Signposts at junctions of paths with metalled roads are the responsibility of the highway authority. Some authorities also use them at path junctions. There have been many different types tried over the years, mostly based on the simple ‘finger post’ principle. It is not intended to discuss the various methods and materials used in making signposts, as this depends on the resources and preferences of the local authority, and volunteers are only occasionally involved in erecting signposts provided by the authority.
The following points are noted:
- Finger posts of any type are prone to vandalism, as the finger can be broken, bent or twisted out of alignment. However, if correctly positioned they are unambiguous, and are so well known as to be immediately recognised as indicating a public right of way.
- Metal finger posts, of the so called ‘Worboys’ type, (after the Worboys Committee on traffic signs who recommended their use) are more vandal resistant than wooden finger posts, but may not be considered as appropriate for use in the countryside. Aluminium signs are vulnerable to being stolen for scrap. Signs of recycled plastic are being tried in some areas.
- Wooden signposts can be made up by the authority concerned to their own requirements. If desired,wording can be done individually to give destination and distance.
Two of the best designs for wooden finger posts are shown below. They are only vandal-resistant to the extent that their high quality workmanship should engender respect in all but the most malicious vandal.
This design uses short hardwood fingers which are difficult to wrench off, screwed and plugged to softwood posts. Alternatively fix with dowelling. Any exposed screws should be brass or stainless steel, to prevent staining of the wood.
The mortised design is more durable than the rebated design.
Aleternatively, a mortise can be cut in the post, and the finger-post bolted or doweled in place.
In open country or land used only for grazing, ‘low-level’ signs can be used. These are no use on ungrazed verges where undergrowth rapidly obscures them, or where they will get in the way of farming machinery. The two examples below are very successful in their particular locations. Slate is also commonly used for signs in Snowdonia and the Lake District, the signs usually being set into stone walls.
Junctions
As described here, junctions are difficult to indicate with an easily-understood and resistant sign. As junctions of three or more paths are quite significant points in the path network, a fairly substantial signpost is appropriate. Some suggestions are given below.
The waymarking post draws attention to the junction, and the direction of the paths is indicated by concrete signs set into the ground.
The information on the top of the cairn must be marked in such a way that it is resistant to vandals. Some suggestions are listed below:
- Mark arrows with a pointed object into setting in-situ concrete. Use four parts of all-in grit to one part of cement to give a smooth enough texture to make a crisp mark.
- Set commercially made plastic arrows, destinations and distances into setting concrete. Set sub-flush to reduce vandalism. The Yellow Pages directory lists, under sign makers, firms able to make arrows and lettering. Alternatively, arrows can be home-made using a resin casting kit (eg Strand Glass).
- Employ a welder to form arrows and letters of weld bead on 6mm steel plate, or to flame-cut the arrows. Buy the steel at scrap cost if possible. Weld pieces of scrap iron at various angles to the bottom of the plate, and set in top of cairn in 4:1 concrete.
