Yorkshire Dales bosses have pleaded with walkers to stay away. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Outdoor enthusiasts are again being urged to stay at home over the weekend, as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
The UK Government this week announced restrictions on activities were being extended by another three weeks in an effort to control the spread of Covid-19.
National park bosses and police forces repeated their pleas to stay away from the honeypot areas and for people to take their permitted daily exercise close to home.
David Butterworth, chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “People must not be making unnecessary trips to, or around the national park.
“In particular, exercise should be done locally, and people should not be making special journeys to access the countryside. Our ranger service will once again be supporting North Yorkshire and Cumbria police in the national park over the weekend, encouraging people to heed this advice”.
National park offices, visitor centres, car parks and toilets are all closed, while public rights of way remain open for local people to take exercise, and shop for essentials. It is important these are not blocked or obstructed.
“Where rights of way pass close to, or through residential and agricultural properties, Government advice regarding social distancing and hand washing should be strictly adhered to.”
Mike Walker, Assistant Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police said: “If we continue to follow the guidance to stay home, we will continue to see a slowing in the spread of Covid-19, meaning the virus will be beaten all the sooner.
“That’s why we are again asking residents of North Yorkshire and those who live outside the area, but love to visit, to please work with us and stay home this weekend.”
Police in Cumbria, part of which covers the Yorkshire Dales national park, echoed the advice.
Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer said: “When leaving home, we need to continue to do what is necessary and reasonable and this includes where we exercise.
“Now is not the time for people to be travelling to Cumbria to exercise in our rural communities or visit the national parks. I am pleased that most people understand this.”
Visitors are being urged to avoid the Lake District fells. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Speaking of the Lake District, which her force also covers, Chief Constable Skeer said: “Firstly, I would like to thank everyone in Cumbria who has been following the government guidelines over the last three weeks, this is helping to save lives.
“It is important that we focus on why the restrictions remain – which is to save the lives of people in our community and support our colleagues caring for those in our local hospitals.
“The guidance from the government remains that exercise should be done locally, using open spaces near to your home where possible and people should travel only when necessary and for a short distance.
“Travelling from other areas, like we have seen recently from Middlesex, Plymouth and Leeds to enjoy our local areas is not necessary or reasonable. We need the continued support of the public and the Lake District will be here when this is over and we will welcome you when it’s safe to do so.
“Our officers will continue to patrol all areas across the county and where they come across people travelling unreasonably or people failing to adhere to the social distancing guidelines, they will engage with them, explain the guidance and encourage people to go home, only as a last resort where reason fails, enforcement action will be taken.”
Lake District National Park Authority chief executive, Richard Leafe said: “At this time, we continue to ask people not to travel to the Lake District national park. Please help keep our largely rural communities safe by exercising locally.
Lake District chief executive Richard Leafe. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
“The Lake District will be here for the nation to enjoy when this situation is over. But for now we ask everyone to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Andy Wilson, chief executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, added: “Government guidance remains the same.
“We must all continue to take responsibility for helping to slow the spread of Covid-19 and we can do this by simply staying at home and avoiding all nonessential travel. The government has permitted that people can leave their homes for exercise, but they have advised that this should be done locally using open spaces near to your home.”
There has been confusion over what is allowed under the coronavirus regulations after it emerged the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and the College of Policing had issued guidance to officers on what constituted a reasonable excuse to leave your residence. The document was produced in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service and applies to England only. Other UK nations have legislation that differs from England’s.
The NPCC guidance says it is likely to be considered reasonable under the law to drive to countryside and walk, where far more time is spent walking than driving. Driving for a prolonged period with only brief exercise is unlikely to be reasonable.
It says: “Exercise must involve some movement, but it is acceptable for a person to stop for a break in exercise. However, a very short period of ‘exercise’ to excuse a long period of inactivity may mean that the person is not engaged in ‘exercise’ but in fact something else. It is lawful to drive for exercise.”
Acceptable forms of exercise include going for a run or cycle or practising yoga; walking in the countryside or in cities; and attending an allotment.
North Wales Police said, despite contradicting media reports relating to exercise guidance the force is reminding people that north Wales is currently closed to visitors.
Wales's most popular mountain Snowdon is among those closed. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki said: “Our tourist attractions, mountains, pubs, restaurants, caravan, holiday parks and campsites are all closed.
