of surface
Rural path and track, and exceptionally, paved country road and streets through housing estates or along the seafront. Approximately 70% is a coastal path, 25% dirt track, and 5% is a
paved country road and streets through residential areas.
- Peak seasons
The island has a very clear season of occupation between May and September, with holidaymakers from the UK and northern Europe, although the remainder of the year (autumn and
winter) is a good choice for tourists and local residents that can travel round the island when
temperatures are milder and there are fewer crowds of people.
32
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
MAP
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
33
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://menorcadiferente.com/cami-de-cavalls/
34
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Camino de La Virgen
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Camino de la Virgen
- Technical name for the footpath
GR131
- Total length
37.37 kilometres
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Canarias
- Provinces
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Local districts – Island
Island de El Hierro
- Municipalities passed through
Valverde de El Hierro, El Pinar de El Hierro, La Frontera
- Villages and towns passed through
El Tamaduste, La Estaca, Valverde, Tiñor
- Developer
Cabildo de El Hierro
- Entity responsible for maintenance
Cabildo de El Hierro
- Opening date
2005
- Start
El Tamaduste
- Finish
Orchilla (jetty)
- Distance selected
37.37 kilometres
35
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 2
Orientation during the route: 2
Walking difficulty: 2
Amount of effort required: 5
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Two. Rural park and landscape: Frontera Rural Park and Protected Landscape of Ventejís
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Camino de la Virgen, Orchilla Lighthouse, La Albarrada
- Uses for which it is recognised
Access rights to farms, grazing areas, cattle-raising activities, forestry operations, as well as
for recreational and tourist purposes.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Religious: pilgrimage route
- Predominant type of surface
Woodland trails and paths (75% of the route can be covered in a four-wheel drive)
- Peak seasons
Winter months, when tourists are mainly from Central Europe
36
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
MAP
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
37
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.elhierro.es/index.php?item=00100003
38
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Camino de Santiago
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James)
- Technical name for the footpath
GR65
- Total length
749 kilometres
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
La Rioja and Castilla y León
- Provinces
La Rioja and Burgos
- Local districts – Island
District of Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja), located in La Rioja Alta in the Valle region;
districts of Montes de Oca and Alfoz in Burgos, along the central strip of the province of
Burgos.
- Municipalities passed through
Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Grañón (La Rioja), Redecilla del Camino, Castildelgado,
Viloria de Rioja, Fresneña, Belorado, Tosantos, Villambistia, Espinosa del Camino, Villafranca
Montes de Oca and Barrios de Colina (Burgos).
- Villages and towns passed through
Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Grañón (La Rioja), Redecilla del Camino, Castildelgado,
Viloria de Rioja, Villamayor del Río, Belorado, Tosantos, Villambistia, Espinosa del Camino,
Villafranca Montes de Oca and San Juan de Ortega (Burgos)
- Developer
The route diffused throughout the Middle Ages, its present configuration started to be developed in 1992 by the Regional Government of Galicia, and subsequently by the other regional
governments. After the route was partially waymarked by the parish priest of Cebreiro, Elías
Valiña, from the 1990s onwards it became much simpler to use and much more widely known
due to the fact that it was easy to follow.
39
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
- Entity responsible for maintenance
The painted waymarkings dotted along the trail are looked after by the associations of friends
of the Way of St James. Maintenance is taken care of by the town councils, sometimes with
external funding from public subsidies.
- Opening date
The path as it is now conceived and with its current configuration has been travelled since
the 1990s, i.e. for less than twenty years. Walkers can be found that used the path at an
earlier date, but they did so along the hard shoulder of main roads, or along tracks and trails
that were not marked in any clear or complete fashion. According to the Spanish Federation
of Associa tions of Friends of the Way of St James, the French route was recovered in 1971,
the year when all sections were marked thanks to the action of the Associations of the French
Pilgrim’s Way and the Autonomous Communities concerned.
- Start
Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja).
- Finish
San Juan de Ortega (Burgos, Castilla y León).
- Distance selected
46.4 kilometres
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 2
Orientation during the route: 1
Walking difficulty: 1
Amount of effort required: 3
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
None.
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
The trail itself has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, a Cultural Heritage Site
in La Rioja and a Historic Site in Castilla y León. There are monuments dotted all along the
route, but in the section under study the most noteworthy are the Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral (an early Romanesque church erected in the 11th century), the Monasterio de
San Juan (St John’s Monastery) in San Juan de Ortega (dating back to the 12th century); the
Santo Domingo de la Calzada bridge over the River Oja.
-Uses for which it is recognised
Recreational, tourist and agricultural: rambling, cycling tours, horse-riding, pilgrimage route,
access rights across farms, livestock, etc.
40
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Religious: pilgrimage route (architectural route).
- Predominant type of surface
Dirt track, even though there are various sections with paving or tarmac to facilitate the use
of various types of vehicle.
- Peak seasons
Spring to autumn. More foreign users in spring and more Spaniards in summer
MAP
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
41
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.caminosantiago.com/
42
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Camino del Ebro
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Camino del Ebro
- Technical name for the footpath
GR99
- Total length
1200 kilometres
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Cantabria and Castilla y León
- Provinces
Cantabria and Burgos
- Local districts – Island
Valderredible and Valle de Sedano
- Municipalities passed through
- Villages and towns passed through
Polientes, Arenillas de Ebro, Villota de Elines, San Martín de Elines, Villaescusa de Ebro, Orbaneja del Castillo, Quintanilla, Quintanilla-Escalada, Valdelateja, Cortiguera, Pesquera de Ebro,
Remolino, Pasarelas, Puente del Aire, Puente Arenas.
- Developer
The Ministry of the Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, The Ebro River Basin Authority at
the request of the Spanish Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports (FEDME).
- Entity responsible for maintenance
Ministry of the Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs
- Opening date
The first stone was laid in 2008, with construction being completed in 2009.
- Start
Polientes.
- Finish
Manzanedo.
- Distance selected
61,4 kilometres
43
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 1
Orientation during the route: 2
Walking difficulty: 2
Amount of effort required: 3
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Las Hoces del Alto Ebro y Rudrón Nature Reserve.
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Romanesque Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (12th c.), Collegiate Church of San
Martín de Elines (10th c.), Romanesque Church of Escalada (12th c.), the Gallo Palace (17th
c.), Romanesque Church of San Sebastián de Pesquera, Baroque Church of La Magdalena
(17th c.) in Tudanca, Romanesque Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, in Manzanedo.
- Uses for which it is recognised
Tourism, rambling, recreation, nature trails, cycling tours, horse-riding. In addition, it is still
used for the traditional forestry, farming and livestock activities practised in the regions
through which it passes, thereby providing a service for the local farms. It is also normally
used by the local residents.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Tourism, rambling and recreational pursuits.
- Predominant type of surface
Farms and forest tracks. It has been adapted in compliance with the Nature Trail Programme
(surface, width, etc.)
- Peak seasons
Spring, summer, autumn.
FEADER
44
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
MAP
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
45
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
www.caminosnaturales.com
46
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Senda Granadina
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Not known
- Technical name for the footpath
GR 7, Senda Granadina
- Total length
10.450 kilometres
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Andalusia
- Provinces
Granada
- Local districts – Island
Alta Alpujarra Granadina
- Municipalities passed through
Trevélez-Busquistar-Portugos-Pítres-Bubión-Pampaneira-Soportujar-Cañar-Lanjarón
- Villages and towns passed through
Trevélez-Busquistar-Portugos-Pítres-Bubión-Pampaneira-Soportujar-Cañar-Lanjarón
- Developer
Granada Provincial Council (Department of Sports)
- Entity responsible for maintenance
The organisation responsible for development is Granada Regional Council. Maintenance is
currently in the hands of local organisations or Rural Development Groups (Association for the
Development of La Alpujarra)
- Opening date
1997 to 1999
- Start
Trevélez
- Finish
Lanjarón
- Distance selected
50 kilometres
47
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 2
Orientation during the route: 2
Walking difficulty: 2
Amount of effort required: 4
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve (R.D 24/2007 of 30 January), coinciding with Sierra Nevada
National Park and Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Bubión: Church of Bubión, Hondera fountain, Bubión washing place,
Busquistar weaving workshop: Church of Busquistar
Cáñar: Church of Cáñar
Pampaneira: Church of Pampaneira, Pampaneira Castle, San Antonio Fountain.
Pórtugos fountain: Agria fountain, Church of Pórtugos, Hermitage of Virgen de las Angustias
Soportuja: Church of Soportujar, Hermitage of San Antonio de Padua, Tinaos
Trevélez: Tinaillo de la Calle Cuesta, Iglesia de Trevélez, Hermitage of San Antonio, fountains
and washing places in
Lanjarón: Lanjarón Castle, Church of Ntra. Sra. De la Encarnación, Shrine of La Virgen del Pilar
de Lanjarón, Hermitage of San Roque, Pilarillo Vuelto (or las Cuatro Esquinas), Manantial de la
Capuchina (springwater).
- Uses for which it is recognised
Farming, livestock, communications between villages, and ecotourism activities, including
rambling, mountain biking, and equestrian tourism, which are of particular interest.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
The theme-based potential of this trail is considerable. First, there is the hilly terrain, which is
very abrupt and rugged, with 57.8% of the surface marked with deep ravines and steep slopes
with more than a 45% difference in altitude. This feature lends the surroundings a landscape
that is unique with its own brand of folk architecture. A typical example is the declaration
of the Poqueira ravine as a Historic and Artistic Conservation Area in 1980, followed by the
declaration of La Alpujarra as a Cultural Heritage Site.
