Leon Hugo: hiking trail rating innovator

WHAT MAKES a good hiking trail? This question has taken up much of the time of Prof Leon Hugo, former head of the Department of Geography at Pretoria University and international authority on hiking trails. An avid hiker in his day, he has developed the international Green Flag certification system which has been implemented around the globe by World Trails Network.

Up to a few years ago, nature bound tourists had no means of assessing an advertised trail’s quality standard, risk potential or difficulty in terms of fitness level required. Now they do by way of the Green Flag certification system. As hotels are star graded, and beaches are awarded Blue Flag status, nature trails are Green Flag accredited. 

Prof Hugo has become internationally renowned for his leadership in the development of an auditing system to class and grade hiking trails, thus contributing to sustainability and tourism.

Prof Leon Hugo

He has been consultant to the Australian, Peruvian and Swaziland governments and has developed and audited trails in Mozambique, St Helena, Peru, Namibia, Nepal, Greece and Hungary as well as locally for landowners like SAFCOL, SAPPI, SANparks and Cape Nature.

Trails and the purpose for walking vary greatly all over the world. They range from walks in the park to transcontinental treks. In all of these the fundamental resource is nature (not forgetting the cultural component). The popularity of trails such as the pilgrimages of Europe and Japan has brought a whole new concept of hiking to the fore.

The growing international adventure tourism market has specific needs that include a certain amount of adrenalin and next experiences in nature. These trails can include multiple activity options such as biking, river rafting, and abseiling.

In Nepal and along the Inca trail in Peru and elsewhere, ancient public commuter pathways from village to village or shrine are used by hikers, often with "homestays" overnight.

Since different trails have different goals, this forms the basis of trail auditing from a Green Flag perspective. A well-planned trail will ensure a quality experience and any consumer will be willing to pay for a good product. The trail owner will also ensure the sustainability of the product as a financial asset.

The economic impact of trails can be substantial when they are sustainably designed, planned and built with a focus on quality experiences.

Statistics reflect that weekend, long trail and wilderness trail owners enjoy a 70% occupancy rates. This means a considerable income to trail owners. Iconic trails like the Otter Trail, the Whale Trail, Amatola and Giants Cup enjoy nearly 100% occupancy. There are other advantages, like job creation, health benefits, and cultural, ecological and social value.

But do these trails always live up to expectations? Without guidelines, quality control and grading, hikers could be disappointed or even overwhelmed by the level of difficulty. Prof Hugo has developed a comprehensive trail planning model to ensure that trails are scientifically planned, built and assessed by the Green Flag certification system.

It is not a grading system that promotes one trail as being superior to another. It’s a scientifically-based, accurate objective assessment that allows prospective hikers to make well-informed decisions; ensuring that they will get what is being promised, and they will thus be assured of a good trail experience. No unexpected surprizes. 

Erosion

Insensitive alignment and poor building techniques can lead to devastating consequences. A seemingly insignificant 10cm of erosion on a 1m wide path results in the loss of 80 tons of valuable fertile topsoil over a stretch of 1 km; silting up river and dams downstream and affecting aquatic life and provision of irrigation water.

Trail users vary immensely in their expectations of a "good hike": age, fitness, and experience all play a role. A sustainable trail is a goal-specifically planned and maintained trail that adheres to the expectation of the hiker. The carrying capacity must not be exceeded, for this will lead to erosion. Sleeping space and toilet facilities must not be overused. Sustainable tourism is based on the responsible utilisation of the environmental resources and the entrepreneurial expertise of the local communities who reap the benefits.

Trails are not to be regarded as merely "paths in the field" joining two or more places nor simply as recreational facilities to enjoy the outdoors. Trails should form part of an ecotourism industry, based on sound ecological as well as business principles. This needs careful planning and constant assessment.

A sustainable trail provides the hiker with an enlightening, exciting experience; it enhances environmental conservation and is a viable product for the owner and an asset for the local community.

What is a good trail? There is no universally applicable set of trail standards. A path for a day hike with the family cannot be assessed in the same way as a trek in the Himalayas. The value of a trail can only be assessed once the user has decided what type of experience he/she desires. If the trail adheres to what he anticipated, he will regard it as a good trail experience.

The key lies in the provision of accurate information to the hiker, certified by a trained auditor, and then it is the hiker’s own prerogative to choose a trail according to his personal aptitude.

Determining the specific purpose of a trail is thus fundamental in arriving at a successful system for trail evaluation. Trail types are classified by duration type (ramble, day walk, hike or trek). Degree of difficulty (exertion level: easy, moderate, difficult, extreme) also plays a role as well as environmental and accommodation considerations. Technical ratings vary from accessible, walk, scramble to climb.

Format

The format of the route varies from circular, to cul-de-sac and network. Accommodation is classed rustic, basic, comfortable, or luxury. Other aspects are cultural value, safety/risk (at huts and on the route) and path condition. The type of environment is classified as pristine, rural or semi-urban. Trail facilities include car park, stiles, bridges, access road, sanitary facilities and more.

Green Flag accreditation is not an attempt to judge between "good" and "bad" trails but to identify, acknowledge and reward those trail owners that show a responsible management approach.

The benefits of Green Flag certification ensure that hikers receive an experience in line with their expectations and do not attempt too difficult trails. It ensures a safe hike preparing hikers for the level of risk involved. It shows the hiking fraternity that the trail is under responsible management and ensures a detailed and objective description.

Green Flag monitors the extent of exotic and invasive plant species, pollution, erosion and all other environmental problems. In addition, Green Flag’s trained auditors assist the owner/manager by pointing out deficiencies in trail maintenance and capacitate the maintenance crew on correct trail building techniques.

Green Flag accrediations does not imply that facilities must be of high quality. Many hikers prefer "rustic" conditions. Thus development of a Green Flag route does not haave to a financial burden. Relatively low inputs can make for substantial profits.’

For further information, visit World Trails Network.org or contact leonhugo7777@gmail.com.