By Lis Nielsen, President European Ramblers Association (ERA-EWV-FERP)
Walking is a very popular and growing pastime worldwide. Europe is no exception! All over Europe more and more people tie their bootlaces and set out during their holidays and leisure time to discover a variety of natural beauties on foot. Indeed, Europe offers thousands of kilometers of amazing trails enjoyed by the locals and tourists alike.
In an effort to promote world-class quality trails and to recognize those trails the meet high standards, the European Ramblers Association created a special certificate classification in 2012. Called Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe, this program offers a transparent system of criteria for the improvement of trails.
The rating and grading as a Leading Quality Trails- Best of Europe, provides award of recognition—as well as a method to optimize overall trail route infrastructure. The criteria can be used as a checklist and help countries build up their walking route networks. In countries that already have a functioning route network, such a system can strengthen walking trails and trails tourism further.
Trails that qualify get to display the logo that proclaims “Leading Quality Trails- Best of Europe” The program applies to both national and international trails. Certification is only available for complete trails and trails must extend a minimum distance of 50km and offer three daily stages.
A walking route is examined on three levels: 4-km sections—approximately a one-hour walking time, daily walking segments, and the overall length of the trail. This multi-dimensional assessment approach assures that the route is attractive throughout, offering the walkers the most variety possible. In addition, an important core criterion is having an informative Web homepage for each trail that can be very useful for preparation and to help trail enthusiasts decide what trail to try.
Since the introduction in 2012, there are now 11 certified European trails and many more are in the “pipeline”. The European Ramblers Association has been working diligently to meet a significant interest from national and local trails and tourist organizations to get their trails certified. Indeed, walkers’ groups and travel agencies have shown a big interest in the certified trails. They know they can be sure to have a good holiday walking these trails and that the services along the trail will of the highest quality. The criteria and links to the first trails can be found at http://www.era-ewv-ferp.com