48
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
Media Granadina and La Tahá (Resolution of 26 October 2005). The previous mention is reinforced in ethnographic issues (local crafts, weaving, pottery, milling, etc.). The local gastronomy has a major role, as any visitor to the region is sure to notice. Its history, greatly
influenced by the Moorish uprisings, which are a highlight of its local Moors and Christians
festivities. The use of water for irrigation purposes using ditches (of uncertain origin, possibly
Roman or Hispanic Muslim) has fashioned the landscape of hilly farmlands. Finally, added
value is to be found in a protected natural area that enjoys the utmost protection.
- Predominant type of surface
Consisting almost entirely of tracks and trails, interspersed with short stretches of woodland
trails and streets passing through the villages.
- Peak seasons
The greatest concentration of hikers is during Easter and the December bank holiday (commemorating the Immaculate Conception). With the exception of the summer season, when
the rigours of the climate do not lend themselves to rambling, throughout the rest of the year
there is a moderate to low trickle of visitors.
MAP
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
49
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.rutasyviajes.net/gr-pr/gr7/gr7-andalucia.html
50
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Red de senderos: Los Oscos
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Network of Footpaths in the Parish and District of Santa Eulalia de Oscos, Principado de Asturias.
- Technical name for the footpath
Network of Footpaths in the Parish and District of Santa Eulalia de Oscos, Principado de Asturias..
- Total length
Circular routes of between 4 and 15 kilometres.
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Principado of Asturias.
- Provinces
Asturias.
- Local districts – Island
Oscos-Eo.
- Municipalities passed through
Santa Eulalia de Oscos.
- Villages and towns passed through
The whole parish.
- Developer
Town Council and Principality of Asturias.
- Entity responsible for maintenance
Town Council.
- Opening date
Mid-1990s in the case of the first footpath.
- Start
Seimeira: recreational area of Pumares.
A Coba: Ferreira.
- Finish
Seimeira: recreational area of Pumares.
A Coba: Ferreira.
- Distance selected
Seimeira: 8 Km, round trip.
A Coba: 14,5 Km, round trip.
51
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 2; 2
Orientation during the route: 1; 2
Walking difficulty: 2; 2
Amount of effort required: 2; 3
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Eo, Oscos y Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve.
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Forges, mallets, ethnography, birthplace of the Marquis of Sargadelos, handcrafted jet, iron
knives and looms.
- Uses for which it is recognised
Rambling, nature, rights of way.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Nature, ethnography, rambling.
- Predominant type of surface
Traditional footpath and woodland trail.
- Peak seasons
Mainly in summer during peak season, but it is used all round, and particularly popular at
weekends and bank holidays.
52
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
Un marco legal MAP
para el
desarrollo
sostenible del
medio rural.
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
53
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
Un marco legal
para el desarrollo sostenible
del medio rural.
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.santaeulaliadeoscos.es
http://www.oscoseoturismo.com
54
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Els Ports
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
None
- Technical name for the footpath
GR 7-GR 8
- Total length
GR 7: 550 kilometres, GR 8: 353 kilometres.
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Aragón, Cataluña and Comunidad Valenciana.
- Provinces
Teruel, Tarragona and Castellón.
- Local districts – Island
Baix Maestrat, Matarraña, Montsìa
- Municipalities passed through
Pobla de Benifassa, Beceite, La Senia, Paüls.
- Villages and towns passed through
El Boixar, Fredes, Beceite
- Developer
GR-7 Section passing through the autonomous region of Valencia: Regional Government of
Valencia-Department of Infrastructure, Territory and Environment (Greenway programme)
GR-7 Catalan Sector: Federació D’Eentitats Excursionistes de Catalunya-FEEC (Catalan Federation of Ramblers Associations). GR-8. Aragonese Sector. Not specified.
- Entity responsible for maintenance
GR-7 Sector passing through the autonomous region of Valencia: Department of Infrastructure, Territory and Environment (Greenway programme)
GR-7 Sector passing through the autonomous region of Catalonia: Unió Excursionista de Catalunya de Tortosa / La Joca Club Alpi / Club Excursionista Refalgarí
- Opening date
GR-7 Sector passing through the autonomous region of Valencia: First marked in 1981;
GR-7 Sector passing through Catalonia: 1978;
GR-8 Aragonese Sector: 1989
55
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
- Start
El Boixar –province of Castellón (GR-7)
Font Ferrera refuge in the province of Tarragona (GR-8)
- Finish
El Caro refuge in the province of Tarragona (GR-7); Beceite in the province of Teruel (GR-8)
- Distance selected
33,200 km(GR-7)
25,940 km(GR-8)
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 4; 3
Orientation during the route: 3; 2
Walking difficulty: 3; 3
Amount of effort required: 3; 4
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Natural Parks of Els Ports (Catalonia) and Tinença de Benifassa (Autonomous Community of
Valencia), SPAs for the conservation of wild birds and Sites of Community Importance in relation
with the Natura 2000 Networking Programme throughout the entire area of the three Autonomous Communities
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Traditional urban settlements of El Boixar, Fredes and Beceite
- Uses for which it is recognised
GR-7 Valencia Sector: rambling and hiking; GR-7 Catalan Sector: rambling and hiking; GR-8
rambling and hiking
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Landscape; short hikes. The itinerary has great potential since it passes through various bioclimatic zones and is the place where Euro-Siberian relict species come face to face with the
vegetation typical of the Mediterranean with a profusion of endemic plants. The variation
in altitude, orientation and substrata make this region, with its unique habitats, extremely
important. Furthermore, from a geological and geomorphological standpoint, this area marks
the beginning of the Iberian massif, where the Mesozoic layer has adjusted to the movement
of the basement rocks. The diversity of the bedrock (shales, clays, conglomerates, limestone,
sandstone, etc.) offers up countless different landforms, which give rise to landscapes of
great quality and visual variety. The original route of the path has been preserved in some
places, particularly around Fredes and Beceite.
- Predominant type of surface
Track and paths with a width of less than 3 metres and woodland trails
- Peak seasons
Spring and autumn.
56
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
Un marco legal MAP
para el
desarrollo
sostenible del
medio rural.
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
57
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.rutasyviajes.net/gr-pr/gr7/gr7-valencia.html http://www.fam.es/web/gr/gr8
http://www.euro-senders.com/web _ cas/framesgr.htm
Un marco legal
para el desarrollo sostenible
del medio rural.
58
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Ruta Don Quijote
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Ruta Don Quijote (the Don Quixote Route)
- Technical name for the footpath
Ruta Don Quijote (the Don Quixote Route). A place for adventure. “European Cultural Route”
- Total length
2443,438 kilometres
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Castilla-La Mancha
- Provinces
Cuenca
- Local districts – Island
Mancha de Montearagón or Mancha Conquense
- Municipalities passed through
Belmonte, Villaescusa de Haro, Osa de la Vega, Fuentelespino de Haro.
- Villages and towns passed through
Belmonte, Villaescusa de Haro, Osa de la Vega, Fuentelespino de Haro.
- Developer
“Don Quijote de la Mancha,S.A.” (public company)
- Entity responsible for maintenance
Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha.
- Opening date
2004
- Start
Belmonte, (Cuenca).
- Finish
Belmonte, (Cuenca).
- Distance selected
50 kilometres
59
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 2
Orientation during the route: 1
Walking difficulty: 1
Amount of effort required: 2
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
None.
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Belmonte: manor and castle of the Marquis of Villena, (15th c.). Villaescusa de Haro: Parish
Church of St Peter’s, (Chapel of the Assumption, a Cultural Heritage Site), Church of the Monastery of Dominican Friars, the Ramírez Arellano Palace, Church of the Justinian Monastery,
possible Roman baths. Osa de la Vega: Church of the Assumption, Roman mine in Fuentelespino de Haro: Haro Castle and Blanco Mill.
- Uses for which it is recognised
Walking, cycling, horse-riding, people with limited mobility.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
The starting point is the theoretical one from the book, although the references in Cervantes’
text are vague.
- Predominant type of surface
Agricultural trails (95% of the route can be covered in a conventional vehicle).
- Peak seasons
Not known.
60
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
Un marco legal MAP
para el
desarrollo
sostenible del
medio rural.
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
61
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.turismocastillalamancha.com
Un marco legal
para el desarrollo sostenible
del medio rural.
62
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Vía de La Plata
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Via de la Plata (the Silver Way).
- Technical name for the footpath
GR 100.
- Total length
800 kilometres.
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Castilla y León, Extremadura.
- Provinces
Cáceres, Salamanca.
- Local districts – Island
Extremadura: District of Valle del Ambroz.
Salamanca: Judicial Party of Béjar, District of Alba de Tormes.
- Municipalities passed through
Béjar, Cantagallo, Puerto de Béjar.
- Villages and towns passed through
Aldeanueva del Camino, Hervás, Baños de Montemayor, Fuenterroble de Salvatierra, Calzada
de Béjar, Valverde de Valdelacasa.
- Developer
Without there being a developer for the current route, there is however a Cooperation Network of Cities on the Ruta de la Plata (Silver Way), founded in 1997 for the purpose of defending and promoting their own tourist, historical, cultural and economic resources.
- Entity responsible for maintenance
None, although the Biosphere Reserve in the Sierra de Béjar and Sierra de Francia mountain
ranges still maintain some sort of vertical signage and the GR waymarkings.
