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.

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 environment and in improving standard of living in Spanish rural areas. rural Spanish in living of standard improving in and environment natural the of conservation the in effects positive their to channel and society our in rambling and walking promoting in forward astep to take used be should study this from ensuing mendations recom and conclusions the opinion, our In direction. this in is moving Affairs, Marine and Rural and Environment the of Ministry the of Development Rural Sustainable of Directorate General the of support decisive the with committee access nature today, by FEDME’s up presented drawn study The aspirations to to helpthese legitimate fruition. bring working continue We will mountaineers population. rural by the forward put initiatives concerned, in conjunction with by authorities the top be given should priority therefore anddwellers for of help mountain standards to living the andfix population better create activities to leave, Such the environment. ses of leadingthe inhabitants to forces the obvious deterioration ca many in which terrain, rugged in located and amenities no with remote, often are that villages by many mountain to been endemic sensitive the have always problems suffered Mountaineers development. sustainable of model a fosters and time, and space in flows tourist tor, distributes sec services the creates network, communications traditional the recovers It through. pass tes rou the areas rural the in catalyst as asocio-economic acts network trail the of planning Excellent magnitude. first the of knowledge of wealth significant a provide people, rural of customs and culture the of ground the on perception with together landscape, and geography, the topography with Familiarity value. historical great of heritage local of samples feature often and fauna, and flora the to regard with gems veritable some revealing value, environmental high of areas through mainly run They cation. communi and trade for used ancestors our that trails maintain and recover paths marked The tion. and nature, on for environment respect the become andaimpact major attrac has tourist recently low for requirements the to meeting comes it when is perfect that activity is asports Walking Federation. by the ted contempla and activities women mountain practising the various sportsmen of highest proportion the boasting now sport this with Spain, in walkers of number the in growth spectacular with hand tothe mountaineering affiliated clubs.The developmentof thisof paths network has gonehand in association mountain the of efforts and day, generosity present to the the thanks until to grow Ever since the firsttrail long-distance (GR)was marked in Spainin 1975,the has network continued regions.petency in their respective in Spain projects are com and responsible have full promoting for and trailwalking implementing who Federations, and Regional the and Mountaineering Climbing Mountain for Sports Federation Spanish the of direction and supervision the under out carried sports the of is one Trailwalking Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and President of the Spanish Federation for Mountain and Climbing Mountain for Sports Spanish the of Federation President Juan Garrigós iToro Garrigós Juan ------

3 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 socio- economic 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 Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and FEADER introduction

5 introduction 6

Essential Ninety per cent of the land in Spain is rural, but it is home to only twenty per cent of the popu- evolution of rural lation. The gradual decline in the number of inhabitants in rural areas in recent decades makes areas 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 uphol- ding 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 In the face of what is now seen as a need in the early 21st century, Law 45/2007, of 13 Decem- framework for ber, for sustainable rural development, aims to boost the socio-economic fabric of rural areas sustainable and offer access to public amenities that are adequate in both quantity and quality. Article 2 rural develop- sets out the general aims of the law as follows: ment 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 Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development 7 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 Mountaineers small mountain villages, where life is hard and difficult. Moreover, for a long time mountaineers as observers of were one of the few groups that approached the small villages - with their tortuous communica- evolution in rural tions, off the beaten track with no amenities, and surrounded by rugged mountains. Nowadays, areas 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 esta- Collaboration blish agreements to harmonise mountain sports with the conservation of rural areas. Since between public 1999, when the first seminar on protected natural areas and mountain sports (“I Seminario de authorities and espacios naturales protegidos y deportes de montaña”) was held in Tenerife and attended by mountaineering 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 federations 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. that are preferably preferably are that 8 of implications in in implications of involves walking walking involves the trailwalkers’ trailwalkers’ the The rich variety variety rich The along footpaths footpaths along A sports and and A sports activity that that activity recreational recreational movement traditional traditional Therefore, it seems particularly appropriate to promote sustainable rural development in Spain. in development rural sustainable to promote appropriate particularly seems it Therefore, mountains. the with associated traditionally uses the with is and compatible population local the fixing towards contributes area, the organise helps which seasonality, by unconstrained tourism,of form specialised a generating by environment, the on impact economic significant manner. a has It respectful and asustainable in nature with contact fosters and connotations, social and cultural economic, environmental, has It area. surrounding and landscape the with reunion and knowledge enjoyment, is to aim seek the which in activity aleisure offers llers, dwe city for movement social and as ago, asports emerged acentury over which, Rambling, purposes. recreational and sports for to follow easy it makes it that such away in is marked that to atrail refers it pages, following the isin used “footpath” term the Whenever areas. rural in population local the for portunities op new up opens as afootpath marking their valued, to be something use is already original (the second seminar held in Jaca in 2003). the mere restoring While of the fact trails for their signposted” be not may or may and traditional preferably are that footpaths along walking involves which activity, recreational and sports as “a defined is which and “rambling” or king” to as “wal referred have we that activity physical of atype developing for basis the provided has trails traditional of network the years recent in ancestors, our between flowing tionships rela and activities socio-economic the reflecting heritage, historical as value their from Apart introduction - - - - in reaching potential visitors in an attractive manner. an attractive in visitors potential reaching in in all areas, rural footpaths the shown there interest in is quality difficulty establishing a further For andinstitutions. government industry tourist the from trails, support require which strong hiking the with happen will is what This individually. product each selling of task Herculean the original to surmount having to avoid worldwide projected to be need developing products, tourist high-quality activities, Small-scale developed. and structured poorly very is 2009) in which hiking is the (as main activity explained in the Study by the General for Secretary Tourism tourism”, as “mountain know we in What development. rural sustainable for plans tourist board on to take hard is not it cities, large in destination tourist heritage as anartistic fame wide world with tourism, beach and sun in pioneers factor. tourism Being the of aware is fully Spain stakeholders. mic socio-econo and managers land coordination through between culture local and - Amodel of sustainable development is generated that respects the environment strategies. and tools right the with planned are providing they space, and time in distributed Tourist are flows - ject to seasonal fluctuations, based on renewing interest in the local heritage. sector. Tourism is stimulated by fomenting that is innovative an offer and not sub - Anewis generated, activity creating that may an offer help develop the service gies with the trail network. syner creating fields, all in initiatives protection supports and surroundings local the of attractions the articulates This them. with associated heritage rural the with -Traditional are recoveredtrails way,of which, rights large,by are and public along follows: are as which development, rural to contributions significant more the of to some is drawn Attention projects. development rural through conditions living their should focus residents so on local the as to initiatives various help themimproveprocess. The the of stages different the in community the to involve is so,essential to be this it For heritage. region’s the of promotion and maintenance recovery, the aiding for atool and community local the of dynamics social the uses”. for pivotal to be prove may to traditional gard it such cases, In re with and terms economic and socio-demographic in decline of degree significant a exhibit that areas in especially development, to rural contribution its being qualities striking most its of one with effects, many a has great networks trail boosting of “a process the basis for good that established 2009) Barrios, (Los seminar fifth the at up drawn document agreement The Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - - - - - ment develop rural Rambling and tourism tourism wakethe of Rambling in -

9 commit themselves themselves commit

nable rural develo rural nable 10 studies for sustai for studies to rural develop Cooperation and and Cooperation ties in rambling rambling in ties Contribution of of Contribution public authori Mountaineers Mountaineers projects pment ment - - - - study being set in motion: “Marked paths and sustainable rural development”. rural sustainable and paths “Marked motion: in set being study 2010). success The and repercussions of such work have led to a new and more complex joint environmental impact of mountain paths on the rural and natural environment in Spain” (MARM and “Socio-economic study Rural DevelopmentSustainable resulted in ground-breaking the for General Directorate the and FEDME of 2010,In routes. of efforts joint marking the or the like design matters in experience proven their and Europe in Rambling of knowledge their of se also and becau environment rural the with relationship aclose had always have mountaineers familiar, because both is very it which with anareas in collaboration its offer can it thinks ME FED model, tourist the changing of challenge the up takes Network Rural National the When commitment. new this on taking Networks Rural National the of Up Committee Follow- the of part forms FEDME At present, development. to rural contribution arelevant make and opening up theycan to that broader horizons, understand activities mountaineers farming and irrigation on afocus from is shifting areas rural for force driving the that Hence, now Spain. in areas rural of situation the of view aprivileged offer can activities, nature in part take who bling be cannot trails by boasted 87,147any Its other organisation. 2010),(December members ram regarding experience FEDME’s opportunities. sports up to open population local by the used been traditionally had that trails along footpaths mark to first the were clubs Mountain re-oriented. and inspected to be need and rambling go they when population local by the used ever hardly Inhave some not respondedcases, prompted that totheir construction. theyare purposes the projects many agreat in effort public use. However, of regular in are them results of the Most walks through the by visitors because fieldstothey offering were and attract trying mountains. merely occasions other on but landscape, natural the of value and beauty by or the nomena, phe or religious by cultural supported sometimes footpaths, marked of miles of thousands of In decades, recent have in invested improvement the public administrations conservation. of systems including populations in an excellent important state many ecologically to maintain possible it made all have industrialisation limited methods, farming traditional Depopulation, introduction - - - - authorities to harmonise the use of different signs. different use of the to harmonise authorities public the with together worked have they cases some In horse-riding. and such as cycling transport of forms non-motorised other with paths their sharing sometimes pedestrians with signage, different use James),which St of Way (The Santiago de Camino and Route) Quixote Don (the Quijote del Ruta Way), Silver (the Plata la de Trails), Vía (Nature Naturales Caminos rural development” therefore not only includes GR footpaths, but also Vías Verdes (Greenways), sustainable and paths “Marked entitled study The heritage. historical valuable extremely our of as part trails of recovery alsothe and on awareness, people’s on health, on environmental repercussions its rambling, of impact socio-economic examining the analysis and knowledge of processes those all in part also are taking They areas. protected for markings other or trails, such as nature systems, marking other with to compatibility is open that apolicy pursuing are they itself, signage the on focuses action their and perspective, asports take FEDME Although associations. and clubs Rambling European various by the sponsored paths of metres kilo GR®, the 800,000 than more up SL®and with PR® linking trails of markings, kilometres 60,000 of anetwork has currently Spain network. European by the enjoyed quality of standards the with terms equal on trails these place and Spain throughout homogeneity to establish is aim to endeavour Trailwalker’s The its Handbook. with accordance in signage and routes for auspices requirements exact regionalthe the ensures which federations, of compliance with endorsement procedure conditions. is An andusedfoot undersuch for safe purposes, under the on country the know to get to Spain in living everyone name), enabling its in registered marks GR®,marked One of FEDME’s of footpaths goals is PR® and to SL®,a create network (trade Statutes. its in out set those are with dealt activities the under events umbrella the FEDME”. of addressing study,and/or sporting the current the When mountains the to relating practices other any or dissemination for technical, scientific, albeit goals include and and its promoting “developing studies work, Statutes, its accordance with In federation. a sports of “public sphere”, activities assumed the to beyond go endeavours it the in working However, of role events. its in sports to these relating competitions and camps rock-climbing,mountaineering, canyoning, skiing, downhill snow-shoe routes, mountaineering low, of areas altitude, high and through mid hikes to excursionsand relating those with together is grouped competency This responsibility. its under are that 3.7 sports the among Article in rambling 15-10-93), BOE identifies Gazette, National the in (published 1993 September 20 of Sport for Council Supreme the of by Resolution issued statutes, Its purposes. administrative for functions public out carries that body and, is aprivate as such, it federation is asports FEDME Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - - marked trails trails marked fully of network a forming in Interest trademarks - registered SL footpaths and PR GR, social role a with federation FEDME asports is

Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

methodology

13 14 and sustainable and sustainable Team members “Marked paths paths “Marked rural develop rural proposal of of proposal The initial initial The ment” - MAB Committee, FEDME Trails Committee, MAB Expert Parks in the Principality of Asturias and the Nature Reserve of Muniellos, Member of the Spanish • Development. and Heritage Local of Valuation Rambling, Thematic on Cultural Seminar the the of and Director Programme Tourism Laguna, La of University the at Geography Human in Lecturer Senior • Board. Advisory Mountain tific FEDME Trails and Expert Specialist in Public Use of Natural Parks, Coordinator of FEDME’s Scien • Canaria Santa “Fundación of thefoundation Cruz Manager Sostenible”.Laguna, La of University the at Tourism Programme Cultural of Co-Director Development, Local in Master • at theUniversidadPolitécnicaSenior Lecturer deMadrid, FEDME Trails Expert. • Committee. Access Nature the for responsible person and Directors of Board FEDME the of Member Law. of Zaragoza, of the Master’s Director ProgrammeSports-related versity Academic Mountain in • were involved people directly following thestudy: in 2011. February on 12 The Barcelona in meeting first the for convened were will free own their of part take to wanted that Those transferred. were Board Advisory Mountain Scientific the of members all rural development”, sustainable paths and “Marked To entitled thestudy out carry biodiversity. of preservation the with surroundings, relationship or their natural in the integration and networks, European sed channels, statewide promotion, with connection speciali of design,dissemination materials, to signage -Thirdly, such criteria extending quality, nature.with associated opportunities and values rural is reshaping that asociety in sports, and pursuits re leisu active health, to promote footpaths the uses which itself, population - Secondly, local the ping products. tourist develo with associated tool efficient an constitute they because activities, leisure and sports as rambling, by facilitating enhanced now are Traditional trails visitors. tourism: the - Firstly, outset: the from right focus into came areas the promoting and talising revi of ways different maintenance, and to management approaches different waymarkings, different motivations, different selected: routes ten the in diversity out to seek essential was it In orderimprovement. to for achieveor proposals recommendations thisimplement objective, development sustainable processes the in of towns through the theypass which and todriving factors the identify and to try communities, autonomous various of lands the through ning run paths ten analysed development” rural sustainable and paths “Marked entitled study The Antonio Alba Moratilla (Asturias), Technical Agricultural Engineer, Director of Natural of Director Engineer, Agricultural Technical (Asturias), Moratilla Alba Antonio History, and Geography in Islands),Doctor (Canary Hernández Zapata Manuel Vicente Management, Environmental in Master Law, in Bachelor (Valencia), Gil Ferrís Carlos History, and Geography in Islands), Bachelor (Canary Rosario del Millán Manuel Pedro Sciences, Sport and Activity Physical in Doctor (Madrid), Saldaña Mediavilla Lázaro Uni the at Lecturer Senior Law, in Doctor (Aragon), Sarmiento Nasarre María José

. methodology

------researchers for the study also being Lázaro being also Pedro and Mediavilla forthe study researchers Millán. main the with Nasarre, María José by over taken was project the managing for Responsibility control and of theproject. forthegroup manager communications and secretary of duties the over took Committee, Access Nature FEDME’s of Office Secretary’s the with association his of account on who, (IUAA), Federation Climbing and and Juan Jesús Ibáñez Martín, Secretary for the Access ofCommittee the International Mountain Archaeologist; and Association, Ramblers European the at representative Expert, TrailsFEDME • Committee. of theEnvironmentber Olympic of Commission theSpanish • mote GIS Sensingand Technician. • Park. Natural of theGoverning of Los Board Alcornocales • Environmental in Science. Expert • Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and Also participating in Also participating the study were Antonio Turmo Arnal, FEDME Director for Rambling, Pau Pérez de Pedro (Catalonia), Geographer and Geologist. mem Natural Areas Expert, Mancha),Re Environmental Science, in González(Castilla-La Bachelor Ruipérez María member Technician, Resource Human (Andalusia), Sánchez Sánchez Joaquín Antonio University Guide, Mountain Geographer, (Valencia), Domínguez Bravo Alberto Pedro - -

15 methodology 16

Criteria for The selection of the 10 trails was based on the diversity of the regions, origins and type of selecting the signage. The team decided to go for lengths of route requiring an overnight stay. On trails that trails under were hundreds of kilometres long, sections with two stages were selected. The following study 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.

The selected Once the rules had been decided upon, all the trails were examined. In the end, 11 autonomous trails 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. residents. local with popular it makes towns neighbouring of stations the between link the and cycling for suitable particularly it makes slope gentle The greenways. on used typically waymarking the (Andalusia). with line Greenway is adisusedrailway This Subbética / Subbética Verde Vía being introduced. gradually are markings GR though even waymarkings, own its has use. It pedestrian for tioned been oldrecondi cobblestones. has its It recently Spain of since vestiges Roman times, with of west the up linked has León). that y corridor Anatural (Extremadura-Castilla Plata la de Vía vehicles. by motor throughout used be can it that in paths long-distance other the all from differs It cha. and markings its own spreadingobjectives, specific across allMan the ofprovinces Castilla-La way with Quixote, Don of publication the of anniversary the of celebration the with life began that project Mancha). important An (Castilla-La Route Quixote Don Quijote/the Don de Ruta region in shared a mountain bylocated threeautonomous communities. value, cultural and environmental great is of that area is amountainous Beceite de Ports Els as known massif The terrain. rugged with area populated asparsely in Association, Ramblers European by the recognised footpath long-distance E4 European the and GR7 to the linked Ports de Beceite or Els is partly that Ports (Catalonia-Aragon-Valencia). trails of is anetwork This area. the visiting to tourists offered to be walks enabling available, become has accommodation rural as more emerged have trails These waymarkings. PR with places from out starting trails of (Asturias). LosOscos is anetwork This way. the along villages various up links that trail is amountain This Association. Ramblers European by the E4, recognised Path Long-Distance European 7and as GR Marked Tarifa. and Athens up linking 10,000 than more for kilometres extending trail the of part forms but Nevada, Sierra the of side southern the along (Andalusia). runs that Alpujarras Las Afootpath Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - - -

17 18 Trail analysis fact file fact contained more than 100 points, chosen by consensus, that were considered to allow aprecise, to allow considered 100 were by consensus, than chosen more that points, contained survey. evaluative The c) elements. noteworthy and other population, walkers, impact, businesses, cultural significant heritage, natural heritage, scenery, publication, difficulty, segments, urban surface, waymarking, board, information an cludes: in selection The precision. and consistency with elements significant most its highlight and footpath the to characterise used are which captions, with images twenty of consists dossier photo The script. athematic follow would which footpath, the for archive photo the for ments require Subsequently, to decidearchive. on information the was necessary it photo The b) weather, charge, etc. in people elements, and selected, heritage-related section natural dominant surface, in altitude, fference di length, it, with associated places location, footpath, the of name the of details the included profile technical The testimonies. personal and information written to resort to necessary was it which for analysis, socio-historical and profile technical the from required content the group profile. footpath the on survey The a) parts. basic three into divided was footpath each of observation direct for documentation The upon. agreed was one each for wording the then and proposed, were included to be needed that items the First, successive had Board, file. the from content Advisory meaningful the extract to communication, email by enhancedmeetings, Mountain Scientific the of members were who team, The “yes/no” theGuttman and scales, 7-point and scales. Likert 5-point original Spanish), and presented in 2009 for the active tourism study (Mediavilla), which used the the Herramienta in Valorativa for standing HEVA, as purposes (known such for adapted was file evaluative etc. population, An information, local itinerary, theform of in afact tool infrastructure, - consulted. informants the expert - waymarkings, etc. villages, of surface, of vegetation, thefootpath,boards, information type - history,initiative, profile,promoters of the tourist etc. people, its concerning tion was extracted - by, isknown it names theroute, along places location, length, details, basic etc. its - sections: five of consisting trails, the se designed to analy sheet, out specifically usingfact was This study carried a observation direct

The evaluative survey, with 106 items concerning the footpath, with reference to the to reference with footpath, the concerning items 106 with survey, evaluative The references, and ordigital to bibliographic both ofused,alluding sources information The representativeand significant werethat items contain to had archive,which photo The fromwhich informa path itself, framework historical and of thelong-distance social The establish to made was attempt an which in footpath, the of identification technical The Finally, a structure had to be found for the evaluative survey, which survey, which evaluative the for found to be had Finally, astructure

The team decided on the format that would be used to used be would that format the on decided team The methodology - - - - - Vía Verde Ruipérez. Subbética: María Ibáñez. Jesús Juan and Plata: la Vía de Alba Antonio • Turmo Mediavilla. Lázaro Quijote: Antonio and Don de Ruta • Pedro Bravo. Ferrís and Carlos Beceit: de Ports • Ibáñez. Jesús Juan and Alba Oscos: Los Antonio • Sánchez. Joaquín Antonio and Pedro Millán Alpujarras: Las • Ibáñez. Jesús Juan and Alba Ebro: del Camino Antonio • Zapata. Vicente and Pedro Millán Nasarre, Santiago: de José María Camino • Nasarre. José María and Zapata Virgen: Vicente la de Pedro Millán, Camino • Cavalls: de Camí Ferrís. Carlos • • as follows: were footpaths the of each for sheet observation the for responsible people The images could beas extracted. possible, representative most the which from as complete was that archive aphoto to include needed work The documents. socio-economic demographic, historical, geographic, including paperwork, the all handling and informants pert ex interviewing also involved but data, collecting and days two in path whole the along walking in solely consist not did Suchwork feasible. to be not proved this reasons, personal for where, except pairs, in done was work field The Board. Advisory Mountain Scientific the of members 2011, in June and May of by months the documented and During visited were footpaths ten finalform, thereby making it ready for application tothe other footpathsthat had been selected. its at arrive to it, on improving and completing file, the adjust us helped which observers, the of experience the with along data, quantitative and qualitative provided pre-test This terrain. actual the over walking and documentation the consulting informants, expert by interviewing Islands). file the us enabled of to test all complete sections Canary Hierro, El land initial of This out a on on pre-test the the GR-131 ground. test This was performed de “Camino la (is Virgen” to carry imperative was it report, analysis the of design correct and To effectiveness the check answers. ofeach theaffirmative 2) isreallyvariable present. items of the96 1) scales: two in out set was assessment the version, final its In data. final the for measure corrective a as used were workgroup, which by the determined values, mean using arithmetic content of piece each of weight the specific identified file The to analysis to bemade assessfootpaths. the contrastive Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and An evaluative response, from 1 to 5, which allowed for a more nuanced response to response nuanced more a for allowed which 5, to 1 from response, evaluative An specific the not or whether of recognition objective providing negative, or Affirmative

- - The field work field The situ in file designed Testing the

19 20 members of the the of members Data analysis analysis Data Consensus Consensus among the the among team team active role in its preparation and final review. final and preparation its in role active an played who team, the of tomembers all sent were text present the of drafts Successive analysis filefor the and footpaths, more specifically, todesign antool thatevaluative was valid. as the alsoand topossible, amend accurate and as be meaningful would that conclusions discussions to reach joint to have importance paramount also of was It Spain. in footpaths the of situation the tackling rigorously of goal the achieve to sufficient be not would data the of analyses qualitative and quantitative by performing study this However, completing merely future. the in and immediately both improved to be needed that sectors and sections the identify as so to accurately out, also carried was content of blocks the of analysis Acontrastive trails. these for values representative the to ascertain footpaths, the of each for divided been had file the which in blocks five the of significance the extract 19,to SPSS and 2010 Office Excel using analysed were data Such data. b) Quantitative analysis, photo dossier, sources and documentary socio-historical profile, technical sections: various the from conclusions significant most the drawing and compiled, been had that documentation the all reviewing observation, periential ex and direct of by means studied were Suchdata data. a) Qualitative obtained:data the analyse to proceeded team the complete, was footpath the for file analysis data the Once methodology - OBSERVATIONS weather - Exceptional - Average rainfall - Average temperatures seasons - Peak surface of type common - Most path the for recognised potential -Theme-related is recognised it which - Uses for date to made modifications of - Number modified last - Date date - Opening - Budget responsible maintenance for - Entity - Developer through passed - Villages through passed - Municipalities –Islands districts - Local - Provinces - Autonomous Communities sites heritage noteworthy - Most through passed areas natural of type and - Number FIGURES (descent) difference - Altitude (ascent) difference - Altitude End - - Start selected- Distance SELECTED SECTION - Number recognised of stages - Total length: name the of meaning and path the for names - Popular it with associated - Locations - Technical path the for name PATH PATH THE OF PROFILE 1 TECHNICAL PATH FACT FILE Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

21 22 - Informants consulted: - Informants sources: and information - Documentation 4 DOCUMENTATION, CONSULTED SOURCES OF INFORMATION INFORMANTS AND publication hardcopy own path’s the for photo - Cover difficulty of - Level - Landscape heritage - Natural heritage - Cultural - Companies impacts - Significant - Walkers population - Significant sections - Urban Surface - - Waymarking Board - Information PHOTOS). 20 OF (MAXIMUM REPORT 3 PHOTO resources.- Public programme, etc. motivations, - Developer: etc. with, identified sector development, - Business etc. profile, tourist visits, sector: tourist the of - Evolution office. tourist by the held those with Commerce of Chamber the with registered companies of analysis - Contrastive type. each etc.) of number plus companies, transport shops, shops, handicraft, souvenir local bars, sports tourism, restaurants, adventure hostels, hotels, homes, holiday (rural business of types and companies of Number - - Tourist dimension: profile geodemographic and - Population path the of history - Brief PATH THE OF ANALYSIS 2 SOCIO-HISTORICAL PATH FACT FILE methodology 5 OBSERVATION SHEET: PATH FACT FILE Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

