jmarkb wrote:denfinella wrote:While the Stay at Home guidance is due to be replaced by "Stay Local" next week, it looks like we may still be confined to local authority areas for travel / walking. Is this correct, or do people think there be some flexibility built in, given the change in overall message?
I think that is correct - the difference is that we will be able to travel within the local authority area for non-essential purposes, but that does not make any difference to travelling for exercise, which counts as an essential purpose.
Yes, the move to stay local makes little difference regarding outdoor recreation. The disappointing thing for me has been the guidance and lack of good advice for hillwalkers. I know many people in the highlands have not been out much due to the rules not being explained properly, or doubt cast as to what was legal. It has been perfectly legal and within the guidance (and the spirit of the law
) for folk to travel the length of the highland area for, very low risk, outdoor recreation but none of the bodies representing the hill walking community have said that. I had a good conversation about this after a chance meeting with a policeman on the hills recently.
Also, just recently, under pressure from members who disagreed with folk solo wild camping in local hills, Mountaineering Scotland interpreted this type of recreation should be off limits and changed their advice.
There is no mention of recreational wild camping in the government guidance but Mountaineering Scotland have given their own interpretation of it. Meanwhile having been pressed on the point of people travelling a distance in their own area they have declined to make a recommendation on it but referred people to the general government advice and decide for themselves.
I imagine it will all culminate with thousands perfectly legally and with in the guidance descending (or maybe ascending
) on hills like Lomond, Nevis etc. just like last time and the other popular highland hill areas will be rammed also.
Ben Nevis summit queue - August 2020There are going to be a lot of stir crazy folk hitting the hills come the 26th of April - with a bit of luck it will all go well.