Nature-based tourism is stimulated by the aesthetic properties of landscapes, and
particular elements of the latter determine the overall scenic beauty. Big stones on forested
mountain slopes are among such elements. The Partisan Glade geosite-based tourist destination
ofthe Western Caucasus in southwestern Russia is distinguished by the occurrence of such stones.
Their field investigation (measurements of physical parameters and interpretation of the common
criteria of tourist-meaningful beauty) shows that these are essentially blocks (clasts with the size of
1–10 m) of all grades (fine, medium, and coarse blocks) and colluvial origin. The blocks influence
on such parameters of scenic beauty as scale, condition, balance, diversity, shape, and uniqueness,
and, therefore, these blocks are of aesthetic value. The most important is color and size. Apparently,
the presence of these big stones stimulates tourists’ positive emotions. It is recommended to avoid
block removal or breaking in the course of road maintenance. |