- Opening date
7th century BC
- Start
Aldeanueva del Camino, (Hervás)
63
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
- Finish
Fuenteroble de Salvatierra, (Guijuelo)
- Distance selected
42 kilometres
MIDE:
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Biosphere Reserve in the Sierra de Béjar and Sierra de Francia. Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia
Natural Park, and the future protected natural areas of Candelario and Quilamas. Natura 2000
Networking Programme, such as the Special Protected Areas (SPAs) for the Conservation
of Wild Birds in the Sierras Candelario, Quilamas, Batuecas-Sierra de Francia, and the River
Alagón and its tributaries, along with the Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) in the Candelario, Quilamas, and Batuecas-Sierra de Francia mountain ranges, the River Alagón and its
tributaries, the River Tormes and its tributaries and the valley of the River Cuerpo de Hombre.
Area of Importance for the Conservation of the Black Stork
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Bridge over the vulture’s gorge, Church of Nuestra Señora del Olmo, Church of San Servando
(Aldeanueva del Camino), ancient spa and Roman baths, Church of Santa María, Church of
Santa Catalina, (Baños de Montemayor), Hermitage of El Humilladero, Church of the Assumption and Roman Fort, (Bejar), Church of Santiago, (Valdelacasa), Church of Santa María la
Blanca, (Fuenterroble de Salvatierra)
- Uses for which it is recognised
In the past it was used to link the towns in the South with those in the North, passing through
the important axis of movement of Roman troops, until now when it is used for recreational
purposes by tourists and ramblers, cyclists, pilgrims and for horse-riding, and rights of way
leading to farms, etc.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Rambling and cycling activities, golf, tourist, cultural and gastronomic routes, nature trail (bird
watching). It is included as part of the “Way of St James” known as “Camino Mozárave”.
- Predominant type of surface
Roman road, dirt track used as a service road leading to farmlands, occasionally paved with
concrete (this part actually being the main road).
- Peak seasons
All year round, although mainly in spring and autumn.
64
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
MAP
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
65
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.rutadelaplata.com
Un marco legal
para el desarrollo sostenible
del medio rural.
66
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
FOOTPATH
SUMMARY
Vía Verde Subbética
FOOTPATH
- Popular names for the footpath
Olive Oil Train Greenway in the Subbéticas mountain range.
- Technical name for the footpath
Vía Verde de la Subbética. (Subbética Greenway).
- Total length
37,37 kilometres
SECTION ANALYSED
- Autonomous Communities
Andalusia.
- Provinces
Córdoba
- Local districts – Island
District of La Subbética.
- Municipalities passed through
Lucena (18,4 km), Cabra (15,3 km), Doña Mencía (3,5 km), Zuheros (5,2 km), Luque (14,9 km).
- Villages and towns passed through
Lucena, Cabra, Doña Mencía, Zuheros, Luque and las Navas del Selpillar (pedanía de Lucena).
- Developer
Greenways Programme at the initiative of the Association of municipalities
- Entity responsible for maintenance
Consortium of the Vía Verde de la Subbética, (Federation, Provincial Council and Town Councils). Hierro.
- Opening date
2002
- Start
This Greenway starts at the viaduct over the River Guadajoz, which forms the natural border
between Jaen and Córdoba, in the area known as “La Loma de las Peñuelas”. It is here that
it links up with the Vía Verde del Aceite (Olive Oil Train Greenway), which goes through the
province of Jaen. By linking the two Greenways, the Subbética Greenway and Olive Oil Greenway, the footpath covers almost all of the old railway line used by the Olive Oil Train.
67
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
- Finish
From the station at Las Navas del Selpillar, the trail stretches a few more kilometres until it
reaches the border between the two municipalities of Lucena and Aguilar in an area known
as the “Cerro del Puntal”
- Distance selected
56 kilometres
MIDE:
Severity of the natural surroundings: 1
Orientation during the route: 1
Walking difficulty: 1
Amount of effort required: 5
- Number and type of natural areas passed through
Two, La Laguna del Salobral Nature Reserve and Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park.
Other protected sites that fall within the latter are the ones located in the Sierras
Subbéticas Geopark, the Sierra Subbética Site of Community Importance and the Sierra Subbética Special Protected Area for the Conservation of Wild Birds.
- Most noteworthy heritage sites
Original track belonging to a heritage railway line, restored and reconditioned for its current
use.
An unlit tunnel: El Plantio.
Four metal viaducts: La Sima, Zuheros, Los Dientes de la Vieja, El Barranco del Alamedal.
Five train stations and a halt, in most cases reconditioned for restaurant and cafeteria services..
- Uses for which it is recognised
Tourist, eco-friendly and sports route: rambling, jogging, cycling, and also appropriate for
people confined to wheelchairs.
- Theme-related potential recognised for the footpath
Health circuit as an element of local development
- Predominant type of surface
Mixed surface: tarmac and compacted earth.
- Peak seasons
All year round.
68
Characterisation of
the footpaths analysed
Un marco legal MAP
para el
desarrollo
sostenible del
medio rural.
FOOTPATH ANALYSED
PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION ANALYSED
NATURA 2000 NETWORK
ROAD NETWORK
69
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
SIGNIFICANT PHOTO
WEB LINK
http://www.viasverdes.com/ViasVerdes
Un marco legal
para el desarrollo sostenible
del medio rural.
70
71
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
study data
Once Una
the field
had been
completed
and
vez work
concluido
el trabajo
de campo
the datayobtained
fromlos
thedatos
worksheets
hada
recopilados
obtenidos
been compiled,
this
was procestravés de
lasinformation
fichas de trabajo,
se ha
sed using
two different
approaches.
The firsta
procesado
la información
atendiendo
was qualitative,
designed
to reflect
the geodos enfoques.
El primero,
cualitativo,
graphical,
social environment
vienehistorical
a reflejarand
el entorno
geográfico,
of the
path, along
withdel
revitalising
the como
area,
histórico
y social
sendero, así
the enhancement
of its heritage
and its pola dinamización
del territorio,
la
tential puesta
for use.enThe
second,
was quanvalor
de suwhich
patrimonio
y sus
titative, used
statistical methods
to make the
oportunidades
de aprovechamiento.
findings
more objective.
This was
all used
El segundo,
cuantitativo,
ha utilizado
to support the métodos
conclusions
of the study
and
estadísticos
para
la
has led
to a number
recommendations.
objetivación
deofresultados.
Todo ello
ha servido de sustento a las
conclusiones del estudio y ha permitido
proponer una serie de recomendaciones.
FEADER
72
STUDY DATA
QUALITATIVE DATA
500 kilometres
of footpaths in
11 Autonomous
Communities may
be representative
Approximately 500 kilometres of ten waymarked paths give us an interesting idea of the general features of this type of local resource, which is becoming increasingly more significant
in terms of strategies for developing these geographic areas that have opted to recover their
local trails and the heritage associated with them, in an effort to revitalise their socio-economic
structures.
An analytical
procedure that
is applied to all
footpaths
The starting point is a common analytical procedure consisting of a broad range of items that
begins with the technical identification of the path and its recognised route, then moves on to
review its historical and social coordinates, and finishes with an examination of its economic
and business dimension. Through the combined use of various research techniques, primary
sources are exploited, for example, direct observation through the use of field work and interviews, and secondary sources, such as reviewing documents and collecting statistical data.
This is all put together to form a footpath file to see which features they do or do not have in
common so as to determine their general characterisation.
The difficulty of
obtaining economic
data for small
villages
However, it should be borne in mind that it is hard to obtain information on certain key aspects,
particularly of an economic or business nature, for the purpose of assessing the real impact
of waymarked trails on the areas they pass through. These are small towns, whose business
weaknesses need to be determined. And when such data is indeed collected, there is often
a great deal of disparity, which enhances the interest of this study inasmuch as it suggests
spheres of information in need of improvement so as to provide data that will enable us to
investigate the repercussions of the web of waymarked trails criss-crossing the geography of
Spain with sufficient perspective.
Footpaths offer
numerous possibilities
That said, we can indicate that there is no such thing as a typical profile for footpaths, with
their heterogeneity being the feature that really defines them. Their reconditioning depends on
a number of different factors in regions that are differentiated by various bodies over a lengthy
period of time, albeit in most cases supported by the notable uses the trails were put to in
former times. This increases their wealth and the interest aroused by having a huge network
of hiking trails available that are never duplicated, with each one having its own special characteristics.
73
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
The group of paths selected stands out because of its diversity, as pointed out earlier, and
this is even visible in their name: trail, track, footpath, route, network. These are emblematic
footpaths both on a regional and national level, and even form part of huge projects involving
thematic itineraries, such as the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), Vía de la Plata (the
Silver Way), Camí de Cavalls or the Don Quixote Route. As noted, the majority have been given
a thematic name in an attempt to mark them out and make them more noticeable, particularly
with regard to tourism, linking them, by and large, with relevant events in the history of Spain
and its regions.
The trails represent an important tool of communication linking all types of location, albeit
small or large, rural or urban, and have therefore had a prominent role to play both socially and
territorially. This fact is increasingly being taken into consideration in their re-design, or when
reviewing their itinerary to turn them into footpaths so that they can influence the processes of
development on both a local and regional scale.
Their contribution is also relevant with regard to the “location on the map” of institutions, and
even whole districts that do not have a marked demo-economic significance. The footpaths are
long-distance, and are divided into more or less formal stages, which helps the walker make a
coherent selection of the sections they wish to cover. This fact is worthy of note since there are
a great many sections that are known to coincide with certain “regional areas” in which hiking
activities would seem to make a relevant contribution to local development.
