I know a place that has switchback footpaths on the hillside. The gradient and terrain mean that it’s usually possible for anyone of rudimentary fitness to get down by taking a short-cut and heading straight down. Takes less than a minute.
Coming back up is hell either way. If you try the straight line, you need way more fitness than going down. It’s not a 45° slope, but it feels like one. If you take the switchbacks, it feels like you’re making no progress for far too long.
It might only be two or three minutes of strain, five or six for the switchbacks but it’s a real drag.
I know a place that has switchback footpaths on the hillside. The gradient and terrain mean that it’s usually possible for anyone of rudimentary fitness to get down by taking a short-cut and heading straight down. Takes less than a minute.
Coming back up is hell either way. If you try the straight line, you need way more fitness than going down. It’s not a 45° slope, but it feels like one. If you take the switchbacks, it feels like you’re making no progress for far too long.
It might only be two or three minutes of strain, five or six for the switchbacks but it’s a real drag.
As stated elsewhere, switchbacks help prevent erosion, never cut switchbacks, always follow the trail.