Reading trail markings and following the route

Whoever marks a trail places the marks so that from one you can see the next, or reach it after a short, unambiguous stretch. On straight, clear sections marks are further apart; at junctions and confusing spots they are closer together. Often there is a confirmation mark after a junction that tells you: yes, you turned the right way.

Marks come in many forms: painted marks on trees and rocks, small signs, posts, signposts with destinations and walking times, and cairns – piles of stacked stones in rocky terrain without trees. Which colours, shapes and numbers are used differs from country to country and even from region to region. That is why this entry gives no colour codes.

Because marks come in a rhythm, their absence is itself important information. Once you are used to seeing a mark every few minutes, a long gap stands out. That is often the earliest and most reliable sign that you have left the trail.

Know your trail's marking before you set off. Check on the map, in the route description or at the tourist office which mark your trail uses. On many maps the legend – the box of explanations at the edge – tells you what the lines and symbols mean.

On the way, consciously look for the next mark, often at about eye level on trees, rocks, posts or fences. At every junction stop briefly, read the signposts, compare with the map and wait for the whole group. That takes only seconds and prevents most cases of getting lost.

Turn round now and then. The path looks quite different in the opposite direction, and it helps on the way back to have seen it from the other side once already. Marks painted for the opposite direction also confirm that you are on the right track.

If you have not seen a mark for a longer stretch, the rule is: do not walk on hoping to rejoin the trail at some point. Turn back to the last mark you were completely sure of and reorient yourself from there. Cross-country shortcuts are tempting but often lead into steep, wet or confusing terrain.

Closed trails and diversions almost always have a reason, for example rockfall, a slipped slope or forestry work with falling trees. Respect closures even if the path beyond looks harmless.

Do not change markings and do not build your own cairns. What looks like fun to you can mislead other hikers – especially in fog, when cairns are sometimes the only guidance. For the same reason, do not trust cairns blindly in foggy terrain: not every pile of stones marks the official route.

Waymarked trails are ideal for families, groups with children and areas you do not know yet. They take a lot of navigation work off your hands and usually lead along safe, maintained paths. Still, a map belongs in your pack so you know where you are if there is a closure or a missing mark.

Markings reach their limits in poor visibility, such as dense fog or blowing snow, when you can no longer make out the next mark. Snow can also completely cover marks on the ground and on rocks. Winter routes sometimes run differently from summer trails and need separate planning.

For trips away from waymarked trails, markings naturally do not help. There you need map and compass skills. Markings are a great help, but no substitute for being able to find your own way.

Trail markings are usually created and maintained by hiking clubs, municipalities or protected-area administrations, often by volunteers. Marks can fade, become overgrown, be hidden by fallen trees or even be removed. You can report missing marks to the responsible club or municipality.

Mountaineering textbooks such as “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills” stress exactly the habits that matter here for route finding: look around regularly, memorise prominent points for the way back, and return to the last known point when unsure.