Footpaths
maintain their
territorial roots
The relationship of trails with protected areas is clear, and is fomented through the strategies
that are implemented in the planning and promotion of protected natural areas for public use.
This is a remarkable prospect since the trails help make it possible to see the whole of the protected heritage site which is of such enormous value. We find Rural Parks, Natural Parks, Protected Landscapes, Nature Reserves, Geoparks, Areas of Importance for Conservation, Natural
Areas of Special Interest, Biosphere Reserves, as well as areas that are included in the Natura
2000 Networking Programme (SCIs and SPAs). Therefore, the surroundings, environments and
geo-bioclimatic locations they pass through offer an enormous breadth and wealth that lend
added value to these itineraries.
Dynamic link
with protected
areas
Something similar also happens with heritage items associated with human actions on the geographic environment. From the mapping out of the route itself to the construction and technological components involved in opening and maintaining the trail over the course of time, along
with the cultural features and landscapes that are to be found along the way and which give
the path its own hallmark of identity. The catalogue is extensive and varied, and includes environments that may be anthropised to a greater or lesser extent, with huge contrasts, ranging
from archaeological sites to modern urban centres. The footpaths examined help make them
more visible, particularly in the case of elements that are outside the areas most frequented by
the local people. They also help articulate them in coherent itineraries, which, in many cases
has an impact on how they are maintained in connection with the development of tourist visits.
The footpath
represents
traditional
heritage projected into the
future
Footpaths
perform an
important social
and territorial
function
74
STUDY DATA
QUALITATIVE DATA
The footpath
keeps the
history alive of
the places it
passes through
Significant historical sites, urban centres, traditional and folk architecture, railway heritage;
religious buildings such as cathedrals, churches, collegiate churches, convents, chapels, shrines, and crosses, thermal baths, spas and hot springs; palaces and castles; water-related
elements, such as bridges across streams, fountains, washing places, or cisterns; craftsmen’s
workshops; aspects of traditional deep-rooted productive activities, for instance, farming, grazing and stock-raising (particularly cattle trails), fishing, hunting, forestry. And we should not
forget the trail itself with its broad range of associated elements serving as basic resources,
bearing in mind that there are Roman roads and paved roads dating from all periods, along with
a notable culture of dry-stone walling. There is also a large network of livestock trails that were
of great historical and commercial value in their time.
The footpath
unites different
administrative bodies in a
common project
With respect to administrative boundaries, footpaths normally cover huge areas and are often
not confined to a single province or even a single region. However, this does not always lead
to homogeneity in the various routes since the same criteria have not always been used when
adapting them to sports activities. Nevertheless, this contrasts with the occasional search for
management and promotionary tools that can be shared amongst the different footpaths, such
as consortia, networks of cooperatives or public companies that can promote the harnessing of
public and private contributions. Thus, developers include town councils, federations of municipalities, provincial councils, island councils, regional governments and even ministerial bodies,
to which should be added private entities, ranging from ramblers’ associations to river basin
authorities, amongst others.
Commitment
to rambling is
not only to be
seen in opening
up a footpath
but above all in
managing and
maintaining it
There is not always a specific budget earmarked for their execution and maintenance, with
such aspects often being covered by funding from various public authorities, frequently taking
advantage of employment and job-placement schemes, tourist campaign initiatives, rural development programmes, etc. The most common procedure is for budgets to be determined for
converting trails into marked paths, but not for their subsequent maintenance. This aspect is
often dealt with by groups of less importance and lacking in continuity, which can have a negative effect on the homogeneity of the routes and on the quality of the rambling activity at the
tourist destination. The lack of a proper management and maintenance programme can kill a
tourist initiative in next to no time. In this respect, it is not always feasible to fix an opening date
for a footpath, or determine successive improvements or modifications wherever these exist.
75
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
Half of the footpaths under discussion were opened during the first ten years of the 21st century, and can therefore be considered to be recent, even though most of them follow routes
that have been used since time immemorial or that are traditional, and almost invariably public
rights of way. The extension of the modern transport infrastructure would appear to be their
main enemy since their most recent adaptations are linked with the modernisation of road and
rail networks, along with plans for improving country roads that sometimes do not take into
account the protection of the old road and its signposting. Amongst others, variations can also
be due to legal or social disputes with the owners of the land through which they pass, to the
misappropriation of public rights of way by private individuals, to interventions to make them
safer, to the desire to include them in the urban development of certain towns, or the initiatives to enhance their scenic value. Footpaths that are more closely connected to the natural
surroundings, and provisions for their legal protection, would seem to enjoy greater stability
regarding routes, and in some conditions are included as part of the public rights of way within
the framework of protected natural areas.
Traditional trails
are transformed
into marked
paths
The history of most trails that provide a basis for the footpaths under study goes back a long
way. Hence, they have been put to a large variety of uses and have been traversed by many
different people for a multitude of reasons (military, religious, commercial, hunting, etc.). In
recent years, such uses have also included recreation, sports and tourist activities, such as
excursions, rambling, cross country runs, cycling tours, and mountain biking, horse riding, etc.
Certain sections also include health circuits for the local population, since they connect up
with the urban network and are designed for non-motorised means of transport. This shows
the incalculable value of the footpath, from its ethnological and historical references to those
concerning sports, preventive medicine or the interpretation of heritage.
The footpath
links tradition
with modernity
The thematic potential of the different routes is also significant. The footpaths forming part of
this study in fact offer the opportunity to prepare various themes from an interpretative standpoint, mainly because of the importance of the tracks and trails themselves, and the environments they pass through. As already noted, some of these concern a main theme (social symbol or promotional brand) enjoying huge visibility and impact. Length is also a factor that can
have an influence on the breadth and diversity of the path’s potential, since it articulates huge
areas, in which historical, architectural, literary, ethnographic, religious, gastronomic, scenic,
infrastructural, geomorphological, botanical, water or nature-related aspects (amongst others)
may all be prominent. Likewise, hiking and rambling are also significant activities for exploiting
the aforementioned potential of thematic elements.
The thematic
potential of the
footpath is rich
and varied
76
STUDY DATA
QUALITATIVE DATA
77
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
With respect to the physical conditions of the footpaths, we should point out the enormous
heterogeneity observed, even when considering the same footpath. From original cobblestones, with an overlap of different construction periods, to sections paved with tarmac, there is a
wide range of surfaces: country lanes and farm tracks, roads paved with concrete, cattle trails
and narrow paths, traditional trails for exploiting natural resources, urban alleyways, promenades, and footpaths along river banks and shorelines, etc. The Roman roads contrast with the
pavements of modern towns. Alterations that have taken place over the years are still visible in
most cases. And many have also been adapted for the passage of motor vehicles, both in connection with the development of productive activities in the area and also for the use of private
individuals. On the other hand, some footpaths have been adapted and made partly accessible
to people with limited mobility.
Different types
of road surface
are used
throughout the
network
The most frequent use of these footpaths varies, depending to a large extent on the environment or weather conditions, along with the tourist season and preferences of the local population. It is not possible to establish general guidelines, although there are many that have a high
degree of potential use throughout the entire year. The longer they are also influences such
variability. Those that are most affected by exceptional weather conditions are the paths with a
more marked degree of seasonality, mainly as a result of harsh winters or summers (snow, frost
and hail, heatwaves, extreme differences in temperature, storms, strong winds, etc.). This is
all aggravated by the possible absence of places to take shelter from the elements or the lack
of water and provisions, aspects that are not taken into account when designing the footpath.
Seasonality may
affect the appeal
of the footpath to
tourists
The possible absence of places to shelter from inclement weather or the lack of water and
provisions, the absence of various amenities along the route, etc. which were not taken into
account when designing the trail, make the proposal unfeasible. The lack of additional items to
ensure greater safety and comfort for the user, not only affects the use of the path, but also
creates a negative image of the site in the eyes of the visitor, who will go in search of other
footpaths as an alternative offering greater quality and attention to ramblers’ needs.
A footpath design
that does not take
the type of user
into account limits
its use
The study we have undertaken also shows that sometimes approval of long-distance footpaths
is dispensed with but institutional recognition is sought, and occasionally formalised, through
international awards. It should also be noted that some paths form part of citizens’ initiatives
to recover traditional trails that have been maintained over the course of time. Here, what is
important is the role the volunteer has played in developing the projects to refurbish, implement
and maintain the path, particularly in conjunction with federations and clubs involving various
sports, or of a residential or cultural nature, etc. On occasion, they form part of larger projects,
which may even be supranational in some cases.
A long road to
accreditation
78
STUDY DATA
QUALITATIVE DATA
Footpaths
reveal the
history of the
communities
they pass
through
The layout of the paths, which aims to cover the whole country, is one of the systems that provides a framework for the largest number of historical aspects in Spain. Its gradual extension
covering a large part of the country means that very few significant facts and features escape
the web of the footpath, whose memory evaporates into the past. This can be seen when the
footpaths selected are taken as a whole, even when only specific sections have been studied
in depth. By studying the trails, it is possible to trace the history, the way of life and communications of the various towns, districts and regions. Whether small or large, anonymous or of
paramount importance, the selected paths provide access to this important legacy in a structured manner, recovering the collective heritage that is made available to locals and visitors alike.
