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How To Safely Enjoy The Outdoors During Covid-19

4 June 2021
How To Safely Enjoy The Outdoors During Covid-19

The following information is correct as of 04/06/21. Please check gov.uk, gov.wales, nidirect.gov, gov.scot for any additions, and the most up to date information on health and safety guidelines. The dates mentioned below are all subject to change and should be considered as 'no sooner than' guidelines. Actual dates will depend on the current status of the pandemic.

With a roadmap out of lockdown and the prospect of restrictions to soon be lifted, it looks like we will be able to get some normality back in our lives in the not too distant future.

You may be wondering how current restrictions and the proposed roadmap out of lockdown will affect your outdoor activities. We've put together all of the key information below, and the page will be updated accordingly as further announcements are made.


Hiking & Trail Running Covid-19 Advice

Hike & Run

England: You can now walk/run in groups of up to thirty. However, if you are in an area where the new COVID-19 variant is spreading, it is advised that you minimise travel.

Northern Ireland: You can exercise outdoors with up to thirty people. Group events are allowed up to 500 participants, but a risk assessment must be filled out from the organiser.

Wales: You may hike or run with up to six people from six households. From June 7th you may meet up to thirty people outdoors. You can travel any distance within Wales. Organised outdoor activities are now permitted for up to fifty people.

Scotland: Scotland is operating a tier system for restrictions, so the rules will vary depending on where you are. However, at the time of writing, you may walk with groups of up to eight people from eight households across nearly all of Scotland. With Glasgow set to be moved to level 2 from June 5th, the rule of eight people will be the same across the whole country.

Tips

  • Certain locations or areas are closed to the public so it's worth checking online before setting off.
  • Popular, well-known locations will be busier than normal; so why not take this opportunity to try a new, lesser-known route.
  • Routes will be quieter in the morning and late evenings, especially Mon- Fri.
  • Remain two meters away from other walkers/runners, at bottlenecks be patient and let others past where possible.
  • Breathing heavily when running can cause alarm to walkers - try to give extra space when passing.   
  • When planning a walk try to choose one with wide-open spaces rather than narrow footpaths.
  • Try to avoid touching gates, styles and walls. Where you have to be sure to use antibacterial hand sanitiser to clean your hands.
  • Remember to take individual gear and supplies rather than sharing e.g water bottles, walking poles, food.
  • Know your ability/ fitness level, be modest with your route choice and distance & take no unnecessary risks. Mountain Rescue are operating at reduced capacity so help could be a long wait and there is also the risk of transmission between rescue members and yourself.
  • When running, avoid focusing on the time/pace and be cautious across uneven terrain to help minimise the risk of injury.
  • Please be respectful of local residents in the area you are walking or running, especially when parking.         

Extra Stay Safe advice   


Climbing / Mountaineering Covid-19 Advice

Climbing

England: Indoor climbing walls are open although most require booking, so check in advance before making any trip. You can climb outdoors in groups of up to thirty.

Northern Ireland: Indoor climbing walls are now open. Outdoor climbing is also permitted.

Wales: Indoor climbing walls are open. Outdoor climbing is permitted. From June 7th you may meet up to 30 people outdoors.

Scotland:  Indoor climbing walls are open. Scotland is still operating a tier system so limits do vary slightly depending on where you are. From June 5th you may meet in groups of eight from eight different households outdoors across the whole of Scotland.

Whether climbing, mountaineering or bouldering, there is an inherent risk so extra care should be taken in preparing for and attempting a route or problem. 

Tips

  • Climbing with members of your own household simplifies things a lot as you are able to share equipment and get closer than 2m. However, the holds on your route may have recently been used by other climbers, especially when bouldering, so you should still avoid touching your face while climbing and use antibacterial hand sanitiser after every climb.
  • It’s sensible to climb at least down a grade from your normal routes minimising the risk.
  • When climbing with someone from outside of your household it gets a bit trickier with maintaining 2m distances and protection so this needs to come into consideration when you're choosing a route.
  • Climb easier bouldering problems; use plenty of mats and a sensible demeanour.
  • Only choose multi-pitch routes where there are spacious stances to avoid getting too close to your second.
  • Use your own individual ropes and clips when sport climbing and avoid using your mouth to hold ropes or gear. 
  • For trad climbing try to use protection in batches and use hand sanitiser when you need to touch someone else's gear. 
  • Utilise bottom rope belaying rather than traditional top-roping to give your partner space when topping out.

Extra Stay Safe advice   


Camping

Camping

England: Campsites are now open. Some limits on wider social contact still apply (you may only meet up to six people from size households indoors, and up to thirty outdoors).

Northern Ireland: Campsites are now open.

Wales: Campsites are now open. Some limits on wider social contact still apply (you may only meet up to six people from six households until June 7th where the limit rises to thirty).

Scotland: Campsites are now open. There may be social contact limits depending on what level the area you are staying in is.


Whilst this is a strange period and we face many restrictions, it is a great opportunity to explore your local area, discovering routes, paths and trails that you have previously not discovered close to your home.

Please ensure that you stay safe and look after each other.

More stay safe resources:


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