23 24 PATH FACT FILE FICHA DE SENDERO FICHA methodology PATH FACT FILE Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and OBSERVA 062 061 060 059 058 057 Blo 056 055 054 053 of thepath 052 05 050 Virtual elements 049 048 047 046 045 Physical elements Blo 1 ck ck ------The informationintheguidecoincideswithrealityofroute The guideincludesinformationonamenities The guidecontainsinformationonthenaturalandculturalheritage The guidecontainsinformationfromthepanelsonpath The latestguidetobepubl It ispossibletoobtainguidesandbrochuresofferinginformation The websitedivul The informationmentionstheintegrationofpathinanetworkpaths The websiteenablestheinformationonpathtobeaccessedinlessthanfour“clicks” It ispossibletoobtaininformationfromthepanelon The websitecontainsinformationforusingnewtechnologiesinconnectionwiththeuse The websitedisplaysitscontentinseverallanguages The pathisadvertisedonthetouristofficewebsite The pathisintegratedinanorganisedtouristproduct The pathismadeavailablethroughspecialisedcompanies The touristofficehasp There isatouristoffice I nformation offices

B: B: Tourist i Information system

TIONS :

nformation :

ges itsinformationthrough can befound romotional itemsspecificallyabout

ished waslessthanfiveyearsago

along theroute

social networks

the footpath throughthewebsite thepath

sites alongthe

path

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Importanc Importanc 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 e e

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Ye Yes Yes s Done Done

No No No No No N No No No No No No No No No No No No

25 26 PATH FACT FILE OBSERVATIONS 075 074 073 072 071 070 069 068 067 066 065 064 063 council Block C:Usebylocalpeopleandtown FICHA DE SENDERO FICHA ------Selective refusecollectiontakesplaceinthelocationsalongrouteo Other publicauthoritiesareinvolvedinmaintainingthepath The municipalityisinvolvedinmaintainingthepath The projectforthepathhasinvolvedsocialparticipation The walkers’stopoversitescoincidewiththelocalpeople’smeetingplaces The r The wholepathrunsalongpublicrightsofway The localpeoplehelpmaintainthispath The pathisatleastpartlyusedforlivestockandagriculturalpurposes There areconflictsbetweenthelocalpopulationandusersofpath The pathisusedbyeducationcentres The pathisusedbythelocalpeople The path

oute ofthepathpassesthroughsomemostrelevantareasinregion isa“healthcircuit”for :

the localpeople

f thepath

methodology 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Importanc 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 e

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Done

No No No No No No No No No No No No No

PATH FACT FILE 081 080 079 078 077 076 Blo OBSERVATIONS 089 088 087 086 085 084 083 Blo 082 Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and ck ck ------The companieshaveparticipatedintheprojectforpath There arecompaniesofferingadventuretourismalongthepath The pathisadvertisedinthepublicityofferedby Tourist companiesofferactivitiesassociatedwiththepath There aretranspo The localp The companiesassociatedwiththepathbelongtolocal Theymainlywalking They They aremainlybetween18and65yearsofage They comemainlyfromothercountries They comemainlyfromother They comemainlyfromthelocal They usuallyhaveatouristprofile D: D:

Walkers Companies are mainly over65yearsofage eople

participateinrelatedbusinesses(workers)

rt companiesinthemostimportanttowns roups

autonomouscommunities a

utonomous

c ommunity

hotel andcateringindustry

population along

the path

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Importanc Importanc 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 e e

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Done Done

No No No No No No No No No No No No No No

27 28 PATH FACT FILE OBSERVATIONS 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 environment (outsi 099 098 097 tourist office 096 095 094 093 092 091 environmental quality 090 Blo FICHA DE SENDERO FICHA ck ------The pathhasbeenincludedintheAgenda21ofthosemunicipalitiesthathaveit The informationonthewebsitewasupdatedlessthanayearago Some sections There isaguidebookforthepath The facilitiesareingoodcondition Asystemisinplaceforcollectingopinionsaboutthepath The pa There are There arenomainroadsorfactoriesinthevicinityofpath There arenonoisesalongtheroutetha Warnings areissuedabouttherisksalongrouteindocumentationavailable Warnings areissuedabouttherisks The pathislinkedtoothernetworksofpaths(naturalrightsway, The pathhasbeenapprovedbyF.E.D.M.E. The pathhasitsownrecognisedrules The protectednaturalareas The businessesor E:

Quality th hasmobilecoverage

structural

de ofthepathcanbenegotiatedbydisabled :

urban areas)

location offeringthispathareinpossessionofsomekindrecognised elementsalongtherouteofpaththatareforeigntonatural along

the pathhavetheirownidentificationmark

along therouteininform

t areforeigntothenaturalsurroundings

ation given

among others in situ

)

methodology 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Importanc 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 e

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Done

No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No

Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and FEADER Characterisation of the footpaths analysed 29 30 SUMMARY SUMMARY FOOTPATH 35.2 kilometres selected - Distance Porter) en Cala Alaior( - Finish Galdana) (Cala Ferreries - Start completed. was island the around (1st route circular the 2009 for 2010 phase) April in and waymarking the all date- Opening Menorca de Insular Consell formaintenance responsible - Entity Trails) (Nature Environment the of –Ministry Menorca) of Island the of (Council Menorca de Insular Consell - Developer None, just housing along in coast these the municipal estates districts towns and through passed - Villages and Alaior Gran Migjorn Es Ferreries, - Municipalities passed through Menorca –Island - Local districts Menorca Provinces - Baleares - ANALYSED SECTION 185 kilometres - Total length GR223 - Technical forthefootpath name CAVALLS DE CAMI - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH

Autonomous CommunitiesAutonomous Camí deCavallsCamí

the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation

MIDE: Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - Peak- seasons of surface -Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most of naturalareas through passed type and - Number temperatures are milder and there are fewer crowds of people. crowds of fewer are there and milder are temperatures island when the round travel can that residents and local tourists is for a choice good winter) and (autumn year the of remainder the although Europe, northern and UK the from makers holiday- September, and May with between occupation of season clear avery has island The areas. residential through streets and road country paved 5%is and a track, dirt 25% path, is acoastal 70% Approximately seafront. the along or tates es housing through streets and road country exceptionally, and paved track, and path Rural themes and nature-related Cultural purposes. tourist and recreational as asfor well operations, forestry and activities cattle-raising out carry and farms to enter authorised people other and owners by the also are enjoyed rights and Access purposes. recreational tourist for Rambling, biking, and horse-riding mountain activity. by human altered little landscape anthropised an in activities forestry and livestock hunting, fishing, grazing, cattle with associated architecture traditional the all general, In Bou. Son of basilica leochristian Pa the of remains and floors threshing old walls, stone dry wells, traditional and kilns Lime Government). Regional Balearic – (ANEI Interest Special of Area Natural and Directive) EU – (SPAs birds wild of the conservation for Areas (UNESCO), Reserve Protection Special Biosphere Menorca required: 4 effort of Amount 2 difficulty: Walking route: the during 2 Orientation 2 surroundings: natural the of Severity - -

31 32 MAP SECTION ANALYSED SECTION ANALYSED FOOTPATH NATURA 2000 NETWORK 2000 NATURA BOUNDARY PROVINCIAL the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation ROAD NETWORK ROAD MUNICIPALITIES http://menorcadiferente.com/cami-de-cavalls/ LINK WEB PHOTO SIGNIFICANT Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

33 34 SUMMARY SUMMARY FOOTPATH 37.37 kilometres selected - Distance (jetty) Orchilla - Finish Tamaduste El - Start 2005 date- Opening de Cabildo El Hierro formaintenance responsible - Entity de Cabildo El Hierro - Developer Valverde, Tiñor Tamaduste, El Estaca, La towns and through passed - Villages Frontera La Hierro, El de Pinar El Hierro, El de Valverde - Municipalities passed through Island de El Hierro –Island - Local districts Tenerife de Cruz Santa Provinces - Canarias Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 37.37 kilometres - Total length - Technical forthefootpath name de Virgen la Camino - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH GR131 Camino de La Virgen La de Camino

the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation

35 36 MAP SECTION ANALYSED SECTION ANALYSED FOOTPATH NATURA 2000 NETWORK 2000 NATURA BOUNDARY PROVINCIAL the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation

ROAD NETWORK ROAD MUNICIPALITIES

http://www.elhierro.es/index.php?item=00100003 LINK WEB PHOTO SIGNIFICANT Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

37 38 SUMMARY FOOTPATH - Developer towns and through passed - Villages - Municipalities passed through –Island - Local districts Burgos and Rioja La Provinces - yLeón Castilla and Rioja La Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 749 kilometres - Total length GR65 - Technical forthefootpath name James) St Way of (the Santiago de Camino - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH due to the fact that it was easy to follow easy was it that fact to the due known widely more to usemuch and simpler much became 1990s it the onwards Valiña, from Elías Cebreiro, of priest parish by the waymarked partially was route the After governments. regional other by the subsequently and Galicia, of 1992 in Government loped Regional by the deve be to started configuration present its Ages, Middle the throughout diffused route The (Burgos) Ortega de Juan San and Oca de Montes Villafranca Castildelgado, Camino, del Camino, del Espinosa Tosantos, Río, Belorado, del Villambistia, Villamayor Rioja, de Redecilla Viloria Rioja), (La Grañón and Calzada la de Domingo Santo (Burgos). Colina de Barrios and Oca de Montes Castildelgado, Camino, del de Rioja, Redecilla Fresneña, Tosantos, Belorado, Viloria del Camino, Villafranca Espinosa Villambistia, Rioja), (La Grañón and Calzada la de Domingo Santo Burgos. of province the of strip central the along Burgos, in Alfoz and Oca de Montes of districts Vallein the region; Alta Rioja Rioja), in (La La located de la Calzada Domingo Santo of District Camino de Santiago de Camino

. the footpathsanalysed the

Characterisation of of Characterisation - MIDE: 46.4 kilometres selected - Distance - Finish Rioja). (La Calzada la de Domingo Santo - Start date- Opening formaintenance responsible - Entity Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and San Juan de Ortega (Burgos, Castilla yLeón). Castilla (Burgos, Ortega de Juan San Pilgrim’s Way concerned. and Autonomous the Communities French the of Associations the of action to the thanks marked were sections all when year the 1971, in recovered was route French the James, St Way of the of Friends of tions Associa of Federation Spanish to the According fashion. complete or clear any in marked not were that trails and tracks along or roads, main of shoulder hard the along so did they date,but earlier an at path the used that found be can Walkers years. 1990s,the twenty than i.e. less for since travelled been has configuration current its with and conceived now is it as path The public subsidies. from funding external with councils, sometimes town by the of care is taken Maintenance James. St Way of the of friends of associations by the after looked are trail the along dotted waymarkings painted The access rights across farms, livestock, etc livestock, farms, across rights access route, pilgrimage cycling rambling, tours, and horse-riding, agricultural: tourist Recreational, isrecognised forwhich it -Uses Oja. River the over bridge Calzada la de Domingo Santo (dating back to 12ththe Juan (St San John’s the Juan in de San Ortega century); Monastery) in church the 11therected Romanesque (an early Cathedral zada de the Monasterio century), Cal la de Domingo Santo the are noteworthy most the study under section the in but route, the along all dotted monuments are There yLeón. Castilla in Site aHistoric and Rioja La in Site Heritage aCultural by UNESCO, Site Heritage aWorld declared been has itself trail The sites heritage noteworthy - Most None of naturalareas through passed type and - Number required: 3 effort of Amount 1 difficulty: Walking route: the during 1 Orientation 2 surroundings: natural the of Severity .