Rambling confers
a new value on
traditional trails
While the configuration of the selected paths is relatively recent, the trails that support them
harbour relevant history, both of their own making and pertaining to the surroundings that bring
them together. They also offer evidence of the development of rambling in Spain and of the
progress made in marking trails, which offers added interest to the notable heritage values they
have already accumulated, in some cases on a global scale, which has garnered the distinction
of awards and recognition, as we have mentioned above. Structural axes of such significance
as the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), which is a European cultural itinerary, the Vía
de la Plata, Camino del Ebro, or the Don Quixote Route.
79
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
The processes involved in recovering the trails that serve to provide support and structure for
the modern itineraries have on the whole been interesting, due in large part to the participation
of a number of public and private stakeholders. These processes have led in many cases to the
tabling of provisions and laws that highlight their protection and schemes that focus on their
promotion, usually with respect to local development, which seeks low-impact activities and
contact with such heritage. It is a positive starting point providing a basis for future initiatives
that can contribute to extending the current network of paths from the existing infrastructure.
The recovery
of public rights
of way renews
communication
between public
and private
stakeholders
Footpaths uphold the socio-historical value of infrastructure that was far more relevant in the
past, as is the case of the Roman roads, royal cattle trails, railway lines, commercial routes or
pilgrims’ ways, also recovering routes with a military, religious, commercial, or literary interest,
among others. Their importance has led them to be described and mapped on many occasions,
and hence they also help fix our attention on their future and that of the lands they pass over,
and in so doing, contribute a really impressive documentary legacy with various offshoots,
albeit scientific or of a social and economic nature.
The documentary legacy
left by the
trails over the
centuries is
recovered
80
STUDY DATA
QUALITATIVE DATA
The footpath
showcases
the contrasts
of different
regions
Likewise, they have also become important economic and cultural axes in the lands they pass
through, characterised by their huge diversity, and dotted with places with a range of quite
distinctive features, from mountain environments to urban centres. They thus provide glimpses
of deep contrasts between densely populated cities and small hamlets with only a handful of
residents. Their itineraries enable us to witness the vitality of some places as opposed to the
stagnation and even a step backwards displayed by others, as they have been opened up for
the hiker and inhabitant of such forgotten lands that are nevertheless still full of charm.
Footpaths offer
small towns an
opportunity
The footpaths pass through geographical areas where the predominant trend is the reinforcement of the demographics in the most vibrant places socially and economically speaking, and
the slow process of human attrition for smaller towns offering few expectations. Nevertheless,
the trails do not perceive these differences and help connect all types of enclave, large and
small, dynamic and stagnant, maintaining links that in many cases are the only way forward for
entities that are excluded from the processes of overall development.
Footpaths
achieve their
full significance
when they are
articulated in a
network
The concept of a network has been shown to be the most fertile since it enables us to move
about the country and link up with the networks of neighbouring regions and to use these networks to gain access to territories outside the autonomous community and then to international networks. Good planning of new routes can help revitalise areas with significant limitations
regarding their development, particularly if their heritage values are enhanced and synergies
are also sought out between the different towns through supramunicipal urban planning for the
management and integration of the footpath network and the tourist attractions.
Footpaths
trigger the
recovery of
more heritage
resources
The recovery of many trails and their transformation into footpaths leads to the development
of initiatives to rescue and / or improve the other heritage resources located in their area and
helps articulate them so that, over time, other revitalised elements emerge increasing the
attractiveness of certain geographical regions. Churches, palaces, gathering places, fountains,
gardens, archaeological sites are some of the many features that give shape to new spaces and
environments that enrich the rambling experience.
Footpaths can
have a positive
impact on the
local economy
As mentioned in the introduction, usual sources of information do not allow us to establish with
any degree of precision the real impact of marked paths on the processes of development of
the geographical surroundings that help forge relationships, even attracting opposing views
within the same space. The general idea, however, is that this is a positive and growing phenomenon, particularly when linked to the extension of tourist activities that emphasise the value
of heritage, albeit natural or cultural. That being the case, it is still quite difficult in a study of
this nature to measure their effective repercussion, over and beyond the consequences that
ensue during the progress of certain activities and services.
81
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
In this respect, it appears that the recent adjustment and promotion of many footpaths have yet
to favour the emergence of initiatives or economic and business activity in the areas on which
they have an impact. In certain cases, furthermore, they have to compete or co-exist with other
sports, recreational and tourist attractions that have been developed in the same area. Some of
these are also going through a modern expansion process, such as water sports, diving, cycling,
mountain biking, equestrian trails, paragliding, etc. And finally, the boost to the sun, sea and
sand tourist attraction is still important, which to some extent blinds us to the possibilities of
progress displayed by hiking activities in some regions, where rambling can amount to a good
complementary resource.
It is difficult
to isolate the
impact of the
footpath from
that of other
factors with
local repercussions
The obvious tourist possibilities of many trails that have now been transformed into marked
paths have now become a reality, since they are an important attraction for visitors, particularly
where it has been possible to structure them as a tourist product offering the client access in
an organised fashion to a rich and extensive heritage legacy. This takes advantage of the rise
in nature and cultural tourism, which have amounted to strategic factors of territorial development in recent decades. In this context, the concept of rambling holidays is still progressing
satisfactorily, if we consider the positive bullish facts, provided, amongst others, by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade (Studies on nature tourism in Spain and mountain tourism
products) and the associations of active tourism companies and rambling and mountaineering
guides.
The footpath
can configure a
tourist product
along with
other elements
A priori, as mentioned, marked paths have strategic value in their respective geographical
contexts, where they can have an impact on socio-demographic dynamism and help revitalise
the economy, and also on themselves, and on account of infrastructure and facilities associated
with the tourist sector, such as tourist information offices, eco-museums, interpretation centres, craft production and sales, camp sites, recreational areas, as well as restaurants, hotels
and hostels right alongside the footpath, etc.
Footpaths have
strategic value
in promoting a
region
The implantation of a footpath basically means creating a resource. Its contribution to development has a lot to do with its own characteristics but also with dynamism and the use to
which it is put by the local stakeholders. It is true that some regions have organised themselves
better than others to take advantage of the new possibilities offered by the footpaths, with the
benefit to the nearest economy being very clear. In these areas, the specific services, whether
specialised or adapted for ramblers, have been increased in view of the fact that the footpaths
have been extended or improved, having a particular impact on the hotel and catering sector,
personal services, transport, commerce, active leisure and tourist agencies and heritage interpretation facilities, etc.
Footpaths
have a direct
impact on the
expansion of
the services
sector
82
STUDY DATA
QUALITATIVE DATA
The services
sector thrives
on the traffic
along the
footpaths
It is worth pointing out the role of the marked paths plus associated activities in maintaining
previous activities, along with the development of specific services which might otherwise
have disappeared or whose continuity would be seriously compromised, with their continued
presence clearly benefitting local residents in certain places. In fact, many businessmen attempt to diversify their portfolios, by targeting both the local residents and the occasional visitors or passers-by. At certain times of the year, ramblers even supplant the regular inhabitants,
who are absent, enabling existing businesses to remain open. Hence, the less seasonal it is, the
greater the impact on the business sector.
Networks
of footpaths
multiply the
economic
impact that
each would
have on its own
The repercussions therefore seem to be all the greater when there is a network that can steer
the rambler around a specific or limited area, for example, through the appropriate link-up of
long and short-distance routes, and between these and local trails. This fact unquestionably
merits our reflecting on the role played by long-distance paths of linear design, broken up into
stages defined by relevant places along the route, with regard to the more complementary
contribution of the paths to development of the local region.
The joint visibility of footpaths
and associated
services boosts
their tourist
attraction
Although a growing rate of participation has been recorded for the business initiative, it is noted
that the relationship between the footpaths and companies needs to be improved in the areas
where they co-exist, particularly from the perspective of tourist potential. Firstly, by making information available, enabling both offers and opportunities for their complementarity to be seen
in an adequate and accessible fashion, by means of new technologies, for example. Attention
should also be drawn to the need for coordination between organisations that come together in
the same region, with joint actions to promote the paths and rambling activities.
Public collaboration is
important for
developing the
footpaths
Usually important for developing a marked path and connecting it to the local economy is the
existence of general programmes of a public nature, endowed with the economic resources
to begin its promotion campaign in a specific geographical area. This is particularly the case
if other public and private companies are added to this initiative, encouraged by the positive
consequences that can be derived from the original action. The Nature Trails and Greenways
programmes implemented by the Ministry of the Environment, and Rural and Marine Environment are cited as examples. TOURMAC in the Canary Islands, Leader initiatives and Tourist
Revitalisation in Ports de Beceite or in different protected natural areas or mountain federation
initiatives have made a significant contribution in this regard. However, a greater contribution
of public resources does not imply a better outcome unless it is planned in accordance with
the municipal authorities, the expectations of the local population and the initiatives involving
private investment.
83
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
And while the public resources applied so far would seem to be insufficient, particularly if we
want to maintain and even improve what has already been created, these have grown in recent
years, attracting further funding, which has a positive effect on the configuration of the environments it is proposed to promote. There is a multiplying effect in consonance with the understanding that exists between the stakeholders interacting in the same region. The projects
or structured initiatives seem to be the most successful, as is the case of the Cami dels Cavalls
in Menorca, although it is imperative to beef up the plans for maintenance and promotion with
the businessmen involved. Europe-wide events like EURORANDO, which congregate thousands
of European ramblers on a footpath, are a way for tourists to go hiking and get to know a land
and its tracks and trails.
