Allow access to the great outdoors it's good for you! Far better than sitting in your house watching telly!

Scotland is blessed as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Lift exercise restrictions to allow hillwalking and countryside walks. Social distancing guidance should be provided by the government on how to do this effectively.

Why the contribution is important

Give people a sense of freedom at this dark, dark time. In Scotland we do not need to be cocooned in our home . Let us use the great outdoors that we are so fortunate to have. The profound mental and physiological benefits are not be understated by the current virus.

by AllyF on May 08, 2020 at 09:30AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 22 votes

Comments

  • Posted by eaparsons May 08, 2020 at 09:40

    It would be great to be able to use the bus or train for this if precautions were in place.

  • Posted by lmg1612 May 08, 2020 at 09:48

    Yes

  • Posted by Bogmyrtle May 08, 2020 at 09:55

    I support this idea. Walking is great for health and well-being and there is plenty of scope for doing this safely. Scotland does on the whole have a lot of space per person. And if more people are spread out and able to walk further afield from home, it may reduce pressure on city parks etc and allow people who do not have gardens, or who cannot go far for walks out of town. Clear policy needed to assure population in walking destinations though -walkers should be wearing masks in shops, adhering to strict hygiene, taking rubbish home, bringing packed lunches, leaving explanatory /reassuring note on car perhaps..

  • Posted by paulagnew May 08, 2020 at 09:55

    Most hill-walking activities can be safely done whilst maintaining the social distancing rules in place. Hill walking is extremely good for both physical and mental well being.

  • Posted by aloneinthehills May 08, 2020 at 11:02

    excellent idea

  • Posted by Sulphonamide May 08, 2020 at 11:19

    I can see that there are some issues with increased private car travel and any higher-risk activities (not convinced that the AA/RAC really run any risks, but obviously any mtn rescue teams are in danger from contagious individuals). It just relies on goodwill and common sense...but we of course did not see the latter that final weekend before lockdown. Would need guidance and perhaps enforcement (how? no idea - any suggestions?) - or some way to ensure that everyone doesn't suddenly flood up the tourist tracks to Ben Nevis/Lomond etc (even in normal times social distancing on those is impossible). But otherwise, yes please start this process as soon as possible - many people are climbing the walls hemmed in like this, and cannot see that it is of even minor benefit (but has considerable downsides since it means we are trapped on crowded pavements and paths where we cannot keep 2 metres from people without standing deep in the gorse / nettles)

  • Posted by ProudTeuchter May 08, 2020 at 11:34

    Perhaps with a limitation to the travelling distance to the starting point and the agreement that, if the car park is full, you turn around go home or try somewhere else. The outdoors are essential to many people's mental wellbeing and opening up safe access to it should be a priority, including being allowed to go and sit in your own 'bubble' of people in public parks.

  • Posted by DLRiley May 11, 2020 at 09:22

    The Scottish outdoor access code already emphasises responsible access. We need to add Covid 19 amendments to this to help sensible access resume. Outdoor education is also important for young people and could resume with limited risk of infection where young people can walk to the venue.
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