by Ms_Mudd » Wed 19 May, 2021 12:10 pm
Thought I would throw this out to the brains trust here on the forum, to get an idea of the ways in which people prefer to walk.
Background: I am section walking a 202km trail local to me that was created in 1988 but has since fallen into disuse due to the passing of its creator and also changes to its original route due to both private property ownership changes and the Pacific Motorway charging right through the trail.
Two amazing women, one of who is a forum member, spent countless hours researching the trail and how it could be rerouted so that that they could run(!) it to create a fastest known time. In doing so, they created a gpx file and have been generous in sharing it with others in order to revive the trail.
Due to Covid and a scuttled international walking trip, I decided to finally get around to this trail seeing as it was a decent length and in my backyard. After knocking off the sections, I will do it as one big push sometime in the next year or so.
Question: The trail relies on the gpx file for nav. There are some very worn, old trail markers in some sections, but they are infrequent, in poor repair and also do not account for the reroutes. The gpx file is accurate and easy to follow, I am really bad at tech, but imported the file to OSM and have walked all the re-routed sections now and the file was solid.
Would people who are planning on doing a longer walk, feel confident/happy to set out with an electronic map to follow only? Obviously with the option of obtaining topos (if hard copies still exist) on their own whim.
Or
Do people prefer detailed paper maps in sections?
Or
Are trail markers at key points important to you? If so, would a simple marker to confirm direction, such as a logo or a coloured blaze do the trick? Or do people prefer directional signage?
Some active community minded locals are encouraging me to do some grant writing for signange, as there is much interest in the route for mountain biking as well as bushwalking, we live in an area that relies heavily on visitors coming to our region for outdoor pursuits. The trail crosses National Parks, State Forest and 3 LGA's, so the issues are complex. I am happy to put in a bit of effort if I must, but it would be useful to know how that effort is best spent.
Last edited by
Ms_Mudd on Wed 19 May, 2021 2:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.