39 40 MAP Peak- seasons of surface - Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related Spring to autumn. More foreign users in spring and more Spaniards in summer in Spaniards more and spring in users foreign More to autumn. Spring vehicle. of types various of use the to facilitate tarmac or paving with sections various are there though even track, Dirt route). (architectural route Religious: pilgrimage FOOTPATH ANALYSED FOOTPATH SECTION ANALYSED SECTION NATURA 2000 NETWORK 2000 NATURA BOUNDARY PROVINCIAL the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation

ROAD NETWORK ROAD MUNICIPALITIES

http://www.caminosantiago.com/ LINK WEB PHOTO SIGNIFICANT Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

41 42 SUMMARY FOOTPATH 61,4 kilometres selected - Distance Manzanedo. - Finish Polientes. - Start 2009. in completed being construction with 2008, in laid was stone first The date - Opening Affairs Marine and Rural Environment, the of Ministry formaintenance responsible - Entity - Developer towns and through passed - Villages - Municipalities passed through Valle and Sedano de Valderredible –Island - Local districts Burgos and Cantabria Provinces - y León Castilla and Cantabria Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 1200 kilometres - Total length GR99 - Technical forthefootpath name del Ebro Camino - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH the request of the Spanish Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports (FEDME). Sports Climbing and Mountain for Federation Spanish the of request the at Authority Basin River Ebro The Affairs, Marine and Rural Environment, the of Ministry The Remolino, Arenas. del Pasarelas, Aire, Puente Puente de Ebro, Pesquera Valdelateja, Cortiguera, neja Quintanilla-Escalada, del Castillo, Quintanilla, de Elines, de Ebro, Villaescusa Polientes, de Orba Elines, de Arenillas Ebro, Martín San Villota Camino del Ebro del Camino

the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation - MIDE: Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and Spring, summer, Spring, autumn. of surface - Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most of naturalareas through passed type and - Number - Peak- seasons etc.) width, (surface, Trail Nature the Programme with compliance in adapted been has It tracks. forest and Farms Tourism, ramblingand pursuits. recreational used by residents. local the is also normally It farms. local the for aservice providing thereby passes, it which through regions the in practised activities livestock and farming forestry, traditional the for used Tourism, is still it In addition, cycling trails, tours, horse-riding. nature recreation, rambling, Magdalena (17thLa Manzanedo. in Asunción, la de Señora c.) Nuestra Tudanca, in of Church of Romanesque Church Baroque Pesquera, de Sebastián San of Church Romanesque c.), (17th Palace Gallo (12th c.),the Escalada of Church c.),(10thRomanesque Elines de San Martín of Church Collegiate c.),(12th Asunción la de Señora Nuestra of Church Romanesque Reserve. Nature yRudrón Ebro Alto del Hoces Las required: 3 effort of Amount 2 difficulty: Walking route: the during 2 Orientation 1 surroundings: natural the of Severity FEADER

43 44 MAP SECTION ANALYSED SECTION ANALYSED FOOTPATH NATURA 2000 NETWORK 2000 NATURA BOUNDARY PROVINCIAL the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation

ROAD NETWORK ROAD MUNICIPALITIES

www.caminosnaturales.com LINK WEB PHOTO SIGNIFICANT Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

45 46 SUMMARY SUMMARY FOOTPATH 50 kilometres 50 selected - Distance Lanjarón - Finish Trevélez - Start 1997 to 1999 date - Opening formaintenance responsible - Entity - Developer towns and through passed - Villages - Municipalities passed through Granadina Alpujarra Alta –Island - Local districts Granada Provinces - Andalusia Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 10.450 kilometres - Total length 7, GR Granadina Senda - Technical forthefootpath name known Not - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH Development of La Alpujarra) Alpujarra) La of Development in currently the hands of local or organisations for Rural Groups the Development (Association responsible organisation developmentThe for Regional is Granada Council. Maintenanceis Sports) of (Department Council Provincial Granada Trevélez-Busquistar-Portugos-Pítres-Bubión-Pampaneira-Soportujar-Cañar-Lanjarón Trevélez-Busquistar-Portugos-Pítres-Bubión-Pampaneira-Soportujar-Cañar-Lanjarón Senda Granadina the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation MIDE: Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - Theme-related potential recognised forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most of naturalareas through passed type and - Number declaration of La Alpujarra as a Cultural Heritage Site. Heritage as aCultural Alpujarra La of declaration 1980, in by the Area followed Conservation Artistic and as aHistoric ravine Poqueira the of declaration is the example Atypical architecture. folk of brand own its with is unique that alandscape surroundings the lends feature This altitude. in difference a45% than more with slopes steep and ravines deep with marked 57.8% with rugged, surface and the of abrupt very is which terrain, hilly is the there First, is considerable. trail this of potential theme-based The interest. particular of are which tourism, equestrian and biking, mountain rambling, including villages, activities, and ecotourism between communications livestock, Farming, (springwater). Capuchina of San Roque,Vuelto de (orHermitage Pilarillo Lanjarón, las Esquinas),Cuatro de Manantial la Pilar del Virgen La of Shrine Encarnación, la De Sra. Ntra. of Church Castle, Lanjarón Lanjarón: and washing places in Trevélez: Iglesia Cuesta, de de la Calle Trevélez, Tinaillo Antonio, San fountains of Hermitage Tinaos Padua, de Antonio San of Hermitage Soportujar, of Church Soportuja: Angustias las de Virgen of Hermitage Pórtugos, of Church fountain, Agria fountain: Pórtugos Fountain. Antonio San Castle, Pampaneira Pampaneira, Church of Pampaneira: Cáñar of Church Cáñar: Busquistar of Church workshop: weaving Busquistar Bubiónwashing place,Bubión: fountain, Bubión, Church of Hondera Park. Natural Nevada Sierra and Park National Nevada Sierra with coinciding January), 30 of 24/2007 (R.D Reserve Nature Nevada Sierra required: 4 effort of Amount 2 difficulty: Walking route: the during 2 Orientation 2 surroundings: natural the of Severity

47 48 MAP - Peak- seasons of surface - Predominant type there is a moderate to low trickle of visitors. of trickle to low is amoderate there year the of rest the throughout to rambling, themselves lend not do climate the of rigours the when season, summer the of exception the With Conception).Immaculate the memorating (com holiday bank December the and Easter during is hikers of concentration greatest The villages. the through passing streets and trails woodland of stretches short with interspersed trails, and tracks of entirely almost Consisting added protection. Finally, utmost the enjoys that area natural aprotected in farmlands. found is to be value hilly of landscape the fashioned has Muslim) Hispanic or Roman The use festivities. of water for purposes irrigation using ditches (of origin, uncertain possibly Christians and Moors local its of highlight a are which uprisings, Moorish the by influenced gas local The greatly history, Its etc.). to isnotice. sure region to the role, as visitor any amajor has tronomy milling, pottery, weaving, crafts, (local issues ethnographic in forced rein is mention previous 2005). The October 26 of Tahá (Resolution La and Granadina Media SECTION ANALYSED SECTION ANALYSED FOOTPATH NATURA 2000 NETWORK 2000 NATURA BOUNDARY PROVINCIAL the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation ROAD NETWORK ROAD MUNICIPALITIES

- - -

http://www.rutasyviajes.net/gr-pr/gr7/gr7-andalucia.html LINK WEB PHOTO SIGNIFICANT Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

49 50 SUMMARY SUMMARY FOOTPATH Seimeira: 8 Km, round trip. A Coba: 14,5 ACoba: trip. trip. round round 8Km, Km, Seimeira: selected - Distance Seimeira:Pumares. of area recreational - Finish - Start footpath. Mid-1990s first the of case the in date - Opening Town Council. formaintenance responsible - Entity - Developer towns and through passed - Villages de Oscos. Eulalia Santa - Municipalities passed through Oscos-Eo. –Island - Local districts Asturias. Provinces - Asturias. of Principado Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 15 4and kilometres. between of routes Circular - Total length Asturias.. de Oscos, de Principado Eulalia Santa of District and Parish the in Footpaths of Network - Technical forthefootpath name Asturias. de Oscos, de Principado Eulalia Santa of District and Parish the in Footpaths of Network - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH A Coba: Ferreira. A Coba: Ferreira. Pumares.Seimeira: of area recreational Asturias. of Town Principality and Council parish. whole The Red de senderos: Los Oscos Los senderos: de Red the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation MIDE: Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - Peak- seasons of surface - Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most Eo, Reserve. yTerras Oscos Biosphere Burón de of naturalareas through passed type and - Number weekends andholidays. bank at popular particularly and round, isall used it but season, peak during summer in Mainly and trail. woodland Traditional footpath Nature, ethnography, rambling. way. of rights nature, Rambling, and looms. knives iron jet, handcrafted Sargadelos, of Marquis the of ethnography, birthplace mallets, Forges, 3 2; required: effort of Amount 2; 2 difficulty: Walking 1; route: the during 2 Orientation 2 2; surroundings: natural the of Severity

51 Characterisation of

52 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

Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development 53

SIGNIFICANT PHOTO Un marco legal para el desarrollo sostenible del medio rural.

WEB LINK http://www.santaeulaliadeoscos.es http://www.oscoseoturismo.com 54 SUMMARY SUMMARY FOOTPATH - Opening date - Opening formaintenance responsible - Entity - Developer towns and through passed - Villages - Municipalities passed through Montsìa Matarraña, Maestrat, Baix –Island - Local districts Teruel, Tarragona and Castellón. Provinces - and Comunidad Valenciana. Cataluña Aragón, Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 7: GR 8: GR kilometres. kilometres, 353 550 - Total length 7-GRGR 8 - Technical forthefootpath name None - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH GR-8 Aragonese Sector: 1989 Sector: Aragonese GR-8 1978; Catalonia: GR-7 through passing Sector 1981; in marked Valencia: of First region autonomous the GR-7 through passing Sector Refalgarí Excursionista /Club Alpi Club Joca Tortosa de /La lunya Cata de Excursionista Unió Catalonia: of region autonomous the GR-7 through passing Sector programme) (Greenway Environment and re, Territory Infrastructu of Valencia: of Department region autonomous the GR-7 through passing Sector Sector. specified. Not Aragonese Associations). GR-8. Ramblers of ration Fede (Catalan Catalunya-FEEC de Excursionistes D’Eentitats Federació Sector: GR-7Catalan programme) (Greenway Environment and Territory Infrastructure, of Valencia-Department of Valencia:Government of Regional region autonomous the through GR-7 passing Section Boixar,El Beceite Fredes, Paüls. Senia, La Beceite, Benifassa, de Pobla Els Ports Els the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation - - - MIDE: MIDE: km(GR-7) 33,200 selected - Distance Tarragona Teruel of (GR-7); of province (GR-8) the province in the in refuge Beceite Caro El - Finish - Start Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - Peak- seasons of surface - Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most of naturalareas through passed type and - Number 25,940 km(GR-8) 25,940 Tarragona of (GR-8) province the in refuge Ferrera Font (GR-7) Castellón of –province Boixar El Spring and autumn. autumn. and Spring trails woodland and 3metres than less of awidth Track with paths and Beceite. and Fredes around particularly places, of some in preserved been has landscapes path the of route original to The variety. visual and quality great rise give which landforms, different countless up offers etc.) sandstone, of the basement rocks. of The the diversity bedrock (shales, clays, conglomerates, limestone, movement to the adjusted has layer Mesozoic the massif, where Iberian the of beginning the this marksarea standpoint, a and geological geomorphological from Furthermore, important. extremely habitats, unique its with region, this make substrata and orientation altitude, in variation The plants. endemic of aprofusion with Mediterranean the of typical vegetation the specieswith relict to zonesclimatic come face face and is Euro-Siberian place the where bio various through passes it since potential great has itinerary The hikes. short Landscape; and hiking rambling GR-8 hiking; and rambling Sector: Catalan GR-7 hiking; and rambling Sector: Valencia GR-7 Beceite Boixar,and El of Fredes settlements Traditional urban mous Communities Autono three the of area entire the throughout Programme Networking 2000 Natura the with of Community (Autonomous Valencia), SPAs of for wild the birds in conservation Benifassa and relation Importance Sites of Community de Tinença and (Catalonia) Ports Els of Parks Natural 3; required: 4 effort of Amount 3; 3 difficulty: Walking 3; route: the 2 during Orientation 4; surroundings: 3 natural the of Severity - -

55 Characterisation of

56 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

Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development 57

SIGNIFICANT PHOTO Un marco legal para el desarrollo sostenible del medio rural.

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 58 SUMMARY FOOTPATH 50 kilometres 50 selected - Distance (Cuenca). Belmonte, - Finish - Start 2004 date - Opening Mancha. Castilla-La of Government Regional formaintenance responsible - Entity - Developer towns and through passed - Villages - Municipalities passed through or Mancha de Mancha Montearagón Conquense –Island - Local districts Cuenca Provinces - Mancha Castilla-La Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 2443,438 kilometres - Total length Route” Cultural “European Route). adventure. for Quixote Don Aplace (the Quijote Don Ruta - Technical forthefootpath name Route) Quixote Don (the Quijote Don Ruta - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH Belmonte, (Cuenca). company) Mancha,S.A.” la de (public Quijote “Don Haro. de Vega, la de Haro, de Osa Fuentelespino Villaescusa Belmonte, Haro. de Vega, la de Haro, de Osa Fuentelespino Villaescusa Belmonte, Ruta DonQuijote Ruta the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation MIDE: MIDE: Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - Peak- seasons of surface - Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most of naturalareas through passed type and - Number Not known. Not vehicle). aconventional in covered be can route the (95% of trails Agricultural vague. are text in Cervantes’ references the although book, the one from is point theoretical the starting The mobility. limited with people Walking, cycling, horse-riding, Mill. Blanco and Castle Haro: de pino Haro Fuenteles in mine Roman Assumption, Vega: the la de of Osa Church baths. Roman possible Monastery, Justinian the of Church Palace, Arellano Ramírez the Friars, Dominican of nastery Mo the Site), of Church Heritage Cultural a Assumption, the of Peter’s,(Chapel St of Church Parish Haro: de (15th c.).Villaescusa Villena, of Marquis the of castle and manor Belmonte: None. required: 2 effort of Amount 1 difficulty: Walking route: the during 1 Orientation 2 surroundings: natural the of Severity - -

59 Characterisation of

60 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

Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development 61

SIGNIFICANT PHOTO Un marco legal para el desarrollo sostenible del medio rural.

