Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Linear open spaces along natural or artificial corridors such as
riverfronts, streams, ridgelines, abandoned rail-road rights of
ways, canals or scenic roads.
The European Greenways Association (Otero, 2001) has already developed an
extensive network of greenways across parts of Europe, but especially in
Belgium and France (known as Voies Vertes) and Spain (Vias Verdes), where
thousands of miles of old railway routes have been converted to traffic-free
routes catering for non-motorized journeys. There is also extensive provision
of such routes, more commonly referred to as rail trails, across North America
and to a lesser extent in Australasia.
However, as discussed by Lane (1999), the term 'trail' has wider conno-
tations, in that it also refers to longer distance routes designed principally for
one or more of these groups - walkers, cyclists, horse riders and cross-
country skiers in winter months. On the other hand, the term trail is also used
to describe the more recent short routes of six to ten miles in length, usually
linking urban areas to their rural periphery. In either case, walking trails are
attractive to slow travellers who seek more formalized access to the country-
side, aided by interpretation and other services, as well as those wishing to
seek the challenge of a longer trek such as the less formal trails of Latin
America.
There has been a gradual commodification of trails, with a concomitant
increase of spatial development of the corridor(s) through which they pass. For
example, Murray and Graham (1997) report the changing nature of the mar-
ket and supply sectors in relation to the old pilgrimage routes to Santiago de
Compostela in Spain. As a result there are tensions between those who would
have liked the routes to have remained as simple pilgrim ways for those on a
spiritual journey, rather than upgraded trails for a greater number of tourists.
There is, therefore, a continued tension between those in favour of retaining
authenticity of the pilgrimage routes and those who want the economic gain
of contemporary tourism development. Similar reports have been made with
regard to the Andean Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. A study undertaken
by Kyoto University reported that these ancient Inca ruins (World Heritage
Site) are under threat from the continued demand of 300,000 visitors per
annum. The concern was that there would be a landslide, given that the west-
ern slope is moving downwards by up to 1cm per month (Hadfield, 2001).
Subsequently, in 2010, a period of heavy rain triggered landslides in the
region, temporarily trapping tourists.
Health and environment
The relationship between walking, health and tourism is a strong one. The pil-
grimage was by far the most important walking pursuit prior to the 18th
century, and it remains important to this day. Some pilgrimages attract over-
whelming numbers of participants, such as the Kumbh Mela Festival in 2001,
located on the banks of the River Ganges in India, estimated to have attracted
over 30 million people. The walking element of the pilgrimage is still considered
