Synergistic Planning of Long-distance and Local Trails: A Twin Case Study of Trail Network Development in Northern Transdanubia

ABSTRACT

Synergistic extension of long-distance and local trails is a great opportunity to form unified networks with increased potential and attractiveness. This paper presents and analyses two recent hiking trail network extension projects in Northern Transdanubia, Hungary, as they relate to network structure and the variety of possible hiking tours. One features new local trail connections added to existing long-distance trails, resulting in a local network with various trip options. Another is an example of a new regional multi-day route created by extensions and connections to existing local trails. We present the motivations behind these extensions, the opportunities opened up by them, including their potential on conservation and development, by observing the layout of the resulting trail network and its connections to natural and man-made attractions and facilities. These typical synergistic trail developments reveal a set of good practices in network design which can be generalised and adapted to other regions and contexts.

KEYWORDS:

• Trail networks
• Route design
• Trip variety
• Structural analysis

Acknowledgements

The author is thankful to the Salesians of Don Bosco for the peaceful and inspiring environment in the monastery of Péliföldszentkereszt, where the first version of this paper was completed; as well as to Nathaniel Scrimshaw and Jennifer Rowe for their valuable comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).