Rambling
projects with a
solid structure
have greater
visibility
Finally, among the cases studied there seem to be a sufficient number of initiatives that can be
considered suitable examples, best practices with a demonstrable effect that can be taken as
a model for other regions that wish to go down the same route to promote rambling activities
associated with adventure tourism, or leisure for the local population based on extending the
network of marked paths. For this reason, the dissemination and exchange of these practices
needs to be stepped up as a way of creating a real statewide network of marked footpaths that
is perfectly articulated and planned. If this is done, there is no doubt that it will contribute to
the processes of development at all levels all over the country.
The exchange
of experience
enriches any
future projects
FEADER
84
STUDY DATA
QUANTITATIVE DATA
Analysis based
on blocks of
content
The data obtained statistically to make a quantitative assessment as a result of applying the
content from the observation sheet (incorporated in Chapter 2 on Methodology) can be used to
gain an overview of the current situation of the trails in Spain and also to perform an analysis
based on blocks of content:
Block A: Trail itinerary and infrastructure.
Block B: Tourist information and information systems for the trail.
Block C: Use of the trail by the local population and town councils.
Block D: The walker and the company. Their relationship with the trail.
Block E: Quality elements identifying the trail
Each block of information includes a final section of observations reflecting the observers’ comments as a separate item from the content recorded under the headings set out above, which
reflect the elements that supply data for the study deemed to be significant. The correction
factor was obtained with the aid of expert opinion. Once the 106 items making up the trail observation sheet had been selected (see Chapter 2 on Methodology), the ones considered to be
most significant were identified by the group of experts. This was done by sharing the results
obtained in the evaluation survey completed by each of the experts on each section of content
appearing on the observation sheet. This produced a correction factor calculated as a weighted
average in accordance with the results obtained, which was then applied to each of the 106
items on the observation sheet. This correction factor, which was designed to reduce the degree of subjectivity in the assessment offered by each expert, was applied to the results of the
observations concerning the footpaths analysed, thus obtaining a greater degree of objectivity
in the findings. Therefore, consensus was taken as the starting point for selecting the items
with corrective values being obtained through the participation of all the experts.
Finally, these corrective values were applied to each of the 106 items for each of the ten footpaths analysed. To obtain the correction factor, each expert indicated a value from 1 to 7 for
each of the 106 items, in accordance with the value attributed to the content for such item.
The correction factor has a high degree of reliability, when the following details are taken into
consideration:
• One item (0.94%) obtained a score of between 4 and 4.9.
• There was no item (0%) with values of between 5 and 5.9.
• Forty items (37.74%) obtained a score of between 6 and 6.9 out of the 7 points possible
for each item
• Sixty-five items (61.32%) obtained the maximum score of 7 points
85
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
PERCENTAGE ACCORDING TO VALUE OBTAINED FROM THE ITEMS
0,94%
37,74%
61,32%
Questions with scores
of between 4 and 4.9
Questions with scores
of between 5 and 5.9
Questions with scores
of between 6 and 6.9
Questions with scores
of 7 points
Once the final observation sheet had been adjusted using the various corrective ratings, it was
applied to each of the footpaths proposed for the in-depth analysis.
Thus, statistically, the assessment sheet has a 99.05% reliability rating for interpreting the
data. By means of this system, a correction factor is assigned to the subjective opinion given
in connection with any analysis of a footpath.
The data obtained are set out below in accordance with the blocks of content specified in the
observation sheet:
Trail itinerary and infrastructure. There are two sub-sections: itinerary and infrastructure. In both cases a maximum score of 44.95 points and 157.25 points can be observed respectively. To make such data easier to use and comprehend, these scores have been converted
into percentages in the preceding column.
Itinerary. With respect to the data concerning the itinerary shown in Table 1, attention is
drawn to the high percentages obtained by the Vía Verde Subbética (81.49%) and the Camino
de la Virgen (79.20%). On the other hand, the lowest score was recorded by the Don Quixote
Route (24.59%), followed by Ports de Beceit (47.13%). Seventy per cent of the footpaths have
scores that are above average.
To determine the scores in this section variables such as the tourist season, the trail’s own
identifiable brand, the connection between trail networks and whether the footpaths are of a
sports, cultural, environmental, or religious nature, or are associated with history were taken
into account.
With respect to the most significant data in this block, the experts’ assessment focused on the
fact that the footpath was integrated in more extensive systems, including both networks of
trails and tourist resources. The data obtained corroborate the fact that the footpaths analysed
are complemented by other tourist resources (82%) and are articulated with networks of trails
(78%), which is an important value for rural development. At the other end of the spectrum is
the religious identification of these areas (28%).
.
86
STUDY DATA
QUANTITATIVE DATA
Infrastructure. Regarding the infrastructure available on a footpath, we should point out that
60% of the paths analysed are above average. The Camino de La Virgen stands out with 77.06%
and the Camí de Cavalls with 63.76%, whereas at the other end of the spectrum we have Ports
de Beceit with 23.31% and the Don Quixote Route with 38.29%.
To determine the scores for this section, the basic factors taken into account were safety,
ancillary elements, vehicle access, location of the beginning of the stage, maintenance and the
state of conservation, the availability of public transport, and the content of information panels.
There are data showing that the institutions responsible for these footpaths are greatly concerned about the state of their installations, and consequently about their ability to attract visitors,
which has an impact on rural development. The items referring to the link between the paths
and heritage elements are rated very highly (88.2%) as is the presence of information boards
(81.8%), how the information shown on the board tallies with reality (71.8%) or the state of
conservation of the signage material (71.7%), but above all, they value the fact that the path
can be accessed by motor vehicles (98%). We can conclude that the footpaths visited are in
optimum condition for hiking.
Furthermore, there are some circumstances that are very highly rated by the experts, such as
the easy access to public transport (not taxis) to approach the start and finish of the route.
However, this does not coincide with the reality of the itineraries, since only 58% of the footpaths are covered by these services.
Table 1. Itinerary covered by the path and infrastructure available on the footpaths analysed
ITINERARY
%
INFRASTRUCTURE
%
Maximum
44,95
100,00
157,25
100,00
Camí de Cavalls
31,15
69,30
100,27
63,76
Camino de La Virgen
35,60
79,20
121,18
77,06
Camino de Santiago
31,24
69,50
73,65
46,84
Camino del Ebro
20,87
46,42
82,13
52,23
Las Alpujarras
27,72
61,67
99,53
63,29
Los Oscos
22,46
49,97
97,60
62,07
Ports de Beceite
21,19
47,13
36,66
23,31
Ruta de Don Quijote
11,05
24,59
60,21
38,29
Vía de La Plata
30,95
68,84
68,86
43,79
Vía Verde Subbética
36,63
81,49
100,08
63,64
In the blocks of content appearing on the observation sheet there are some interesting comments referring to the variety of markings, deficient signage and maintenance, along with the
87
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
need to increase the Information referring to the environmental conditions, location, transport,
etc.
Tourist information and information systems for the trail. This block addresses the
information on tourism concerning the footpath, as well as the advertising and promotion campaigns used to make it well known. The maximum score that can be obtained for information is
54.40 whereas for information systems it is 30.50 (Table 2).
Tourist information. With respect to the score for tourist information we find that nearly
80% of the paths score above the average for the data obtained, with the Camino de Santiago
standing out with one of the highest scores (86.78%), while the path with the bottom rank in
the table is the Vía de la Plata, which has a low score (5.51%).
The elements taken into account when assessing this section were: experience at the tourist
office, advertising in situ, facilities offered by companies, organisation of an organised tourist
product, dissemination through Internet websites, etc.
The data shows that it is possible to find specific information on the footpath at the tourist
offices in the towns along the route (62.9%). However, information offices are few and far
between on the footpath itself (63.1%), although the experts do not think this is very important. With respect to websites, the information was found to be very poor in comparison with
equivalent data offered on the information panels along the path (30.4%) and in information
allowing the use of new technologies (21.8%)
Information systems. With respect to the efficiency of the information systems used to
find out about the footpath, Los Oscos network of trails stands out with a score of 96.52% of
the possible points that can be obtained, followed by the Camino de la Virgen with 96.36%.
At the bottom of the table we find Els Ports de Beceit (6.82%) and the Don Quixote Route
(20.75%). However, we can also reveal that 80% of the footpaths analysed have a score that
is above average.
FEADER
88
STUDY DATA
QUANTITATIVE DATA
Guides and brochures are available for all of the trails. In this section we considered the quality and currency of the information in the guides and brochures published. It is
notable that a large number of paths have information in a publication that came out less than
five years ago (77.8%) with this publication containing information on the natural and cultural
heritage (74.0%). On the other hand, the information normally expected to be found on information boards along a trail is missing (54.0%), which would seem to indicate that it is more
geared towards tourism. Furthermore, the thing the experts rate most highly is the fact that it
is possible to obtain guidebooks for the trails, and even though the information given is not bad
(66.0%), there is room for improvement in view of the importance given to such publications.
Table 2. Tourist information and information systems for the footpaths analysed.
INFORMATION
%
SYSTEM
%
Maximum
54,40
100,00
30,50
100,00
Camí de Cavalls
26,84
49,34
18,19
59,64
Camino de la Virgen
41,74
76,73
29,39
96,36
Camino de Santiago
47,21
86,78
27,38
89,77
Camino del Ebro
9,38
17,24
19,56
64,13
Las Alpujarras
46,88
86,18
24,66
80,85
Los Oscos
26,39
48,51
29,44
96,52
Ports de Beceite
12,24
22,50
2,08
6,82
Ruta de Don Quijote
7,93
14,58
6,33
20,75
Vía de La Plata
3,00
5,51
22,62
74,16
Vía verde Subbética
37,49
68,92
24,94
81,77
Final observations focus on the existence and validity of sources of information: websites, guidebooks, along with tourist information offices. Private institutions are looked at that promote
the footpath, at their own expense, or a section of it, in accordance with their own interests.
