On the Trail (and Beyond)

Not all hazards wear warning signs. Some are subtle, systemic, or simply overlooked, but they can turn a promising outing into a stressful or unsafe one.

Here are a few that deserve more attention:

Unstable Ground

• Loose gravel, eroded edges, or hidden burrows can trip up wheels, feet, or canes
• Wet leaves or mossy surfaces may look scenic, but act like ice
• Snow or mud can conceal dips, roots, or sudden drops

Invasive or Harmful Plants

• Nettles, brambles, and thorny undergrowth can snag or scratch unexpectedly
• Poison ivy or hogweed may cause serious skin reactions and isn’t always well-marked

Wildlife & Insects

• Wasps nesting in ground holes, ticks in tall grass, or snakes sunning on paths
• Dogs off-lead can startle assistance animals or vulnerable walkers

Sudden Weather Shifts

• A sunny start can turn into a storm, especially in exposed areas
• Hypothermia risk rises fast when wet, cold, and far from shelter

Lack of Facilities

• No accessible loo = no go
• No seating = no pacing
• No shade = no rest for heat-sensitive bodies

Emotional & Cognitive Hazards

• Overstimulating signage, unclear wayfinding, or inaccessible language
• Trails that assume confidence, speed, or neurotypical processing

What’s a “hidden danger” you’ve encountered, or helped someone else navigate?

Sometimes, naming the invisible is the first step to making it visible and fixable.

Explore more with us:

• Visit Gwenin for a curated selection of frameworks
• Browse Spiralmore collections
• Read our Informal Blog for relaxed insights
• Discover Deconvolution and see what’s happening

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