“We completely understand that people want to go outside to enjoy the warm weather predicted for the weekend, however this is a national emergency and we will continue to ensure government guidelines around essential travel and social distancing are adhered to.
“Please only travel if your journey is absolutely essential. This means either shopping for food or medicine and for traveling to and from work if you cannot work from home.
“Our policing style remains unchanged, and we will be operating in a very visible way on our road networks and in towns and villages ensuring that people are complying with the restrictions. Our actions will remain proportionate and fair at all times, and we know from working with our communities here that people are supportive of our actions.
“It is not regarded as essential travel to drive to the national park and other beauty spots to walk or exercise. Neither is it essential travel to drive to second and holiday homes. Please stay in your primary residence. North Wales will still be here once the pandemic is over and we look forward to getting things back to normal and welcoming people back as soon as we can.
“The guidance from the UK Government and Welsh Government remains that exercise should be done locally, using open spaces near to your home where possible.”
Emyr Williams, chief executive of Snowdonia National Park Authority, said: “Unprecedented scenes of visitors flocking to Snowdonia some weeks ago meant that the authority had to take steps to close the area’s popular mountain areas and sites in order to protect local communities and health services.
“All of the authority’s car parks and public toilets were also closed. To anyone considering visiting Snowdonia over the weekend the message remains – do not visit the national park until the Government’s guidelines to avoid unnecessary travel has been lifted.
Snowdonia national park chief executive Emyr Williams. Photo: Alan Dop
“Snowdonia will still be here when this is all over, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back when things are back to normal.”
North Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Walker said: “We heard the news from the government this week that, thanks to the public listening to the stay home advice, there are indications that the spread of Covid-19 is slowing.
“However, it was also made clear that the fight against this virus is not over and to push the rate of infection down further, three more weeks of lockdown have been announced.
“We understand that asking people to continue to stay at home is challenging, especially at weekends when the weather is good. We know that it’s tempting for those who live outside of North Yorkshire to get into the car to visit the region and enjoy our open spaces or coast line. However, if you choose to ignore the advice and travel unnecessarily, you are putting the benefits we are beginning to see, thanks to the sacrifices made by millions over the past weeks, at risk.
“Our task remains unchanged and we will be continuing our high-visibility patrols and engaging, explaining and encouraging members of the public to continue to follow the guidance.
“The recent guidance issued to forces by the CPS regarding what constitutes a reasonable journey still requires police officers to use their judgement and discretion to assess each situation. This does not change our policing approach in North Yorkshire and our officers will continue to use their professional judgement.
“In some circumstances we may have to use enforcement as a last but necessary resort, to keep the public safe.
“This is not about trying to find justification for a day out or loopholes to side step the advice. The truth is stark – if you do travel further than you absolutely have to, you are risking the spread of the virus, your own lives and that of others.
“So please, continue with what you have already been doing and stay home, so we can beat this pandemic together and allow life to return to normal as quickly as possible.”
Tom Watson
18 April 2020I'm not looking for loopholes but I wish they'd be absolutely clear on what we can / can't do. If we're allowed to drive to the countryside to walk PLEASE someone give us a distance that's allowed.
As I live in Penrith I'm only a stones throw away from the Lake District where I 'normally' spend 3 or 4 days every week of the year walking. So, because the regulations are open to interpretation I still don't know if I'm allowed to drive to say Pooley Bridge and go for a walk. I'll see far less people there than I do on my walks from home in Penrith.
Nick G
19 April 2020Tom - that's a tough one to answer.
Can you really throw a stone, that far?
I think the main point is to 'Protect the NHS' by 'Staying at Home' and 'Saving Lives'
If these were 'normal times' I suspect there would be many a folk holidaying in Pooley Bridge.
Taking advantage of the current situation, just because there would be less conceived people there, would be a 'loophole'. In my opinion.
There will always be some local people there! (hopefully!)
Ask yourself 'is it essential?'.
I am an avid walker (well used to be pre-Crisis).
I don't own a car - but could get to somewhere close by on the Train.
Just walking to the train station would be 1.5 miles! and then back (another 1.5 miles), would be my daily quota.
I don't see that being an 'essential journey' in my case. And would equally encounter lots of folk if I ventured outside.
Are you asking if all the residents of Penrith should be allowed to go to Pooley Bridge by car?
What do the folk of Pooley Bridge think?
I am guessing some folk in Pooley Bridge may go to Penrith for supplies. Hope most staying local if possible.
My neighbour is a carer whom works mammoth shifts at the moment.
I would weigh up pro/cons and have consideration for those doing vital work to keep the nation going, and consideration for those whom cannot, before making any trip.
And although you may be able to 'go for a walk' - many a folk come a cropper and need assistance from MRTs. Or maybe your car breaks down? etc...
Don't put any strain on the lovely NHS (or anyone else) if it can be avoided.
Stay Safe for now, for others!
Chris Barnes
19 April 2020It looks like the people on this website haven't even bothered looking for loopholes, they've just stuck 2 fingers up at the rest of us and carried on as normal.
https://www.wainwrightwalking.co.uk/
Quite disgusting and selfish when you consider the number of people who are dying everyday and the pressure on the NHS.
Richard HEADEY
20 April 2020This remains confusing to me.
The NPCC say " it is likely to be considered reasonable under the law to drive to countryside and walk, where far more time is spent walking than driving."
Then the North Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Walker says
" please, continue with what you have already been doing and stay home,"
I tend towards the advice of Chief Constable Walker[ironic name!] but it's the NPCC who have offered the loophole.
Cobalt
20 April 2020The rules are simple. Use a car only for work, medical, shopping or caring for someone.
These are times we need to be strict for a short period of time.
Yes, https://www.wainwrightwalking.co.uk/ should not be walking and especially publishing and flouting his walks when many people are trying their best to help the NHS. It's not him but the MRT and their family members that may have to pay the price! Selfish attitude.
John Young
20 April 2020Police guidelines published a few days ago, specifically say that "driving to countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving)" is "likely to be reasonable".
(link https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/Documents/What-constitutes-a-reasonable-excuse.pdf)
Were I to to drive (30 to 45 minutes) from my urban environment in Greater Manchester into the Dark Peak for a 6 to 8 hour hike, it does not seem that I'd be finding a loophole but rather following this advice to the letter.
The main thing that makes me hesitate to go for that hike (and I have not been doing so) is that the MRTs don't want us to do it. As far as I can see, the law is not even suggesting that I don't.
John Young
20 April 2020Police guidelines published a few days ago, specifically state that "driving to countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving)" is "likely to be reasonable".
(link https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/Documents/What-constitutes-a-reasonable-excuse.pdf)
Were I to drive (30 to 45 minutes) from my urban environment in Greater Manchester into the Dark Peak for a 6 to 8 hour hike, it does not seem that I'd be finding a loophole but rather following this advice to the letter.
The main thing that makes me hesitate to go for that hike (and I have not been doing so) is that the MRTs don't want us to do it. As far as I can see, the law is not even suggesting that I don't.
John Young
20 April 2020Police guidelines published a few days ago, specifically state that "driving to countryside and walking (where far more time is spent walking than driving)" is "likely to be reasonable".
(https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/Documents/What-constitutes-a-reasonable-excuse.pdf)
Were I to drive (30/45 minutes) from my urban environment in Greater Manchester into the Dark Peak for a 6 to 8 hour hike, it does not seem that I'd be finding a loophole but rather following this advice to the letter.
The main thing that makes me hesitate to go for that hike (and I have not been doing so) is that the MRTs don't want us to do it. As far as I can see, the law is not even suggesting that I don't.
Jimmy Connel
20 April 2020As Cobalt says the rules / advice on driving to walk are clear.
I've never heard of https://www.wainwrightwalking.co.uk/ but have just had a look and found nothing but really awful quality pictures and rubbish text. How selfish of them to ignore the advice and continue walking and then telling people about it.
James
21 April 2020Remember, compliance does not need to be perfect, it just needs to be effective - as long as most people adhere to it.
Peter morgan
21 April 2020Does anyone know how I can report / who I can report the people in the website mentioned here to. We're all moaning about them (including me) but I'd actually like to see something done about it.
My sister is a front line nurse and my brother in law died from the virus last week so I know only too well the importance of following the advice to stay at home and NOT dressing the advice to suit your own selfish needs.
