Gradual steps to open hillwalking

Although hillwalking itself within your family group has very little covid transmission risk. However, risks occur with:
Accidents requiring mountain rescue, forcing 20-50 people to be in close contact in an environment where ppe does not work.
Parking, paying for parking.
Climbing gates/styles
Popping into local shops for food/ a coffee
Lots of people hillwalking who don’t normally, as they are limited in what they can do.

Our scottish mountain rescue volunteers were stretched to the limit the weekend of 20/21 March, as so many people were on the hill. They must be in great fear of not being able to cope if everyone is ‘unleashed’ onto the hills at the same time.
So restricting hill excercise to within a 20 mile drive range might be a way to manage numbers and keep people local. Then gradually opening this up. Plus lots of pressure to help people choose ‘easy’ routes for them. And clear guidance on parking etc.

Why the contribution is important

For the managing of our mountain rescue resource.

by Catherina on May 11, 2020 at 09:19AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 10 votes

Comments

  • Posted by KMR May 11, 2020 at 09:38

    Seems a sensible, incremental approach.
    Hill-walking as opposed to mountain climbing must be the parameter. This must be made clear. What consitutes a hill ie below a certain height.
    Mountain Rescue volunteers are already putting themselves at risk saving others. They do not need the added risk of contracting COVID 19 at this time. Take it from someone who, when growing up, used to help my parents make pots of hot soup and sandwiches at all hours of the day and night for M R Teams on Ben Nevis.
  • Posted by AliBe May 11, 2020 at 18:48

    I agree that a managed and gradual reopening could be done, with limits on how far from home you are able to travel.
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas