ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a summary of the history, development, and nature of geotrails within the United Kingdom. Geotrails are probably the commonest and most geographically widespread form, in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, of modern geotourism provision. Whilst most postdate the 1970s, their origins can be found in late-19th century provision in England; this was unusual, both then and now, in being established in an urban area. Most of today’s geotrails are in either rural or supposedly wild landscape locations. The chapter necessarily explores the different types of geo-interpretative media, together with a brief consideration of their efficacy, associated with geotrails. It also examines the nature and needs of those persons who access geotrails. Further, it suggests that and indicates some of the ways in which, new geotrails might better appeal and be accessible to wider and younger audiences than those usually targeted by geotrail providers.