WEB LINK http://www.turismocastillalamancha.com 62 SUMMARY SUMMARY FOOTPATH Aldeanueva del Camino, (Hervás) Camino, del Aldeanueva - Start BC century 7th date - Opening formaintenance responsible - Entity - Developer towns and through passed - Villages - Municipalities passed through –Island - Local districts Salamanca. Cáceres, Provinces - Extremadura. yLeón, Castilla Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION kilometres. 800 - Total length 100. GR - Technical forthefootpath name Way). Silver (the Plata la de Via - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH ranges still maintain some sort of vertical signage and the GR waymarkings. GR the and signage vertical of sort some maintain still ranges mountain de Francia de Béjarand Sierra None, in Sierra the Biosphere the although Reserve and economicding historical, cultural resources. and tourist, promoting their own defen of purpose 1997 in the for Way), founded (Silver Plata la de Ruta the on Cities of work Net aCooperation is however there route, current the for adeveloper being there Without Béjar,de Valdelacasa. de Valverde del Camino, Aldeanueva Hervás, Baños de Montemayor, Calzada de Salvatierra, Fuenterroble Béjar. de Béjar, Puerto Cantagallo, Tormes. de Alba of Béjar, of District Party Judicial Salamanca: Valle Ambroz. del of District Extremadura: Vía de La Plata Vía de La the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of Characterisation - - - Peak- seasons of surface - Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most of naturalareas through passed type and - Number MIDE: 42 kilometres selected - Distance (Guijuelo) Salvatierra, de Fuenteroble - Finish Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and All year round, although mainly in spring and autumn. and spring in mainly although round, year All road). main the being actually part (this concrete with paved occasionally to farmlands, leading road as used aservice track dirt road, Roman Mozárave”. as “Camino James”known St of “Way the of aswatching). part is included It Rambling and golf, cycling activities, and tourist, cultural routes, gastronomic nature trail (bird etc. to farms, leading way of and rights horse-riding, and andcyclists, for pilgrims ramblers, by tourists purposes recreational isfor used it when now until troops, Roman of movement of axis important the through passing North, the in those with South the in towns the to link used was it past the In la María Salvatierra) de (Fuenterroble Blanca, Santa of Church (Valdelacasa), Santiago, of Church (Bejar), Fort, Roman and tion de (Baños of Montemayor),Catalina, El Santa Humilladero, Hermitage Church of the Assump of Church María, Santa of Church baths, Roman and spa ancient Camino), del (Aldeanueva Servando San of Olmo, Church del Señora Nuestra vulture’s of gorge, the Church over Bridge Stork Black the of Conservation the for Importance of Area Hombre.de Cuerpo River the of valley the and Tormes tributaries River the its and tributaries, and ranges, Alagón its River mountain the de Francia delario, Quilamas, and Batuecas-Sierra Can the in (SCIs) Importance Community of Sites the with along tributaries, its and Alagón River the and Francia, de Batuecas-Sierra Quilamas, Candelario, Sierras the in Birds Conservation Wild of the for (SPAs) Areas Protected Special the as such Programme, Networking 2000 Natura Quilamas. and Candelario of areas natural protected future the and Park, Natural Francia de Batuecas-Sierra Las Francia. de Sierra and Béjar de Sierra the in Reserve Biosphere - -

63 64 MAP SECTION ANALYSED SECTION ANALYSED FOOTPATH NATURA 2000 NETWORK 2000 NATURA BOUNDARY PROVINCIAL the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation

ROAD NETWORK ROAD MUNICIPALITIES

Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development 65

SIGNIFICANT PHOTO Un marco legal para el desarrollo sostenible del medio rural.

WEB LINK http://www.rutadelaplata.com 66 SUMMARY SUMMARY FOOTPATH - Start 2002 date - Opening formaintenance responsible - Entity - Developer towns and through passed - Villages - Municipalities passed through –Island - Local districts Córdoba Provinces - Andalusia. Communities- Autonomous ANALYSED SECTION 37,37 kilometres - Total length Greenway). (Subbética Verde Subbética. la de Vía - Technical forthefootpath name range. mountain Subbéticas Train Oil the in Olive Greenway - Popular forthefootpath names FOOTPATH way, the footpath covers almost all of the old railway line used by the Olive Oil Train. Oil Olive by the used line railway old the of all almost covers way, footpath the Green Oil Olive and Greenway Subbética the Greenways, two the linking By Jaen. of province the through goes which Greenway), Train Oil (Olive Aceite del Verde Vía the with up links it Peñuelas”. las de Loma that is here It as “La known area the in Córdoba, and Jaen between border natural the forms which Guadajoz, River the over viaduct the at starts Greenway This cils). Hierro. Town and Coun Council Provincial (Federation, Subbética, la Verde de Vía the of Consortium municipalities of Association the of initiative the at Programme Greenways Doña Cabra, Mencía, Lucena, and Zuheros, Luque las Navas del de Selpillar (pedanía Lucena). (18,4Lucena (15,3 km), Cabra km), (3,5 Mencía km), Doña (5,2 km), (14,9 Zuheros Luque km). Subbética. La of District Vía Verde Subbética the footpathsanalysed the Characterisation of of Characterisation - - MIDE: MIDE: kilometres 56 selected - Distance - Finish Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - Peak- seasons of surface - Predominant type forthefootpath potential recognised - Theme-related isrecognised - Uses forwhich it sites heritage noteworthy - Most of naturalareas through passed type and - Number as the “Cerro del Puntal” del “Cerro as the known anarea in Aguilar and Lucena of municipalities two the between border the reaches Navas del Selpillar, at Las From the station it until more a few kilometres stretches the trail All year round. year All earth. compacted and tarmac surface: Mixed circuit as development an local Health element of wheelchairs. to confined people for also and appropriate cycling, jogging, rambling, route: sports and Tourist, eco-friendly ces.. servi cafeteria and restaurant for reconditioned cases most in a and halt, stations train Five Alamedal. del Barranco El Vieja, la de Dientes Los Zuheros, Sima, La viaducts: metal Four Plantio. El tunnel: unlit An use. line, current railway restoredbelonging its and for track toreconditioned Original a heritage Birds. Wild of Conservation the for Area Protected Special bética Sub Sierra the and Importance Community of Site Subbética Sierra the Geopark, Subbéticas Sierras the in located ones the are latter the within fall that sites protected Other Park. Natural Subbéticas Sierras and Reserve Nature Salobral del Two, Laguna La required: 5 effort of Amount 1 difficulty: Walking route: the during 1 Orientation 1 surroundings: natural the of Severity - -

67 Characterisation of

68 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

Marked Paths and Sustainable Rural Development 69

SIGNIFICANT PHOTO Un marco legal para el desarrollo sostenible del medio rural.

WEB LINK http://www.viasverdes.com/ViasVerdes 70 Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and titative, used statistical methods to make methods the statistical used titative, sed using two different approaches. The first first The approaches. different usingsed two tential for use. The second,whichwasquan use. for The tential Once the field work had been completed and had completed been work field Once the been compiled, this information wasproces compiled,been this information was qualitative, designed to reflect the geo to designed reflect was qualitative, of the path, along with revitalising the area, area, the revitalising with along path, the of to support the conclusions of the study and study conclusions the the of to support graphical, historical and social environment social and environment historical graphical, the data obtained from the worksheets had worksheets the from obtained data the the enhancement of its heritage and its po its and heritage its of enhancement the findings more objective. Thiswas all used objective. more findings has led to a number of recommendations. recommendations. of to anumber has led proponer una serie de recomendaciones. de serie una proponer conclusiones del estudio y ha permitido permitido yha conclusiones estudio del histórico ysocial sendero,histórico así del como Una vez concluido el trabajo de campo concluidoUna trabajo vez el puesta en valor de su patrimonio ysus valorde supatrimonio en puesta procesado la información atendiendo a atendiendo información la procesado través de las fichas de trabajo, ha dese las fichas de través viene a reflejar el entorno geográfico, geográfico, entorno el areflejar viene dos enfoques. El primero, cualitativo, cualitativo, primero, El enfoques. dos El segundo, cuantitativo, ha utilizado utilizado ha segundo,El cuantitativo, objetivación de resultados. Todo resultados. de objetivación ello oportunidades de aprovechamiento. de oportunidades y recopilados los datos obtenidos a obtenidos datos los recopilados y la dinamización del territorio, la territorio, del dinamización la métodos estadísticos para la para estadísticos métodos ha servido de sustento alas de sustento servido ha - - - - FEADER study data

71 obtaining economic obtaining

numerous possibi numerous 72 Communities may Communities be representative representative be The difficulty of of difficulty The 11 Autonomous Footpaths offer offer Footpaths is applied to all all to applied is 500 kilometres kilometres 500 procedure that that procedure of footpaths in in footpaths of data for small for data An analytical analytical An footpaths footpaths villages lities - racteristics. cha special own its having one each with duplicated, never are that available trails hiking of network ahuge by having aroused interest the and wealth their increases This times. former to in put were trails the uses notable by the supported cases most in albeit time, of period alengthy over bodies by various differentiated are that regions in factors different of a number with being Their them.their the that footpaths, really defines heterogeneity reconditioningfeature depends on for profile typical a as thing such no is there that indicate can we said, That perspective. sufficient with Spain of geography the criss-crossing trails waymarked of web the of repercussions the investigate us to enable will that data as so to provide improvement of need in information of spheres suggests as it inasmuch study this of interest the enhances which disparity, of deal a great is often there collected, is indeed such data when And determined. to be need weaknesses business whose towns, small are These through. pass they areas the on trails waymarked of impact real the assessing of purpose the for nature, business or aneconomic of particularly key aspects, certain on information to obtain is hard it that mind in However, borne be should it characterisation. general their as so to determine common in have not do or do they features which see to file footpath a form to together put all is This data. sources, suchviews, and and documents statistical secondary collecting as reviewing inter and work field of use the through observation direct example, for exploited, are sources and business dimension. combined the use Through research various techniques, of primary economic its of examination an with finishes and coordinates, social and historical its review begins the with technical identificationof thepath andits recognised route, then moves on to that items of range abroad of consisting procedure analytical is acommon point starting The structures. socio-economic their to revitalise an effort in them, with associated heritage the and trails local their to recover opted have that areas geographic these developing for strategies of terms in significant more increasingly becoming is which resource, local of type this of features neral ge the of idea us aninteresting give paths waymarked ten of kilometres 500 Approximately QUALITATIVE DATA QUALITATIVE STUDY DATA STUDY - - - visits. tourist development the of has on an with how in impact connection they are maintained cases many in which, itineraries, coherent in them articulate also help They people. local the by frequented most areas the outside are that elements of case the in particularly visible, more them make help examined footpaths The centres. urban to modern sites archaeological from ranging contrasts, huge with extent, or lesser to a greater anthropised be may that ronments envi includes and varied, and is extensive catalogue The identity. of hallmark own its path the give which and way the along found to be are that landscapes and features cultural the with along time, of course the over trail the maintaining and opening in involved components logical techno and construction to the itself route the of out mapping the From environment. graphic geo the on actions human with associated items heritage with also happens similar Something added value to these itineraries. lend that wealth and breadth anenormous offer through pass they locations geo-bioclimatic (SCIs Programme and SPAs). Networking 2000 the surroundings,Therefore, andenvironments Natura the in included are that as asareas well Reserves, Biosphere Interest, Special of Areas Natural Conservation, for Importance of Areas Geoparks, Reserves, Nature Landscapes, tected Pro Parks, Natural Parks, Rural find We value. enormous such of is which site heritage tected pro the of whole the to see possible it make help trails the since prospect is aremarkable This use. public for areas natural protected of promotion and planning the in implemented are that strategies the is clear, areas through protected is and fomented with trails of relationship The to woulddevelopment. seemlocal to make acontribution relevant activities hiking which “regional areas” in certain with to coincide known are that sections many a great are there since note of is worthy to cover. wish fact they This sections the of selection coherent a make walker the helps which stages, formal less or more into divided are and long-distance, even that whole do districts not have The a arefootpaths significance. marked demo-economic and institutions, map” of the on “location to the regard with is also relevant contribution Their scale. regional and alocal both on development reviewing their to itinerary turn them into footpaths so that they can influencethe processesof is increasingly being fact taken intoterritorially. This consideration in or their re-design, when and socially both to play role aprominent had therefore have and urban, or large, or rural small albeit location, of types all linking communication of tool animportant represent trails The regions.and its Spain of history the in events relevant large, bywith and them, linking to tourism, regard with particularly noticeable, more them make and out them to mark anattempt in name a thematic Way),Silver de Camí have or been Cavalls given the Route. Don As noted, Quixote the majority (the Plata la de Vía James), St of (Way Santiago de Camino the as such itineraries, thematic involving projects huge of part form even and level, national and aregional on both footpaths emblematic are These network. route, footpath, track, name: trail, their in visible is even this earlier, out and as pointed diversity, its of because out stands selected paths of group The Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - - - - - future the into ted projec heritage traditional represents footpath The areas protected with link Dynamic function and territorial social important an perform Footpaths roots territorial their maintain Footpaths -

