Good points here about beginners and the learning curve for following a trail. I enjoy taking people out who are new to hiking, I feel like Im giving the keys to disney world away, but at the same time I focus on teaching as we hike. There is alot to learn and some people want to learn others are content to just follow and be at the mercy of thier leader. I do not promote the latter in any way shape or form, everyone should learn the basics to be at least somewhat self reliant. A few years back I was hiking with two other guys I had met, I always led, I always picked the route and to be honest, I couldnt get them to even look at the maps before the hike. I was getting frustrated and I wasnt being paid to be a guide so I thought it was time to elevate thier training. On remote trail at a 45 degree turn I kept going straight off the trail. True to form they followed right behind me without even a second thought. Fiannaly one of them said " hey this is not a trail, we lost the trail". I sat down took off my pack and said no ****, you should have noticed that 20 minutes ago! They asked me how to get back to the trail and I said " IM done, you find the way back" they were not happy and got pissed, I held firm, they frantically talked to each other and one of the guys sure enough put the pieces together and got us back on route. I said good job, from now on do your part, know where you are at all times, if something happens to me I dont want you to hanging around my body whining that you dont know how to get out without me. They became quite proficient and picked out the next hikes without me, always looking and using thier maps along the way.