Use of the trail by the local population and town councils.
The data in this block of content attempts to identify the use made of the footpath and involvement of the public authorities.
The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James) and Las Alpujarras are the footpaths with the
highest percentage 80% and 79.56% respectively. On the other hand, Els Ports de Beceit and
the Vía de La Plata are below average with scores of 15.93% and 36.59% respectively. As a
whole, 60% of the footpaths have scores that are above average.
89
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
In assessing this block of content, consideration was given to their use by the local population
and by education centres, along with uses for farming and raising livestock, collaboration in
their upkeep, use of local meeting places, selective refuse collection or social participation.
This section offers us a reality of paramount importance where rural development is concerned. On the one hand, there is appreciation for the high degree of interest shown by those
that encouraged the waymarking of the footpath, since they used public rights of way (90.2%),
mapped out a route running through relevant parts of the area (86.4%) which also included the
town’s regular meeting places (60.6%). However, at that time social participation in the project
was very low (24.2%), and nowadays the footpath is not used very much by the local residents
(58%) or by the education centres (52%), although no conflicts exist between the local population and the ramblers (36%)
Table 3. Use of the footpaths analysed by the local population and the town councils of the
footpaths analysed.
USE
%
Maximum
63,40
100
Camí de Cavalls
45,85
72,32
Camino de la Virgen
35,81
56,48
Camino de Santiago
50,72
80,00
Camino del Ebro
28,77
45,38
Las Alpujarras
50,44
79,56
Los Oscos
34,76
54,83
Ports de Beceite
10,10
15,93
Ruta de Don Quijote
25,33
39,95
Vía de La Plata
23,20
36,59
Vía verde Subbética
36,37
57,37
When performing the analysis of the most significant observations, it was surprising to see
the poor level of participation of the towns linked to the design of the path. On the other hand,
greater involvement is indeed apparent with regard to use, whether for health reasons, education, religion, the passage of agricultural machinery, rights of way to private property, or for
use by companies (active tourism). Both the town councils and the town in general profit from
improvements in infrastructure and all the more so when the route is made to coincide with the
public spaces used by the local population. It is recorded in this section that most of the responsibility for maintaining the footpath belongs to the public authorities (town councils, provincial
councils, island councils, local boards and committees, etc.). However, this commitment to
maintenance is not dealt with in any document, which can at times lead to a certain deficit as
far as conservation is concerned.
90
STUDY DATA
QUANTITATIVE DATA
The walker and the company. In this block of content an attempt is made to identify the
level of involvement on the part of the walker and companies specialising in the footpath, since
they are the ones that use it for their own purposes and activities.
The walker. With respect to the relationship between the footpath and the walker, it is the
Vía de La Plata (79.52%) and Las Alpujarras (77.53%) that come closest to the maximum score.
On the other hand, the Vía Verde Subbética (23.21%) and the Camino de La Virgen (35.51%)
are the ones that are furthest away, ranking at the bottom of the table. However, 70% of the
footpaths analysed get more than the average score.
To assess this section, attention was paid to the tourist profile of the walker, their age and
origin, and whether they do the activity in a group or on their own. From the data obtained, it
can be seen that people between 18 and 65 years of age are the ones that use the trails most
(89.9%) and it appears that the profile of the walker is primarily that of a tourist (74.3%), which
enables promotion campaigns to be managed from inside the environs of the tourist system.
On the other hand, we should point out that the number of foreign hikers on these trails is very
low (34.4%).
Local companies. With respect to the relationship companies enjoy with the footpath,
the highest score obtained was that of the Vía Verde Subbética (77.28%), followed by Las
Alpujarras (73.39%). However, this statistic is in stark contrast with the score obtained by the
same footpath with respect to the walker, and shows that what is right for the rambler is not
necessarily so for the company.
91
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
To assess this section, attention was paid to local participation in the companies, transport
companies, those offering activities on the trail, catering businesses and companies involved
in adventure tourism.
With respect to rural development, the foundations seem solid since the businesses associated
with the footpath belong to the local town (74%), with local residents being hired as workers
(58%). However, the data show that the involvement of local companies with the footpath is
very low in terms of offering activities linked to the trail (51.8%), offering them by advertising
through the catering sector (50.4%), or because they have created adventure tourism companies involving the footpath (60%).
Table 4. Scores for involvement by the walker and company specialising in the footpaths analysed
WALKER
%
COMPANY
%
Maximum
31,20
100,00
36,45
100
Camí de Cavalls
18,02
57,76
15,89
43,59
Camino de la Virgen
11,08
35,51
19,49
53,47
Camino de Santiago
17,20
55,13
16,51
45,29
Camino del Ebro
15,54
49,81
15,26
41,87
Las Alpujarras
24,19
77,53
26,75
73,39
Los Oscos
18,26
58,53
17,31
47,49
Ports de Beceite
15,69
50,29
19,17
52,59
Ruta de Don Quijote
12,22
39,17
16,46
45,16
Vía de La Plata
24,81
79,52
4,16
11,41
Vía verde Subbética
7,24
23,21
28,17
77,28
Adventure tourism companies associated with activities involving footpaths are primarily demanded by foreign groups, particularly from northern Europe and large package tours. There are
companies with environmental backgrounds that use these routes for training and educational
purposes.
Elements identifying the quality of the footpath. There are elements that identify
quality in this respect. Bearing in mind that the maximum number of points that can be scored
is 81.35, seventy per cent of the trails fail to record quality standards. The lowest score was
that of the Don Quixote Route (25.31%) while the highest score was obtained by Los Oscos
(80.10%). Two of the footpaths analysed, Los Oscos and Las Alpujarras, offer scores ranging
from 78% to 81%, whereas most do not reach 50% and therefore we can say that the data are
highly polarised at the top and bottom, as well as being highly concentrated.
92
STUDY DATA
QUANTITATIVE DATA
To assess this block of information, we looked at the protected areas through which the trails
pass, whether they have their own regulations, whether they have been endorsed by FEDME,
whether they are linked to other trail networks, whether the risks associated with the trail are
published, whether they are free of noise other than that associated with the natural environment, whether they avoid roads or factories, whether it is possible to receive a mobile phone
signal, whether they have a procedure for filing opinions, whether there are sections appropriate for people with limited mobility.
First of all, it should be remembered that half the sections of the footpaths analysed have the
current endorsement of FEDME (52.0%), this being a way of setting quality standards, with the
data from the study indicating that three quarters of the paths are linked to other trail networks
(72%). It is not very common for footpaths to come into contact with roads or factories (36%)
or constructive elements that are not part of the natural surroundings (44%). Such data boost
the potential of the footpath as an outdoor activity enjoying the natural environment. However,
no attempt has been made by the people responsible for the footpath to investigate further
in other levels of environmental quality, such as inclusion in the local Agenda 21 programme
(12%) or other environmental quality awards (30%). If we think that having a mobile signal is a
safety element l (70%), there is still a long way to go in rural development, since it is practically
ubiquitous in urban environments
Table 5. Scores relating to quality and the elements that identify it on a footpath
QUALITY
%
Maximum
81,35
100
Camí de Cavalls
44,16
54,28
Camino de la Virgen
33,29
40,92
Camino de Santiago
20,70
25,45
Camino del Ebro
31,21
38,37
Las Alpujarras
64,22
78,94
Los Oscos
65,16
80,10
Ports de Beceite
23,35
28,70
Ruta de Don Quijote
20,59
25,31
Vía de La Plata
34,27
42,13
Vía verde Subbética
39,36
48,38
The following are considered significant for assessing the quality of a footpath: brand labels, the
collecting of opinions or the application of new technologies. In short, the statistical analysis of
the variables considered in the study enabled us to obtain an idea of the reality of each trail, an
x-ray of its situation, with the aim of helping to improve it by prioritising the aspects in greatest
need of attention. It also offered us the opportunity to focus on the most striking features of
the footpaths with the highest scores in order to obtain valid references for facilitating improvements in each trail.
Conclusions and Recommendations
93
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
FEADER
94
conclusions
Trails are the reflection of history, ways of life and systems of communication of
the population, which rambling revitalises, preventing it from disappearing and facilitating its conservation.
1 The trail keeps alive the history of the places it passes through, particularly when adequate
work is done regarding research, recovery and promotion for the knowledge, use and interpretation of the ramblers.
2 Footpaths articulate the land and scenery, since they are often closely linked to the history
traditions, customs, ways of life, and systems of communication of the local population.
3 Marked paths enable us to recompose the dynamics of history, along with the ways of life
and communications enjoyed by local towns, districts and regions, recovering the memory of
an extremely valuable collective memory which is then made available to local residents and
visitors alike.
4 Footpaths, which are often associated with a traditional trail, enable many items of heritage
to be recovered and enhanced, providing an additional attraction and involve the restoration of
important elements of traditional rural architecture generating ethnographic interest.
Footpaths boost rural development when they are designed with the aid of the local
population, and are integrated in a network, with links to high-value landscapes
5 Footpaths acquire their real dimensions when they are articulated in a network, and represent added value for rural development, offering the user various different routes and alternatives that help promote a region with a variety of landscapes and histories.