73 74 common project common seen in opening unites different different unites passes through through passes but above in all but history alive of of alive history managing and ve bodies in a in ve bodies maintaining it maintaining not only to be to only not to rambling is is rambling to up a footpath footpath a up The footpath footpath The The footpath footpath The administrati Commitment Commitment the places it it places the keeps the - for a footpath, or determine successive improvements or modifications wherever these exist. these wherever modifications or improvements successive determine or afootpath, for tourist in initiative next to no time. In this respect, it is not always feasible to fix anopening date a kill can programme maintenance and management aproper of lack The destination. tourist the at activity rambling the of quality the on and routes the of homogeneity the on effect tive anega have can which continuity, in lacking and importance less of by groups with dealt often is aspect This maintenance. subsequent their for not but paths, marked into trails converting velopment programmes, common most procedure etc. is to budgets for The for be determined de rural initiatives, schemes, campaign tourist and job-placement employment of advantage taking frequently with authorities, public various from by funding maintenance, covered being often such aspects and execution their for earmarked budget specific a always not is There amongst others.authorities, basin to river associations ramblers’ from ranging entities, private added be should to which councils, provincial bodies, islandandpalities, even ministerial councils, governments regional munici of councils, include town developers Thus, federations contributions. andpublic private of harnessing the promote can that companies public or cooperatives of networks as consortia, such footpaths, different the amongst shared be can that tools promotionary and management for search occasional the with contrasts this Nevertheless, activities. to sports them adapting when used been always not have criteria same the since routes various the in to homogeneity lead always not does this However, region. single a even or province single a to confined not often are and areas huge cover normally footpaths boundaries, to administrative respect With time. their in value commercial and historical great of were that trails livestock of network is also alarge There walling. dry-stone of culture a notable with along periods, all from dating roads paved and roads Roman are there that mind in bearing resources, as basic serving elements associated of range broad its with itself trail the forget not should we And forestry. hunting, fishing, trails), cattle (particularly stock-raising and zing gra farming, instance, for activities, productive deep-rooted traditional of aspects workshops; water-related castles; and palaces elements,such as across bridges washing fountains, streams, places, or cisterns; craftsmen’s springs; hot and spas baths, thermal crosses, and nes, heritage; religiousrailway buildings such as churches, cathedrals, collegiate churches, convents, chapels, shri architecture, folk and traditional centres, urban sites, historical Significant QUALITATIVE DATA QUALITATIVE STUDY DATA STUDY - - - - - the aforementioned potential of thematic elements. thematic of potential aforementioned the for exploiting activities alsoare significant rambling and hiking Likewise, prominent. all be may (amongst others)aspects or water nature-related botanical, geomorphological, infrastructural, religious, ethnographic, literary, scenic, gastronomic, architectural, areas, historical, in which huge articulates it since path’spotential, the of diversity and breadth the on influence an have can that factor a also is Length impact. and visibility huge enjoying brand) promotional or bol (social sym theme a main concern these of noted, some already As through. pass they ments environ the and themselves, trails and tracks the of importance the of because mainly dpoint, stan an interpretative from themes various to prepare opportunity the offer fact in study this of part forming footpaths The significant. also is routes different the of potential thematic The heritage. of medicine or preventive interpretation the sports, concerning to those references historical and ethnological its from footpath, the of value incalculable the shows This transport. of means non-motorised for designed are and network urban the with population, also sections local the since for circuits up includethey connect health Certain excursions, runs, cycling tours, rambling, biking, horse and riding, crossetc. mountain country such as activities, tourist and sports recreation, also included suchhave uses years, recent In etc.). hunting, commercial, religious, (military, reasons of multitude a for people different by many traversed been have and uses of variety to alarge put way. been have they Hence, along back goes study under footpaths the for abasis provide that trails most of history The areas. natural protected of framework the within way of rights public the of as part included are conditions some in and routes, regarding stability greater to enjoy seem would protection, legal their for provisions and surroundings, natural to the connected closely more are that Footpaths value. scenic their to enhance tives safer, towns, toor initia the desire the to include certain development of themin urban the tothem make to interventions individuals, by private way of rights public of misappropriation topass, the they which through land the of owners the with disputes or social to legal due be also can variations others, Amongst signposting. its and road old the of protection the account into take not do sometimes that roads country improving for plans with along networks, rail and road of modernisation the with linked are adaptations recent most their since enemy main their to be appear would infrastructure transport modern the of way. extension of The rights public invariably almost and traditional, are that or immemorial time since used been have that routes follow them of most though even recent, to be considered be therefore can and tury, 21stthe cen of years ten first the during opened were discussion under footpaths the of Half Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - - - - - and varied rich is footpath the of potential thematic The modernity with links tradition footpath The paths marked into transformed are Traditional trails

75 76 QUALITATIVE DATA QUALITATIVE STUDY DATA STUDY cases. some in supranational be even may which projects, larger of part form they occasion, On etc. nature, or cultural a residential or of sports, various involving clubs and federations with conjunction in particularly path, the maintain and implement to refurbish, projects the developing in played has volunteer the role is the important is Here, what time. of course the over maintained been have that trails traditional to recover initiatives citizens’ of part form paths some that noted also be should It awards. international through formalised, occasionally and is sought, recognition institutional but with is dispensed footpaths long-distance of approval sometimes that also shows undertaken have we study The needs. to ramblers’ attention and quality greater offering as analternative footpaths other of search in go visitor, the will of eyes who the in site the of image anegative creates also but path, the use of the user, the for affects only not comfort and safety greater ensure to items additional of lack The unfeasible. proposal the make trail, the designing when account into taken not were which etc. route, the along amenities various of absence the provisions, and water of lack the or weather inclement from to shelter places of absence possible The footpath. the designing when account into taken not are that aspects provisions, and water of lack the or elements the from shelter to take places of absence possible by the aggravated all is etc.).This winds, strong storms, temperature, in differences extreme heatwaves, hail, and more marked degree of seasonality, mainly as a result of harsh winters or summers (snow, frost a with paths the are conditions weather by exceptional affected most are such that Those variability. influences also are they longer The year. entire the throughout use potential of degree a high have that many are there although guidelines, general to establish possible is not It tion. popula season local the tourist conditions, andof ment or weather alongpreferences with environ the on extent to alarge depending varies, footpaths these use of frequent most The mobility. limited to with people accessible partly made and adapted been have footpaths some hand, other the On individuals. private use of the also and for area the in activities productive of development the with nection con in both vehicles, motor of passage the for adapted also been have many And cases. most in visible still are years the over place taken have that Alterations towns. modern of pavements the with contrast roads Roman The etc. shorelines, and banks river along des, footpaths and promena alleyways, urban resources, natural exploiting for trails traditional paths, narrow and trails cattle concrete, with paved roads tracks, farm and lanes country surfaces: of range wide is a there tarmac, with paved to sections periods, construction different of anoverlap nes, with cobblesto From original evenconsidering when footpath. the same observed, heterogeneity enormous the out point should we footpaths, the of conditions physical to the respect With Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - - - - - accreditation accreditation to road A long use its limits account into user of type the take not does that design footpath A tourists to footpath the of appeal the affect may Seasonality network the throughout used are surface road of types Different

77 78 Rambling confers Rambling confers traditional trails traditional a new valueon history of the the of history communities communities Footpaths Footpaths reveal the the reveal they pass pass they through through de la Plata, Camino del Ebro, or the Don Quixote Route. Quixote Don Ebro,the or del Camino Plata, la de Vía the itinerary, cultural European a is James),which St of (Way Santiago de Camino the as significance such of axes Structural above. mentioned have we as recognition, and awards of distinction the garnered has which scale, a on global cases some in accumulated, already have they values heritage notable to the interest added offers which trails, marking in made progress ramblingin development the Spain of of and the evidence of them together. also offer They bring that surroundings to the pertaining and making own their of history, both relevant harbour them support that trails the recent, relatively is paths selected the of configuration the While alike. visitors and to locals available is made that heritage collective manner,red the recovering legacyin a structu access provide to paths selected the this important importance, paramount of or large, or anonymous small Whether regions. and districts towns, various the of nications commu and life of way the history, the to trace is possible it trails, the studying By depth. in studied been have sections specific only when even whole, a as taken are selected footpaths the when seen be can This past. the into evaporates memory whose footpath, the of web the escape features and facts significant few very that means country the of part alarge covering extension gradual Its Spain. in aspects historical of number largest the for aframework vides pro that systems the of is one country, whole the to aims cover which paths, the of layout The QUALITATIVE DATA QUALITATIVE STUDY DATA STUDY - - - albeit scientific or of a social and economic nature. economic and social of a or scientific albeit offshoots, various with legacy documentary impressive a really contribute doing, so in and over,pass they lands the of that and future their on attention our fix help also they hence and occasions, many on mapped and described to be them led has importance Their others. among interest, literary or commercial, religious, amilitary, with routes also recovering ways, pilgrims’ or routes commercial lines, railway trails, cattle royal roads, Roman the of case as is the past, the in relevant more far was that infrastructure of value socio-historical the uphold Footpaths infrastructure. existing the from paths of network current the to extending contribute can that initiatives future a basis for providing point starting is a positive It such heritage. with contact and activities to respect promotion, development,seeks which local low-impact usually with onfocus their and schemes that protection their highlight provisions of and that laws tabling to the cases many in led have processes These stakeholders. private and public of anumber of participation to the part large in due interesting, been whole the on have itineraries modern the for structure and support to provide serve that trails the recovering in involved processes The Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and recovered is centuries over the trails by the left legacy tary documen The stakeholders and private public between communication way of renews rights public of recovery The -

79 80 full significance significance full Footpaths offer offer Footpaths small towns an small towns articulated in a in articulated have a positive positive have a local economy economy local when they are are they when Footpaths can can Footpaths more heritage heritage more impact on the on the impact the contrasts contrasts the achieve their their achieve The footpath footpath The opportunity opportunity recovery of of recovery of different different of showcases showcases trigger the the trigger resources Footpaths Footpaths Footpaths Footpaths network regions regions ensue during the progress of certain activities and services. and services. activities ensue certain progress the during of that consequences the beyond and over repercussion, effective their to measure nature this of study a in difficult quite still is it case, the being That cultural. or natural albeit heritage, of value the emphasise that activities tourist of extension to the linked when particularly menon, pheno growing and however, idea, is apositive this general is that The space. same the within opposing views relationships, even helpforge attracting that surroundings geographical the any precisiondegree on of processesthe development markedpaths of of impact the real with us to establish allow not do information of sources usual introduction, the in mentioned As ramblingexperience. the enrich that environments and spaces to new shape give that features many the of some are sites archaeological gardens, regions. geographical Churches, places, palaces, certain gathering fountains, of attractiveness overemerge themso elements increasing time, that, otherrevitalised thehelps articulate to rescue in and theirand resourcesarea / located or initiatives improveof otherheritage the development to the leads footpaths into transformation their and trails many of recovery The attractions. tourist the and network footpath the of integration and management the for planning urban supramunicipal through towns different the between out alsoare sought values are enhanced and synergies their heritage if regarding their development, particularly limitations significant Good areas planning of with new can routes help nal revitalise networks. and thento internatio autonomous the outside community toworks gain access to territories net to use and these regions neighbouring of networks the with up link and country the about us to move enables it since fertile most the to be shown been has anetwork of concept The are that excluded overall processes the development. of entities from for forward way only the are cases many in that links maintaining stagnant, and small, dynamic and enclave,large of types all connect help and differences these perceive not do trails the Nevertheless, expectations. few smaller for townsoffering slowthe human processattrition of and speaking, economically and socially places vibrant most the in demographics the of ment is predominant areasthe trend pass through reinforce where the geographical footpaths The charm. of full still nevertheless are that lands such forgotten of inhabitant hiker and the for up opened been have as they by others, displayed backwards astep even and stagnation to the as opposed places some of vitality the us to witness enable itineraries Their residents. of ahandful only with hamlets small and cities populated densely between contrasts deep of thus glimpses provide They centres. to urban environments mountain from features, distinctive quite of arange with places with dotted and diversity, huge by their characterised through, pass they lands the in axes cultural and economic important also become have they Likewise, QUALITATIVE DATA QUALITATIVE STUDY DATA STUDY - - - - pretation facilities, etc. facilities, pretation commerce, leisure and active agencies inter tourist and transport, heritage personal services, sector, catering and hotel the on impact a particular having improved, or extended been have footpaths the that fact the of view in increased been have ramblers, for adapted or specialised whether clear.beingeconomyvery services, totheIn nearest these areas, the specific benefit the with footpaths, by the offered possibilities new the of advantage to take others than better themselves organised have regions some that is true It stakeholders. local by the is put it which use to the and dynamism also with but characteristics own its with to do alot has lopment to deve contribution Its aresource. creating means basically afootpath of implantation The etc. footpath, the alongside right hostels and hotels as asrestaurants, areas, well recreational sites, camp sales, and production craft tres, cen interpretation eco-museums, offices, information tourist assector, such tourist the with economy,the associated and facilities and also on themselves, and oninfrastructure account of revitalise help and dynamism socio-demographic on animpact have can they where contexts, geographical respective their in value strategic have paths marked as mentioned, A priori, guides. mountaineering and rambling and companies tourism active of associations the products)and tourism mountain and Spain in tourism nature on (Studies Trade and Tourism Industry, of try Minis by the others, amongst provided, facts, bullish positive the consider we if satisfactorily, concept the ramblingholidays of pment indecades.is recent Inprogressing this still context, develo territorial of factors to strategic amounted have which tourism, cultural and nature in rise the of advantage legacy. takes This heritage extensive and to a rich fashion an organised in access client the offering product as atourist them to structure possible been has it where particularly visitors, for attraction animportant are they since areality, become now have paths marked into transformed been now have that trails many of possibilities tourist obvious The resource. complementary in some regions,progress amount to ramblingcan displayed a where good by activities hiking of possibilities us to the blinds extent to some which important, is still attraction tourist sand and sea sun, the to boost the finally, And etc. paragliding, trails, equestrian biking, mountain cycling, diving, sports, such as water process, expansion amodern through also are going these of Some area. same the in developed been have that attractions tourist and recreational sports, other with co-exist or to compete have they furthermore, cases, certain In animpact. have they in areas the on which or economic and business emergence the to initiatives activity of favour yet have footpaths many of promotion and adjustment recent the that appears it respect, this In Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and - - - - - sector sector services the expansion of on the impact have adirect Footpaths region a promoting in value strategic have Footpaths elements other with along product tourist a configure can footpath The sions repercus local with factors other of that from footpath the of impact the isolate to difficult is It -

