Rationale
ROUTES – Responsible Outdoor Use of Trails across Europe
Outdoor recreation is growing rapidly across Europe, with more people using trails for activities such as hiking, cycling and equestrian sports. While this brings important health and social benefits, it also creates challenges related to environmental impact, user conflicts and uneven and sometimes inconsistent trail information across regions.
By improving access to trails, the project also supports participation in outdoor physical activity and promotes healthier lifestyles.
The ROUTES Project addresses these challenges by supporting a common European approach to how trails are understood, shared and managed. It builds on existing practices and expertise across countries and sectors to improve accessibility, promote responsible behaviour and support sustainable use of natural environments.
By bringing together outdoor sports organisations, public authorities and research partners, ROUTES aims to strengthen cooperation and provide practical solutions that can be applied across different contexts in Europe.
Project Approach
Developing a Common Framework for Trails
The project focuses on creating a shared approach to trail information and use, helping users better understand trail conditions, difficulty levels and appropriate behaviours, enabling them to make informed choices. This work aims to improve consistency across regions and make trails more accessible to a wider range of users.
The project also considers the growing role of digital trail information and how it can better support users and stakeholders.
Testing Solutions through Pilot Actions
ROUTES will implement pilot actions in different European contexts to test how the framework can be applied in practice. These pilots will provide valuable insights into user behaviour, stakeholder cooperation and real-world challenges.
Engaging Stakeholders and Building Capacity
A key part of the project is the involvement of stakeholders from outdoor sports, land management and public authorities. Through workshops and collaborative activities, ROUTES will support knowledge exchange and strengthen capacity for sustainable trail management.
Implementing Pilot Actions and Stakeholder Engagement
The project will initiate a series of five pilot kick-off sessions designed to engage local stakeholders and test project approaches in real-world contexts. The first session will take place in Ireland in November 2025. To ensure a consistent and effective engagement process across all pilot sites, CONNECT partners have developed a Stakeholder Engagement Meta Plan. This framework provides strategic guidance on how to involve relevant actors, facilitate collaboration, and support meaningful participation throughout the pilot phase, ultimately strengthening the impact and scalability of project outcomes.
Objectives
- Promote sustainable and responsible use of trails across Europe
- Improve accessibility of trail-based outdoor activities
- Support shared use between different user groups
- Develop a common framework for trail information and use
The ROUTES project aims to support sustainable, inclusive and well-managed outdoor recreation by improving how trails are designed, communicated and experienced across Europe.
”Better trails create better experiences—ROUTES brings together communities, experts, and organisations across Europe to connect people, nature, and knowledge for a more sustainable future.
Luis MONTEIROProject Manager, ENOS
ROUTES is implemented by a multidisciplinary European partnership including outdoor sports organisations, public authorities, research institutions and networks. This collaboration ensures a balanced approach combining practical experience, policy perspectives and scientific knowledge.
Outcomes
- A European overview of trail practices and systems
- A shared framework for trail information and use
- Pilot actions testing solutions in real environments
- Practical guidelines and tools for stakeholders
Expected Impact
- Improved understanding and use of trails across Europe
- Reduced conflicts between different user groups
- Increased accessibility of outdoor recreation
- Stronger cooperation between sectors and countries
