Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of interest (Markwell et al, 2004). There is, however, no set formula as to the
balance between these elements; for example, walking is sometimes chosen as
a solitary rather than gregarious pursuit (Michaels, 2000; Wylie, 2005).
There is another dimension to consider; walking allows access to other
forms of transport as part of an overall journey (from originating to receiving
destination, or whilst at the destination). This may also include elements of
recreation or access, but the main reason would be travel to a destination or
places within it; equally a visit to an attraction is to enjoy the appeal of the
place, rather than a walk per se. There is a difference, and this, of course,
applies to other means of travel. The mix between utility and pleasure is vari-
able and dependent on place and form. Nor would we argue that utility
walking is devoid of pleasure; in almost all circumstances it is known to be a
release from everyday pressures of work and home (Sallis et al, 2004).
Walking is a key element of a holiday or day excursion in the following
circumstances:
•
when walking at a destination is to enjoy physical exercise and in some
cases is event-related, such as walking for charity or challenge
•
when walking is to enjoy the company of society in open spaces; one ref-
erence to this is the term 'flânerie'
•
when walking is the preferred mode to access historic or scenic land-
scapes, where the combination of movement associated with the tourist
gaze is the motivating reason
•
when walking is the main pursuit; it is a form of activity that allows pas-
sage at a slow pace through a destination area.
There are other definitional considerations worthy of discussion. In a similar
manner to cycle tourism, walking can be categorized as a form of casual or
serious leisure, depending on the level of engagement and intensity (Stebbins,
2007). With regard to the latter, the tourist is likely to have in their posses-
sion outdoor clothing, maps and guidebooks and other specialist equipment.
This form of walking can be subdivided as follows:
•
Walking holidays, where the main motive is to walk for most days and
for most of the day between accommodation points, either on a linear or
circular route. The main purpose of the holiday is to explore a destination
on foot.
•
Holiday walking, where walking is one of several activities undertaken by
the tourist; walking may account for one or two days of a stay.
•
Day walking, where the main purpose is to explore a destination area. The
main activity of the day visit will be walking, although it might include
stops for refreshment, sightseeing or to visit an attraction.
There is also a further subdivision: independent walking and guided walking,
which take place in either an urban, rural or mixed context. The walking
tourism holiday market includes many long-standing companies, such as
Ramblers Worldwide Holidays in the UK, TrekAmerica in USA or Inntravel