81 82 lity of footpaths footpaths of lity have on its own own have on its services boosts boosts services The joint visibi joint The and associated and associated Public collabo Public developing the the developing sector thrives thrives sector important for for important on the traffic traffic on the The services services The of footpaths footpaths of multiply the the multiply their tourist tourist their each would impact that that impact Networks Networks attraction economic economic footpaths footpaths footpaths along the the along ration is is ration - - private investment. private involving initiatives the and population local the of expectations the authorities, municipal the is unless outcome it planned in accordance public resourcesof with doesa notbetter imply contribution greater However, a regard. this in contribution significant a made have initiatives federation mountain or areas natural protected different in or Beceite de Ports in Revitalisation Tourist and initiatives Islands, Leader Canary the in TOURMAC as examples. cited are ment and Rural andEnviron the Environment, of Marine programmes implemented by the Ministry Trails Nature Greenways and The action. original the from derived be can that consequences positive by the encouraged initiative, to this added are companies private and public other if case the particularly is This area. geographical specific a in campaign promotion its begin to economic the a resources public of generalprogrammes nature,existence of endowed with is the economy local to the it connecting and path amarked developing for important Usually joint actions to region, promote and same the paths the ramblingactivities. with in together come that organisations between coordination for need to the drawn also be should Attention example. for technologies, new of by means fashion, accessible and anadequate in seen to be complementarity their for opportunities and offers both enabling available, formation in by making Firstly, potential. tourist of perspective the from particularly co-exist, they where areas the in improved to be needs companies and footpaths the between relationship the that is noted it initiative, business the for recorded been has participation of rate agrowing Although toregion. local paths the the development of of complementary contribution more the to regard with route, the along places relevant by defined stages into design, broken up linear of paths long-distance by played role the on reflecting our merits unquestionably fact This trails. local and these between and routes, short-distance and long of link-up appropriate the through example, for area, limited or specific a around rambler the steer can that is anetwork there when greater the all to be seem therefore repercussions The on business the impact the greater sector. is, the it seasonal less Hence, the open. to remain businesses existing enabling absent, are who inhabitants, regular the year, supplant the even of times ramblers or passers-by.tors At certain visi occasional the and residents local the both by targeting portfolios, their to diversify tempt at businessmen many fact, In places. certain in residents local benefitting clearly presence continued their compromised, wouldbeseriously with continuity orotherwise whose disappeared have might which services specific of development the with along activities, previous maintaining in activities associated plus paths marked the of role the out pointing is worth It QUALITATIVE DATA QUALITATIVE STUDY DATA STUDY - - - - the processes of development processesthe atall of levels all over country. the to contribute will it that isdoubt no is done, there this If planned. and articulated is perfectly that footpaths marked of network statewide areal creating of as up a way stepped to be needs practices these exchangeof and dissemination the reason, this For paths. marked of network the extending on based population local the for leisure or tourism, adventure with associated activities rambling to promote route same the down to go wish that regions other for a model as taken be can that effect ademonstrable with practices best examples, suitable considered Finally, among canthat the becases there studied seem numberof to initiatives be a sufficient trails. and tracks its and aland to know get and hiking to go tourists for away are afootpath, on ramblers European of congregate likewhich thousands businessmenevents the EURORANDO, involved. Europe-wide with promotion and maintenance for plans the up to beef is imperative it although Menorca, in Cavalls dels Cami the of case as is the successful, most the to be seem initiatives structured or projects region. in same the The interacting stakeholders the between exists that derstanding the un in consonance with is it ronments proposed to effect promote. is a There multiplying envi the of configuration the on effect positive a has which funding, further attracting years, recent in grown have these created, been already has what improve even and to maintain want we if particularly insufficient, be to seem would far so applied resources public the while And Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and FEADER - - future projects future any enriches experience of exchange The visibility have greater structure solid a with projects Rambling

83 84 Analysis based Analysis on blocks of of blocks on content items (61.32%) •Sixty-five score points of 7 maximum the obtained item foreach (37.74%) items •Forty possible of the7points out 6.9 6and ascore of between obtained (0%) •There was item no 5.9. 5and values with of between (0.94%) item •One 4.9. 4and ascore of between obtained consideration: into taken are details following the when reliability, of degree ahigh has factor correction The such item. for content to the attributed value the 106with the of accordance in items, each 1to 7for from avalue indicated factor, expert each To correction analysed. the paths obtain foot ten the of 106 each the for of toitems each applied were values corrective Finally, these experts. the all of participation the through obtained being values corrective with items the selecting for point starting the as taken was consensus Therefore, findings. the in objectivity of degree agreater obtaining thus analysed, footpaths the concerning observations the of results to the applied was expert, by each offered assessment the in subjectivity of gree factor, correction sheet. This was which designed toitems on observation the reduce de the 106 the of to each applied then was which obtained, results the with accordance in average as aweighted calculated factor acorrection produced This sheet. observation the on appearing content of section each on experts the of by each completed survey evaluation the in obtained results the sharing by done was This experts. of group the by identified were significant most (see had sheet been selected 2 Chapter on the ones toconsidered Methodology), be servation ob trail the up 106 the making Once opinion. items expert of aid the with obtained was factor correction The significant. be to deemed study the for data supply that elements the reflect above, which out set headings the under recorded content the from item as aseparate ments Each block includes of a information the finalcom ofreflecting observers’ section observations content: of blocks on based ananalysis also and to perform Spain in trails the of situation current the of anoverview gain in sheet content (incorporated from the Chapter 2 observation on can Methodology) be used to the applying of as aresult assessment toaquantitative make statistically obtained data The Block E: Quality elements identifying the trail the identifying elements Block E: Quality trail. the with relationship company. the and walker Their D: The Block councils. town and population local by the trail C: the Block Use of trail. the for systems information and B: TouristBlock information infrastructure. and Trail A: Block itinerary QUANTITATIVE DATA QUANTITATIVE STUDY DATA STUDY - - - - into percentages in preceding the into percentages column. converted been have scores To these pectively. to usecomprehend, and easier such make data 157.25 and points 44.95 res of score observed be amaximum can cases both In points ture. . (28%). areas these of identification religious the is spectrum the of end other the At development. rural for value important an is which (78%), trails of networks with (82%) and are articulated resources tourist by other are complemented analysed footpaths the that fact the corroborate obtained data The resources. tourist and trails the on focused assessment of experts’ networks both including systems, extensive the more in integrated was footpath the that fact block, this in data significant most the to respect With into account. taken were history with associated or are nature, or religious environmental, cultural, sports, a of are footpaths the whether and networks trail between connection the brand, identifiable own trail’s the season, tourist such as the variables section this To in scores the determine average. above are that scores (47.13%). have Beceit de footpaths the Ports (24.59%),byof cent Route followed per Seventy Quixote Don the by recorded was score lowest the hand, other the On (79.20%). Virgen la de (81.49%)Camino the Subbética Verde and Vía the by obtained percentages high the to drawn Itinerary. infrastructure. and Trail itinerary sheet: observation the in specified content of blocks the with accordance in below out set are obtained data The afootpath. of analysis any with connection in given opinion subjective to the is assigned factor acorrection system, this of means By data. the interpreting for rating reliability a99.05% has sheet assessment the statistically, Thus, analysis. in-depth the for proposed footpaths the of to each applied itwas ratings, corrective had been various using adjusted the sheet observation final the Once PERCENTAGE VALUE ITEMS OBTAINED TO ACCORDING FROM THE Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

With respect to the data concerning the itinerary shown in Table in shown 1, is itinerary attention the concerning data to the respect With 37,74% 61,32% 0,94%

There are two sub-sections: itinerary and infrastruc and itinerary sub-sections: two are There of 7point of scores with Questions 6.9 6and between of scores with Questions 5.9 5and between of scores with Questions 4.9 4and between of scores with Questions s - -

85 STUDY DATA

86 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 com- ments referring to the variety of markings, deficient signage and maintenance, along with the Information systems. systems. Information Tourist information. trail. the for systems information and Tourist information etc. conditions, to transport, location, the environmental referring need to increase the Information Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and allowing the use of new technologies (21.8%) technologies new use of the allowing information in and (30.4%) path the along panels information the on offered data equivalent with comparison in poor very to be found was information the to websites, respect With tant. impor very is this think not do experts far the (63.1%), although itself and few footpath the are on between offices information However, (62.9%). route the along towns tourist the the in at footpath offices the on information specific find to possible is it that shows data The etc. websites, Internet through dissemination product, tourist organised an of organisation companies, by offered facilities situ, in advertising office, taken elements assessinginto account when The this were: section at the tourist experience (5.51%). score alow has which Plata, la de Vía is the table the in rank bottom the with path the (86.78%), while scores highest the of one with out standing Santiago de Camino the with obtained, data the for average the above score paths the of 80% 54.40 whereas for information systems it is 30.50 (Table is 30.50 2). it systems information for whereas 54.40 is information for obtained be can that score maximum The known. well toit make used paigns and as promotion cam on well tourism as footpath, the concerning advertising the information is above average. average. is above that Route score a Quixote have analysed Don footpaths the the of and 80% that (6.82%) reveal also (20.75%).can Beceit However,we de Ports Els find we table the of bottom the At 96.36%. with Virgen la de Camino by the followed obtained, be can that points possible the of 96.52% of score a with out stands trails of network Oscos Los footpath, the about out find With respect to the score for tourist information we find that nearly nearly that find we information tourist for score the to respect With With respect to the efficiency of the information systems used to used systems information the of efficiency the to respect With This block addresses This the FEADER - -

87 STUDY DATA

88 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. far as conservation is concerned. asfar conservation as deficit in to any lead attimes can a document,which certain maintenance iswith not dealt to commitment this However, etc.). committees, and boards local councils, island councils, councils, (town provincial authorities public belongsthe to footpath the maintaining for sibility respon the of most that section this in is recorded It population. local by the used spaces public the with to coincide is made route the when so more the all and infrastructure in improvements from usetourism). by (active companies profit councils in general town and the town the Both for or property, to private way of rights machinery, agricultural of passage the religion, cation, edu reasons, health for to use, regard whether with apparent is indeed involvement greater hand, other the On path. the see of design to the linked towns the of to participation of level poor the surprising was it observations, significant most the of analysis the performing When Table 3. Use of the footpaths analysed by the local population and the town councils of the of councils town the analysed.footpaths and population local the by analysed footpaths the of Use 3. Table (36%) ramblers the and lation popu local the between exist conflicts no although (52%), centres education the by or (58%) low (24.2%),was very is not much and used the by nowadays footpath very the residents local town’s regular places meeting (60.6%). However, in at the project that time social participation (86.4%)of the area also which the parts included relevant through a running out mapped route since of they used the of footpath, way public rights (90.2%), the waymarking encouraged that by those shown interest of degree high the for is appreciation there hand, one the On ned. development is concer rural where importance paramount of us a reality offers section This participation. social or collection refuse selective places, meeting upkeep, local their use of in collaboration livestock, raising and farming for uses with along centres, by education and population local use by the to their given was consideration content, of block this assessing In Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and Vía verde Subbética Vía Plata La de Vía de Don Quijote Ruta Ports de Beceite de Ports Oscos Los Alpujarras Las del Ebro Camino de Santiago Camino de Virgen la Camino Camí deCavalls Camí Maximum 50,44 45,85 63,40 25,33 23,20 36,37 35,81 28,77 34,76 50,72 10,10 USE 54,83 56,48 45,38 80,00 72,32 79,56 36,59 39,95 15,93 57,37 100 % - - - -