6 The added value of the itineraries is strengthened when there is an efficient nexus with
protected natural areas and they are enhanced together with the surrounding environments.
7 The technical design of most of the footpaths is adequate. However, this process fails to fully
involve the population directly associated with its itinerary.
95
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
Adequate planning with new technologies attracts ramblers, fixes the population,
strengthens social cohesion and puts the region on the map.
8 Footpaths still have an important role to play in the social cohesion of rural areas. The restoration and protection of public rights of way and their transformation into footpaths is essential if
we are to avoid losing this extensive network and can use it as a tourist resource.
9 The high frequency of ramblers visiting a region to walk along its footpaths and discover its
natural wealth and cultural heritage helps fix populations that would otherwise have vanished
years ago.
10 Footpaths provide an opportunity that is possibly unique for putting small villages on the
map of tourist attractions.
11 The joint offer of footpaths and associated services enhances their potential as a tourist
attraction, when provided through integrated planning between all the parties involved.
12 New information technologies are tools for disseminating and promoting footpaths that
offer greater security since they provide up-to-date information and a greater capacity for
diffusion than more traditional methods.
The profile of the Spanish footpaths offers great heterogeneity because of the huge
geographical and scenic diversity of the country.
13 The diversity of the footpaths, far from being a handicap, is an opportunity to offer the hiker
specific destinations.
14 The ancient trails have been converted into footpaths promoting the practice of physical
and sports activities, thereby enhancing the geographical and scenic diversity of the rural environment.
15 Current footpath design not only takes into account the potential of the landscape or for enjoyment, but also the positive economic impact on the regions the trails pass through, including
most of the villages along the route.
FEADER
96
conclusions
The process of conversion from a trail to a marked footpath usually links up various
administrations in a common project.
16 The adaptation of new footpaths does not always mean the immediate birth of business
activities in these regions.
17 The involvement of the population, business world and local institutions is decisive for the
development of the footpath project, both in terms of design and planning aspects, and also
with regard to its execution, maintenance and promotion.
18 The existence of large investments concerning the footpath project does not always guarantee success, unless it includes a budgeted programme of activities for its implementation.
A specific footpath shows stretches of diverse quality, depending on the commitment to maintenance of the various administrations involved.
19 Maintaining the footpaths depends to a certain extent on the commitment of its developers.
20 In a specific footpath it is possible to find stretches that enjoy good maintenance and others
with poor levels of conservation.
21 The connection of the route of the footpaths with the public transport system hardly exists.
If there is no coordinated global tourist product, the companies and local authorities that benefit from the walkers on the trail do not get involved in the footpath’s
development and maintenance.
22 On the whole, tourist offices do not have specific information on the ramblers.
23 The footpath is strengthened by forming part of a global tourist product and complemented
by other activities.
24 Local companies, by and large, are usually not deeply involved in the development and
maintenance of the footpath.
The service sector profits from the promotion of rambling, but companies are affected by seasonality because of huge extremes of weather conditions.
25 Seasonality affects the tourist potential of the footpath and the development of business
initiatives, which seek to encourage more visitors and greater diversification throughout the
year. Given Spain’s huge geographical and climatological diversity, there are footpaths that are
very affected by seasonality and others that are not necessarily so.
97
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
26 Footpaths have a strategic value as tools that articulate the promotion of a region, favouring
the development of various productive sectors, directly impacting the growth of the services
sector associated with enjoyment of the area. Despite the growing trend to thematise the
footpaths, the information on its relevant landmarks is often insufficient.
27 Thematising the footpaths is a trend that seeks to differentiate a region as a symbol of its
identity for added value.
28 Information on relevant landmarks associated with the footpath is still insufficient, considering the fact that they enhance the path’s attractiveness for tourists.
Brief summary.
Trails, marked footpaths and rambling are integrative features. They foster social cohesion, and
facilitate the description of the region’s potential, along with its natural and cultural resources.
They can also serve as an economic catalyst in those areas where the social fabric has been
weakened. Marking the footpaths has economic knock-on effects if it attracts ramblers from
distant places. There is likewise no unique factor for a footpath to have socio-economic importance in the area, but rather a set of elements that as a coordinated whole can lead to the
success of the itinerary.
FEADER
98
recomendaciones
RECOMMENDATIONS:
In view of the potential for sustainable rural development
of a project concerning marked footpaths, the team that
has worked on preparing this study has set out a series of
recommendations allowing any developer or institution to
assess the proposals coming before them that seek to recover and adapt old trails and turn them into waymarked paths.
1. To prioritise the reconditioning of traditional ancient tracks and trails and
their adaptation for uses of a preferably pedestrian nature.
2. To carry out a preliminary comprehensive study of the traditional trail
network in the area, which includes, in particular, aspects such as the section of trails, landscape, history, ethnography and other resources of a cultural nature.
3. To carry out actions to raise awareness amongst the local population
about the value of the public rights of way that have been restored and their
potential for sports, tourist and recreational purposes.
4. To guarantee respect for the natural surroundings and cultural identity in
the design and subsequent maintenance of the footpaths.
5. To be able to cater for the rambler’s preferences, profiles and habits in
the design, execution, maintenance and dissemination of the marked footpaths by involving groups of walkers, ramblers and mountaineers.
6. To create mechanisms for updating the information on footpaths in collaboration with the public administrations and other organisations.
7. To complement the offer of outdoor activities by enhancing other resources, such as those of a natural, cultural, ethnographic, and gastronomical
nature.
99
Senderos Señalizados y Desarrollo Rural Sostenible
8. To integrate the footpaths in a network and favour their connection with the towns
along the route.
9. To consider articulation between the footpaths and the public transport system.
10.To define the person in charge of uniform maintenance for the marked footpaths
right from the outset.
11. To guarantee the safety of the rambler as far as possible by clearly marking the
footpaths and making the route easily identifiable, as well as establishing ancillary
and emergency systems.
12.To supplement the information for the use of the ramblers on the path with that
of other sports, tourist and agricultural activities.
13. To promote the participation of the local town and its associations from the first
phase defining the footpath project to obtain their cooperation for its development
and to make proposals concerning the use of the footpath.
14.To identify the economic and social stakeholders and drive the processes of participation to facilitate their involvement in the creation, development and promotion
of the footpath.
100
recommendations
15. To promote supramunicipal activities both in defining new projects and
in managing and integrating the trail network in the tourist offer.
16.To harness the recovery of trails and marking of footpaths to strengthen
the town’s relationships with public institutions and socio-economic stakeholders.
17.To strengthen the image of the footpath as a tourist resource through
the on-line management of bookings for accommodation, restaurants, fomenting agreements between footpath developers and socio-economic
stakeholders.
18. To offer a full and homogeneous view of the information available on
the footpaths.
19.To promote the enhanced quality of the footpaths by linking them with
recognised quality brands and labels.
20.To re-enforce thematisation and interpretation programmes associated
with each footpath, involving the local communities and institutions, especially the education sector in this cause.
101
Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development
21. To guarantee the rambler’s safety through the low-cost, periodic maintenance of the footpath.
22.To link the education sector with the processes for the conservation
and promotion of traditional trails and foment the use of marked paths as a
training resource.
23.To consider the marked footpath as a sports and recreational facility.
24.To integrate the marking of the footpath in the corporate identity of the
protected natural areas.
25.To inform on supplementary routes, cultural and natural resources, tourist accommodation and companies offering services associated with the
footpath on line.
26.To look at design, waymarkings, maintenance and dissemination of any
footpath project that is to be developed as a joint project.
27.To promote rambling as a suitable activity for fostering development
strategies.
.
Acknowledgements
Two institutions have given us their support for
this study and we would like to take this opportunity to convey our thanks to their
senior representatives:
Joan Garrigós i Toro,
Chair of the Spanish Federation of Mountain
and Climbing Sports (FEDME)
Begoña Nieto Gilarte,
Director General for Rural Development and
Forestry Policy in 2012
Jesús Casas Grande,
Director General for Sustainable Rural
Development in 2011
Carrying out a study of this scope has only been
possible thanks to the disinterested collaboration
of a large number of people. Our sincerest gratitude to those that have helped us most closely:
Eduardo Crespo
Enrique Gil
Francesc Estorach
Pilar Jaimez
Laura Rubia
Lluís López
Teba Roldán
Javier Gracia
Juan José Salinero
Vicente Infante
Francisco Javier Sánchez
Antonio Rivas
Alicia Díaz
Marta Castillo
Mateo Padrón
The study in figures.
Twelve researchers from different parts of Spain participated in conducting the
study between January and
December 2011. They met on
11 occasions to carry out the
detailed analysis of 10 footpaths, amounting to walking
over 2,000 kilometres during
the course of which they obtained about 5,000 photographs. In their travels they
chalked up 113,222 kilometres, taking 57 planes, 63
trains, 42 taxis, 14 tubes, 6
buses and 8 rented cars.
Trails, marked paths and Rambling
drive social cohesion and the
settlement of populations; they lead
to the discovery of the potential of
different regions, along with their
natural and cultural resources; and
can also serve as a driving force for
economic growth in environments
experiencing difficulties in their
process of development.
The study entitled “Marked Paths and Sustainable
Rural Development” was conducted throughout
the course of 2011 by a multidisciplinary
group of specialists belonging to the Scientific
Mountain Advisory Board of the Spanish
Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports
(FEDME), in collaboration with the Ministry of
the Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs. Their
conclusions and recommendations aim to serve
as guidelines for future networks of footpaths.