%0 Journal Article
%T Development of the network of hiking trails in selected parts of the Middle Sudetes in the years 2005–2017
%A Kołodziejczyk, Krzysztof
%J Geographical Studies
%V 2019
%R 10.4467/20833113PG.19.001.10305
%N Issue 156
%P 9-33
%K hiking tourist trails, graph theory, Middle Sudetes
%@ 1644-3586
%D 2019
%U https://ejournals.eu/en/journal/prace-geograficzne/article/rozwoj-sieci-szlakow-pieszych-w-wybranych-czesciach-sudetow-srodkowych-w-latach-2005-2017
%X 
	In recent years, a considerable development of the network of hiking trails has taken place in selected parts of the Sudetes. This has occurred both in areas of hitherto poorly developed tourist infrastructure (for example the Orlickie Foothills) as well as in traditional tourist regions with a quite good base (for example the Sowie Mountains). It was  decided to analyse more precisely the changes which occurred in 2005–2017 in selected parts of the Middle Sudetes. For this purpose, changes in the density and connectivity of the networks of hiking trails were assessed using elements of the graph theory and, drawn from it, indices used in the topological analysis of spatial structure. A  comparative analysis of maps was the basis for these works. Important factors deciding about the validity of marking new hiking trails are: their role in the network of trails and their tourist attractiveness. Those were evaluated using field works and an analysis of maps and tourist (sightseeing) literature. An additional aim was to examine ways of tracing new trails and changing routes of those already existing, taking into account the guidelines for hiking trails presented in literature. Marking new trails has undoubtedly enabled the development of networks, but not necessarily resulted in their higher connectivity (new sections of trails resulted in a higher number of nodes). However, new tourist values have been made accessible (especially scenic and cultural ones) and planning hikes has become simpler, which is particularly important in the vicinity of spas. New hiking trails and changes of routes of those existing earlier must be assessed positively in terms of the relation between natural and artificial (hard) surfaces.