Trails
Footprint paths, jump trails and fitness circuits that guide children through a burst of activity every break.
What are trails?
A trail marking is a sequence of thermoplastic footprints, jumps, hops and activity spots laid along the playground that children follow from start to finish. It turns movement into a game with a route, so children hop, stride, balance and stretch their way round without being told to exercise. Trails work as a fitness circuit for structured PE and as free-play routes at break, and they pair naturally with a daily mile track to build a whole active zone from one visit. They are one type of playground markings we design and install.
Why do schools choose trails?
Movement with a route
A trail gives children something to follow, so hopping, jumping and balancing happen naturally as they work their way from start to finish.
A ready-made fitness circuit
Staff can run a warm-up or an active break straight off the trail, with each station already marked and no equipment to carry out.
Threads through the grounds
A trail can wind between existing features and along edges, tying the playground together and making use of the space in between.
What types of trails do we install?
Follow-the-path trails and fitness circuits for active breaks.
Footprint and jump trails
Feet, hops and leaps to follow in sequence, for coordination and a burst of energy.
Fitness and activity circuits
A loop of exercise stations, star jumps, balances, stretches, marked in order for structured PE.
Balance and agility trails
Lines, stepping spots and zig-zags for balance, agility and careful footwork.
Sensory movement trails
Calming follow-the-path routes for regulation and focus, useful for SEND and quieter children.
Trails: designs and guide prices
Every design in this range, 17 in all, each with a guide price you can add to a quote.
Prices exclude VAT
How do we install trails?
Survey, design, install and aftercare, and most of it is ours to do.
- 01
Survey
We plan a route that flows through your space, linking quieter corners and edges so the trail makes use of ground that otherwise sits empty.
- 02
Design
We draw the trail station by station with the moves and colours, so staff can see the full circuit before it is laid.
- 03
Install
The trail is masked and applied in thermoplastic on site, and a typical circuit is completed within a day.
- 04
Aftercare
Ready to use once cool. We can extend the trail, add stations or link it to a daily mile track on a later visit.
What do trails cost?
Individual trail and fitness designs cost from around £50 for a start and finish marking up to about £1,920 for the 145m super fitness trail, fitted. These are guide prices for each design, and the final figure depends on the number of stations, the length of the route and the surface. We survey the space and send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise.
Prices exclude VAT
Payment terms and any site-dependent charges, for example an aborted visit or extra cleaning, are set out in our terms.
Get a free design and quoteWhat is the specification for trails?
The key details for trails. We confirm everything on your design drawing.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Hard-wearing thermoplastic |
| Trail length | Set to your space and route |
| Stations | Footprints, jumps, balances, stretches |
| Pairs with | Daily mile tracks and active zones |
| Surface | Tarmac or macadam, sound and dry |
| Install time | Often a single day for a circuit |
What do our trails look like?
A closer look at trails and designs like them on real school playgrounds.
Thinking about trails for your school? See how our process works, from a free survey to install, meet the team behind your markings, or read reviews from schools we have worked with. For directional floor and site-navigation markings we also fit wayfinding markings.
Trails: your questions answered
What is the difference between a trail and a daily mile track?
A daily mile track is a running loop for clocking up distance, while a trail is a sequence of moves, hops, jumps, balances, to follow from start to finish. They complement each other, and many schools install both so the same active zone covers running and a full-body circuit.
Can a trail be used for PE lessons?
Yes. A fitness or activity trail works as a ready-made circuit, with each station, star jumps, balances, stretches, already marked in order, so staff can run a structured warm-up or a full session without carrying equipment out. It doubles as a free-play route the rest of the day.
Are trails suitable for younger children?
They are. Footprint and jump trails suit EYFS and Key Stage 1 because the moves are simple to follow, and calming sensory trails help younger and SEND children settle and focus. We pitch the moves to the age group at the design stage.
Get a free design and quote
Tell us about your playground and we will arrange a survey, draw trails around your site and send a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise. There is no obligation. Prefer to talk it through?
0333 321 6699Thanks, that is with us
We will be in touch as soon as possible to arrange your free design and quote. If it is urgent, call 0333 321 6699.
What works well with trails?
Related services and guides schools often pair with trails.
The experts behind your markings
The people who design, price and stand behind every Uniplay installation.
Michael Jarvie
Operations Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with over 16 years' experience in the playground markings industry and masses of industry knowledge. There is very rarely a thermoplastic query he cannot resolve.
Connect on LinkedIn
Victoria Walmsley
Sales and Marketing Director · Director and Co-owner
One of our Directors and Co-owners, with a wealth of experience across all things thermoplastic, leading sales and marketing at Uniplay.
Connect on LinkedInReady to get your playground moving?
Tell us about your space and we will send a free design and a detailed quote, with no hidden costs and our price match promise.
- Free design and site survey
- No obligation
- Our own in-house installation team