89 STUDY DATA

90 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. purposes. backgrounds environmental and use educational training that for thesecompanies routes with are There tours. package large and Europe northern from particularly groups, by foreign manded de primarily are footpaths involving activities with associated companies tourism Adventure Elements identifying the quality of the footpath. footpath. the of quality the identifying Elements Table 4. Scores for involvement by the walker and company specialising in the footpaths analysed (60%). footpath the involving nies compa tourism adventure created have they (50.4%),because or sector catering the through advertising by them (51.8%), trail the offering to linked activities offering of terms in low very is footpath the with companies local of involvement the that show data the However,(58%). workers as hired being residents local (74%), town with local the to belong footpath the with seem solid development,foundations the since to respect businesses the rural associatedWith tourism. in adventure businesses on catering trail, the and companies involved activities companies, those offering transport companies, the in participation to local paid was To attention section, this assess Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and highly polarised at the top and bottom, as well as being highly concentrated. highly as asbeing well bottom, and top the at polarised highly are data the that say can we therefore and 50% to reach 81%, not do 78% most from whereas ranging scores offer Alpujarras, Las and Oscos Los analysed, footpaths the (80.10%). of OscosTwo Los by obtained was score highest the (25.31%)while Route Quixote Don the of that was score lowest The standards. quality to record fail trails is 81.35, the of cent per seventy scored be can that points of number maximum the that mind in Bearing respect. this in quality Vía verde Subbética Vía Plata La de Vía de Don Quijote Ruta Ports de Beceite de Ports Oscos Los Alpujarras Las del Ebro Camino Camino de Santiago Camino Camí deCavalls Camí Maximum Camino de Virgen la Camino WALKER 15,54 12,22 18,26 18,02 15,69 24,81 31,20 11,08 17,20 24,19 7,24 100,00 58,53 50,29 79,52 23,21 49,81 35,51 77,53 55,13 39,17 57,76 % There are elements that identify identify are that elements There COMPANY 36,45 16,46 26,75 15,26 15,89 19,49 16,51 28,17 17,31 19,17 4,16 45,29 43,59 52,59 73,39 53,47 77,28 47,49 41,87 45,16 11,41 100 % - -

91 STUDY DATA

92 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. Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and FEADER Conclusions and Recommendations

93 94 involve the population directly associated with its itinerary. itinerary. its with associated directly population the involve areasenvironments. surrounding the andprotected natural theyare enhanced together with histories. and landscapes of avariety with aregion promote help that tives alterna and routes different user various the offering development, rural for value added sent interest. ethnographic generating architecture rural traditional of elements important of restoration the involve and attraction anadditional providing enhanced, and recovered to be alike. visitors and residents to local available made is then which memory collective valuable an extremely of and memory regions, the recovering enjoyedtowns, bydistricts local and communications population. local the of communication of systems and life, of customs, ways traditions, tation of the ramblers. ramblers. the of tation iswork doneand use regarding knowledge, promotionthe for research, and interpre recovery 7 6 5 landscapes high-value to links with in anetwork, integrated are and population, Footpaths boost rural development when they are designed with the aid of the local 4 3 2 1 conservation. its cilitating fa and disappearing from it preventing revitalises, rambling which population, the of communication of systems and life of ways history, of reflection the are Trails The technical design of most of the footpaths is adequate. However, this process fails to fully to fully However, is adequate. fails process this footpaths the of most of design technical The with nexus efficient an is there when strengthened is itineraries the of value added The repre and anetwork, in articulated are they when dimensions real their acquire Footpaths heritage of items many enable trail, a traditional with associated often are which Footpaths, life of ways the with along history, of dynamics the us to recompose enable paths Marked history to the linked closely often are they since scenery, and land the articulate Footpaths The trail keeps alive the history of the places it passes through, particularly when adequate adequate when particularly through, passes it places the of history the keepsalive trail The

conclusions - - - - most of the villagesalong the of route.most the on economicregions the also pass impact through, but trails the positive the includingjoyment, vironment. en rural the of diversity scenic and geographical the enhancing thereby activities, sports and methods. traditional more than diffusion for capacity agreater and information up-to-date provide they since security greater offer years ago. ago. years vanished have otherwise would that populations fix helps heritage cultural and wealth natural 15 15 14 13 country. the of diversity scenic and geographical The profileof the becauseofgreat Spanishheterogeneity the offers footpaths huge 12 11 10 9 8 map. the on region the puts and social cohesion strengthens population, the fixes ramblers, attracts technologies new with planning Adequate Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and we are to avoid losing this extensive network and can use it as a tourist resource. as atourist use it can and network extensive this losing to avoid are we if is essential footpaths into transformation their and way of rights public of protection and tion attraction, when provided through integrated planning between all the parties involved. parties the all between planning integrated through provided when attraction, attractions. tourist of map specific destinations. specific The high frequency of ramblers visiting a region to walk along its footpaths and discover its its discover and footpaths its along to walk aregion visiting ramblers of frequency high The Footpaths still have an important role to play in the social cohesion of rural areas. The restora The areas. rural of cohesion social the in to play role animportant have still Footpaths The joint offer of footpaths and associated services enhances their potential as a tourist as atourist potential their enhances services associated and footpaths of offer joint The The diversity of the footpaths, far from being a handicap, is an opportunity to offer the hiker the to offer is anopportunity ahandicap, being from far footpaths, the of diversity The The ancient trails have been converted into footpaths promoting the practice of physical physical of practice the promoting footpaths into converted been have trails ancient The technologies are tools that disseminating for and New information promoting footpaths Current footpath design not only takes into account the potential of the landscape or for en for or landscape the of potential the account into takes only not design footpath Current Footpaths provide an opportunity that is possibly unique for putting small villages on the on villages small putting for unique is possibly that anopportunity provide Footpaths FEADER - - -

95 96 by otheractivities. activities in these regions. activities with regard to its execution, regard to its maintenance andwith promotion. also and aspects, planning and design of terms in both project, footpath the of development with poor levels of conservation. of levels poor with 25 conditions. weather of extremes huge of because byted seasonality The service sector fromprofits the promotion of rambling, but companies are affec 24 23 22 maintenance. and development footpath’s the in involved get not do trail the on walkers the from benefit that ties authori local and companies the product, tourist global coordinated no is there If 21 20 19 com the on involved. depending administrations various the of maintenance to mitment quality, of diverse stretches shows footpath specific A 18 17 16 in a commonproject. administrations The process of conversion from a trail to a marked usually footpath links up various maintenance of the footpath. footpath. the of maintenance very affected by seasonality and others that are not necessarily so. necessarily not are that others and by seasonality affected very are that footpaths are there diversity, climatological and year. Spain’s Given geographical huge the throughout diversification greater and visitors more encourage to seek which initiatives, rantee success, unless it includes a budgeted programme of activities for its implementation. its for success,rantee includes unless it a budgetedactivities of programme The involvement of the population, business world and local institutions is population,decisive the the of business for involvement and institutions world local The The existence of large investments concerning the footpath project does not always gua does project not always footpath the concerning large existenceof investments The The adaptation of new footpaths does not always mean the immediate birth of business of birth immediate the mean always not does footpaths new of adaptation The Local companies, by and large, are usually not deeply involved in the development and development the in involved deeply not large,usually byare and companies, Local The connection of the route of the footpaths with the public transport system hardly exists. exists. hardly system transport public the with footpaths the of route the of connection The Seasonality affects the tourist potential of the footpath and the development of business of development the and footpath the of potential tourist the affects Seasonality The footpath is strengthened by forming part of a global tourist product and complemented complemented and product tourist aglobal of part by forming is strengthened footpath The On the whole, tourist offices do not have specific information on the ramblers. the on information have specific not do offices tourist whole, the On Maintaining the footpaths depends to a certain extent on the commitment of its developers. its of commitment the on extent to a certain depends footpaths the Maintaining In In a it footpath specific ispossible tofind stretchesthat enjoygood maintenanceand others conclusions - - - - ring the fact that they enhance the path’s attractiveness for tourists. tourists. for attractiveness path’s the enhance they that fact the ring success itinerary. the of to the lead can whole as acoordinated that elements of aset rather but area, the in portance im socio-economic to have a footpath for factor unique no is likewise There places. distant from ramblers attracts it if effects knock-on economic has footpaths the Marking weakened. been has fabric social the where areas those in catalyst as an economic also serve can They resources. cultural and natural its region’s with the along of potential, description the facilitate and cohesion, social foster They features. integrative are rambling and Trails, footpaths marked summary.Brief 28 27 26 Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and footpaths, the information on its relevant landmarks is often insufficient. is often landmarks relevant its on information the footpaths, the to thematise trend growing the Despite area. the of enjoyment with associated sector services the of growth the impacting sectors, directly productive various developmentthe of identity for added value. added for identity Thematising the footpaths is a trend that seeks to differentiate a region as a symbol of its its of as asymbol aregion to differentiate seeks that is atrend footpaths the Thematising Information conside on is associated the relevant landmarks with Information footpath still insufficient, Footpaths have a strategic value as tools that articulate the promotion of a region, favouring favouring aregion, of promotion the articulate as that tools value astrategic have Footpaths FEADER - -

97 98 6. walkers, and mountaineers. groups of ramblers by involving paths design, foot the marked the execution, and of dissemination maintenance 5. footpaths. designthe the and subsequent of maintenance 4. touristpotential and sports, for recreational purposes. have waythat beenabout thevalue thepublic of restored of rights and their 3. nature. tural trails,tion of landscape, history, ethnography and other resources acul of in thearea, which includes,network in particular, aspects such as thesec 2. nature. pedestrian preferably a uses of for adaptation their 1. nature. gastronomical and ethnographic, cultural, natural, a rces, suchof as those 7. organisations. other and administrations public the with boration To complement the offer of outdoor activities by enhancing resou other activities outdoor of To offer the complement To thereconditioning ancient prioritise traditional of and tracks trails and To be able to cater for the rambler’s preferences, profiles and habits in in identity To and surroundings cultural natural the for respect guarantee To create mechanisms in colla on footpaths updating for the information To actions out to raise awareness amongst population thelocal carry To carry out a preliminary comprehensive study of the traditional trail trail traditional the of comprehensive study preliminary a To out carry ver and adapt old trails and turn them into waymarked paths. waymarked into them turn and trails old ver adapt and assess the proposals coming before them that seek to reco seek that them coming before proposals the assess has worked on preparing this study has set out a series of aseries out set has study this workedhas on preparing recommendations allowing any developer or institution to or institution any developer allowing recommendations In view of the potential for sustainable rural development development rural sustainable for potential the of view In of a project concerning marked footpaths, the team that that team the footpaths, marked concerning aproject of RECOMMENDATIONS: recomendaciones ------of the footpath. and development creation, promotion the in involvement their to facilitate ticipation 14. and todevelopment make proposals concerning theuse thefootpath. of its for cooperation their obtain to project footpath the defining phase 13. tourist and other sports, of agricultural activities. 12. systems. emergency and ancillary establishing as well as identifiable, easily route the making and footpaths 11. outset. the from right 10. 9. route.along the 8. To thetowns and their favour connection with in anetwork integrate thefootpaths To system. and thepublic thefootpaths consider transport between articulation

To promote the participation of the local town and its associations from the first first the associationsfrom its and town local the of To participation the promote

To therambler of as as possible far the marking by clearly guarantee thesafety To theeconomic and social stakeholders theprocesses identify and par drive of To that theuse supplement for with theramblers on of thepath theinformation Tofootpaths maintenancemarked the for person the uniform in of charge define Senderos Señalizados yDesarrollo Rural Sostenible -

99 100 cially theeducation sector in this cause. espe and institutions, communities local the involving footpath, each with 20. labels. and brands quality recognised 19. footpaths. the 18. stakeholders. socio-economic and developers footpath between agreements menting fo accommodation, restaurants, for bookings of management on-line the 17. holders. stake socio-economic and institutions public town’sthe with relationships 16. offer. tourist the in network trail the managingin and integrating 15.

To promote supramunicipal activities both in defining new projects and projects new defining in both To activities supramunicipal promote

To re-enforce thematisation and interpretation programmes associated programmes and interpretation To thematisation re-enforce To by linking promote them thefootpaths with of theenhanced quality To and available afull homogeneous on theinformation of view offer resourcethrough as tourist a To footpath the imageof the strengthen To to strengthen footpaths trailsof and of marking therecovery harness recommendations - - - . strategies. 27. project is that tofootpath be developed as ajoint project. 26. line. on footpath the associated with services and offering companies accommodation rist 25. areas. natural protected 24. 23. resource.training and promotion trails and traditional theuse foment of marked as of paths a 22. footpath. the tenance of 21. Marked Paths Development SustainableRural and

To promote rambling as a suitable activity for fostering development fostering for To activity as promote suitable rambling a To any and of dissemination maintenance design, at look waymarkings, resources, tou and natural routes, cultural To supplementary on inform theTo of identity in thecorporate thefootpath of integrate themarking To consider and recreational as facility. asports themarked footpath conservation the for processes To the with sector education linkthe To through guarantee periodic main thelow-cost, therambler’s safety - -

101

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 grati- tude 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 par- ticipated 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 photo- graphs. 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.