Waymarking and signage

Letting people know where paths are is an important part of developing and promoting path networks. Different signs can be used to help people use the path network you have created.

You might decide that the best approach is to erect signposts to direct people and then use waymarkers to reassure people that they are on the right track. Paths for All, with support from Scottish Natural Heritage have created the 'Signage Guidance for Outdoor Access - a guide to good practice'. This is a comprehensive guide on the principles, planning and advice that is required for effective signage, as well as practical information on their construction and design. Depending on where you're located in the country, you might also find there's additional guidance available – for example from your local access authority.

You can also find out more about the types of signs that are useful for land managers from the booklet called 'Signs Guidance for Farmers and other Land Managers' which is available here.

Signage can be about more than just telling people where to go. There might also be information that you'd like to tell people who are using the path – maybe something about the history or culture of the path and the area it passes through. You can use interpretive boards to get your message across, but working out what to write, and pitching it at the right level, can be harder than you first imagine.