What are eTrails?
The latest mobile phones are GPS enabled with maps, and use of these phones is likely to increase as older phones are replaced. By 2012 over 70% of the 40 million phone users in the UK will have this technology.
The concept of eTrails is to use existing mobile phone technology as a virtual guidebook for walkers. Examples of additional information that could be provided by eTrails include: interpretive information regarding history, wildlife, or suitable places to eat and drink after the walk. This content will be served up in a range of new media opportunities e.g. video and audio files along with more traditional forms like images and text.
This approach can enhance the walking experience for a range of people, in keeping with the Ramblers aim to promote walking. The first pilot routes in Wales will be launched early in 2010 and further routes will be developed in consultation with both Ramblers and other interested groups.
Phase One - Proof of Concept - Completed March 2010
Ramblers Cymru worked with a wide range of partners in developing this product:
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Countryside Council for Wales, VisitWales, Royal Commission of the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW), Cadw, National Museum of Wales, Rural Development programmes (Wales) and a number of Local Authorities.
Second Phase - Project completed 31st January 2011
Community Engagement with the development of eTrails
Ramblers Cymru secured funding from the Rural Development Plan
for Wales 2007 - 2013, provided by the Welsh Assembly Government and the
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development with funding administered by Creative Rural Communities, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Rural Regeneration initiative.
The funding from Creative Rural Communities was from their Visit Vale scheme which is designed to assist in developing innovative approaches to tourism in the Rural Vale for which the eTrails pilot project had a natural fit. As the leading walking charity, now in its 75th year, Ramblers Cymru wished to devise a methodology for community engagement for the promotion of eTrails.
The project aim was to create of several digital routes selected by the community. It also involved further testing the technology, and for this we worked with volunteers including members of the public, members of local heritage and tourism groups, local Rambler group members, Valeways , the local authority Rights of Way team. Some of the proposed digital content was provided by partners and some was commissioned for this demonstration project.
To view a copy of the project report click here (Welsh version available shortly)
Pilot Project
Use the links below to see the Llantwit Major Trails on the People's Collection Website
Cliff Walk
Heritage Trail
Nash Point Trail
Frampton Walk
Green Lane Walk
St Illtud's Poetry Trail
The trails are designed to be viewed on your smartphone and can be viewed if you are using an Apple or Android device by searching for the ‘Trails Cymru’ app in your chosen marketplace!
The People's Collection Trails project has secured funding for the next 3 years and ongoing development to the API and website means that that there is constant improvement. From 1st April 2011 we will have a service level agreement.
The service is being marketed through TV and other media channels throughout Wales.
Click here to view an article in Walk Magazine about the eTrails Project
Click here to view an article in the Western Mail about the eTrails Project
Resources - (Project now complete)
This is a 'working area' for the consultation group in Llantwit Major. Below you will find links to the Blue Plaque Trail leaflet, the Saints leaflet, the Heritage Coast series and other walks included in the pilot project. If you click on the names below, a PDF (Portable Document File) will open.
Blue Plaque Trail
Saints Leaflet
Heritage Coast – Llantwit Major History Walk – description
Heritage Coast – Llantwit Major History Walk - map
Heritage Coast – Beach Walk - description
Heritage Coast – Beach Walk - map
Heritage Coast – Country Walk
Heritage Coast – Nature Walk
Heritage Coast – Cliff Walk
Green Lane Walk – description
Green Lane Walk – map
Frampton Walk
St. Illtyd’s Poetry Trail
St. Donat’s – Nash Point Walk
