Developing Recreational Trails: Motivations for Recreational Walking

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the motivations and preferences of recreational walkers in near-urban areas and the implications for trail development. A qualitative focus group method was employed in order to generate open discussion amongst recreational walkers from a range of backgrounds and levels of interest, participation and experience, drawing out motivations to walk, and potential issues relating to trail development. The research highlighted the variety of walkers' needs to consider when planning a recreational trail. They relate to different types of walking: functional and recreational; and across a spectrum of serious and casual walkers. Of particular interest were the attitudes of walkers regarding transport to locations for walking.