Waymarking and stewarding are important ways to ensure your participants stay on the correct route and do not get lost, follow short cuts or widen eroded routes by walking on vegetated margins. They ensure that sensitive habitats are safeguarded from participants and spectators.
The type and amount of waymarking you choose will depend on the ability of your participants, the type of activities and the route used. You should also talk to the land manager to agree on the most appropriate type of waymarking or stewarding for the venue. If the event is focused on participants with minimal outdoors experience, using a designated and well waymarked route (Ulster way or a local walking route) is important to keep the participants safe, on the correct route and give them confidence that they are going the right way. Conversely, if your event is targeting participants with greater outdoors experience and requires aspects of map reading or orienteering, waymarking will be kept to a minimum to preserve the skilled aspect of the event. Consider how the amount of waymarking you use will detract from other users experience of the outdoors.
There are no set rules on waymarking, however, the use of temporary, removable waymarking (such as plastic or laminated card arrows, sawdust marking, glow sticks, signs on posts or stakes) is often more acceptable than painting (including spray painting or chalk based paints) or other permanent markings on structures, rocks, roads, walls and paths. An alternative to waymarking is to locate stewards at key points or junctions to ensure participants do not get lost or choose the wrong route. Your stewards should be well trained and knowledgeable on the event and any safety and environmental protocols. You should also consider stewards with first aid or other skills relevant to the activities and area.