On the website they've written the following:
In case you don’t already know, new guidelines regarding the current restrictions have been issued to police forces (only for England though) by the Crown Prosecution Service. These have been published via the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing. I detected a bit of face saving in the first paragraph where it states that –
‘CPS have produced a really useful practical guide as to what might and what might not constitute a ‘reasonable excuse’. They have kindly allowed us to reproduce this to help officers, however each case still needs to be considered based on the individual facts as they present themselves.’
Eyewash, bet your boots the CPS is gnashing its legal teeth over all the unlawful behaviour taken by the police these past few weeks, have given them a bit of a rap over the knuckles and have made it crystal clear what police officers legally can and cannot do. Not before time either. I was pleased to see what the CPS deems to be reasonable in terms of exercise because it supports what our strategy has been from the very beginning, we stay in our local area, drive a short distance to walk somewhere we know from experience we will be unlikely to see another person, never mind coming into contact with a crowd, and spend the whole afternoon there enjoying our exercise in splendid isolation.
If you’d like a copy of the CPS guidelines to the police you can download it here
Just in case you are unfortunate enough to meet a police officer who still hasn’t got to grips with what is within the law, I would recommend keeping a copy on your phone or on paper and make sure you have it with you whenever you leave the house, even if you only go into your own garden!
Clive
21 April 2020Can we dial the pitchforks down a bit?
Those walks look like they're straightforward low risk local ones in the perfect place to walk in these times, away from pretty much everybody. They're not going to be spreading the virus. They're sticking to the guidelines - a short drive to an empty place and a reasonable walk.
They're very lucky that they're able to do that - there's not many who can. But we shouldn't pillory them for taking advantage of that luck.
(I'm in a similar situation - have been out walking every day off, though haven't driven to the start, and the most risky part is the first couple of miles where everybody is out getting their exercise - the bit we're encouraged to do by everybody).
Me
21 April 2020This needs to be clearer. I live in a rural area. I cannot walk and keep a safe social distance due to too many joggers and walkers. If I am allowed to drive to exercise then surely it is far safer for me to do so.
Also if it is recommended that I stay local then why are the tour de france MAMILs allowed to flout the law and cycle further.
James
22 April 2020Me - trying to control the world around them by their transport choice.
Clive
22 April 2020I think the recent advice has been pretty clear - a short drive to walk is fine. However if that drive is to a popular spot, maybe don't - the drive has to be for the walk, not the beauty spot.
(the bit which does concern me if I was to take my car out round here is the risk of somebody getting unnecessarily angry and taking it out on the car while I'm on said walk. Which would of course be counterproductive, but wouldn't necessarily stop idiots...)
North4
26 April 2020The Law and guidance (see above) is very clear. The only people it doesn't appear clear to are those who want to extend it to be what they think it should be.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/pdfs/uksi_20200350_en.pdf
https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/Documents/What-constitutes-a-reasonable-excuse.pdf
Andrew
27 April 2020Moral hypocrits saying you shouldnt drive to exercise safely in the middle of nowhere,are usually same ones swarming to supermarkets in their cars.Why. Because they feel sure they cant be fined going to tesco,despite far more risk of speading/contracting the virus.
Andrew minns
27 April 2020Moral hypocrits saying you shouldnt drive to exercise safely in the middle of nowhere,are usually same ones swarming to supermarkets in their cars.Why. Because they feel sure they cant be fined going to tesco,despite far more risk of spreading/contracting the virus.
Ross S
28 April 2020If the NPCC say " it is likely to be considered reasonable under the law to drive to countryside and walk, where far more time is spent walking than driving." Who are we to overrule them. We should resepect the advice of the NPCC, not be making up interrpretations of our own.
Apart from the appaling death-toll of this crisis, it has been extremely sad to see the rise of the corona-fascists. People who, rather than respecting the intention behind the rules, slavishly and pedanticly police a narrow interrpretation. Informeller Mitarbeiter...
For example, my knees are shot, so walking and running are out of the question. I could get to the coast in 20min and spend an hour out in my kayak, but I dare not do it, not because of the police, but for fear of an angry mob of villagers with pitch-forks and torches waiting for my return.
As I said, it is very sad to see how readily people fall into this way of thinking...