There are a number of methods of marking routes. Care is needed to ensure consistency in the form of waymarking used along the routes. This is particularly relevant if posts are used, as their design
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may need to relate visually to other artefacts such as information or interpretation signs. All methods must strike a balance between clear direction and avoidance of intrusion, especially in wilder or sensitive areas. All marking or symbols must be neatly made: for example, circles, ovals and squares with rounded corners relate easiest to natural forms.
Painting rocks
In mountainous areas routes are frequently marked with paint. Bright colours such as red and yellow are often used. When the trail is indeterminate over rocks, the marks should be carefully positioned to catch the walker’s eye. In Austria, for example, red and white patches are painted, on which are written trail numbers. In this way the marks are all the same, and they are easily repainted once a year or so. At key points the marks might be supplemented by small
cairns that help walkers to locate the direction of the trail, although this practice is not advocated in Scotland.
