Outdoor Activities

Gradually ease the restrictions on local exercise and allow access to outdoor spaces again such as the Highlands, forests and National Parks via vehicles but keep an emphasis on social distancing.

Why the contribution is important

It is important that people are allowed to venture back into the outdoors after weeks of isolation. Not all families have gardens or parks nearby, therefore allowing access to a greater choice of outdoor locations will help with physical and mental well-being. These areas will not be as busy as usual due to the continued restrictions on tourism and social distancing guidelines will be easier to adhere to than in a city or town centre. It will also allow small business in these areas to operate if it is safe to do so and allow a gradual economic recovery for some of the hardest hit areas.

by m71333 on May 05, 2020 at 01:30PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 54 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Switchqueen May 05, 2020 at 13:33

    As long as households don’t mix them this could possibly be done safely.

  • Posted by mdinafala May 05, 2020 at 13:37

    Golf is something that can easily be played in a very socially distant way and will help many people’s mental health especially my brother as we are living in a half renovated house with most of our things in storage

  • Posted by JohnENMacmillan May 05, 2020 at 13:37

    This is a very good suggestion

  • Posted by consult1 May 05, 2020 at 13:44

    Agree. If we are to continue lockdown with schools closed and restricted working, allowing us to access to more outdoor spaces to enjoy time with family would greatly reduce any build up of frustration and possible anger amongst the public. This should help us cope with other tight lockdown measures. Careful consideration of car parking measures, maybe booking of a parking slot at a restricted time would allow management of spaces.

  • Posted by jwilkes10 May 05, 2020 at 13:45

    Golf courses being used by walkers, cyclists etc. Suffering damage and vandalism. Allow golfers back out to stop this. It’s an easy way to exercise and socially distance. Far easier than at supermarket. If people can drive for a Costa then why not golf.

  • Posted by llcollins95 May 05, 2020 at 14:03

    I believe this would be an ideal restriction to ease up first. People getting back outside and to areas where they can freely explore, i.e. hills, areas of beauty, country walks. It would allow for the cooped up feeling also to be a little less suffocating

  • Posted by SarahJane May 05, 2020 at 14:06

    This is not a good idea as certain areas such as Loch Lomond will be teeming with folk and it will be similar to the queues previously seen in Wales at Snowdonia. This would be particularly the case given the recent good weather. This is completely untenable as an idea at this time in my view.

  • Posted by alloha May 05, 2020 at 14:16

    good idea

  • Posted by ISMactier May 05, 2020 at 14:25

    There are many solitary outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, golfing, windsurfing to name but a few that would virtually have no risk of contagion for participating healthy individuals / household groups but would have immense benefit for their mental health and wellbeing. Also I can not see how travelling to isolated countryside/ beaches within a reasonable distance of home in an individual's own car to take part in these can have any influence on spread of virus either to them or community as long as they maintain social distancing rules. Would urge relaxing of restrictions in these areas soon.

  • Posted by SplatTuz May 05, 2020 at 14:37

    Initially restrict to regions, can hill walkers, watersports people take their own PPE as one of the reasons we can't hill walk etc even straight from home is if something went wrong and we needed rescuing it would be higher risk to recuers.

  • Posted by Aa May 05, 2020 at 15:34

    Access to exercise areas via a vehicle should be allowed immediately, even if restricted to local areas/certain drive time/distance etc.

    Easier to physical distance in a wood or countryside than in a city park or supermarket.

  • Posted by Thunderbird May 06, 2020 at 11:11

    I support this proposal.

    I would also support allowing wild camping - with those who participate in this style activity following standard good practice guidelines as well as social distancing.

  • Posted by CharlottePlayfair May 07, 2020 at 06:14

    I think this needs to be done in a sustainable way that does not overcrowd rural areas, pre lockdown there was a lot of over crowding

  • Posted by covidodger May 07, 2020 at 23:07

    Bad idea, potentially carrying disease to rural areas.

  • Posted by aloneinthehills May 08, 2020 at 11:06

    totally agree. Restore access to the hills
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