Really disappointing stuff from Glencoe MRT.
https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-52754442?amp_js_v=a3&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%3D#aoh=15902498664712&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fuk-scotland-highlands-islands-52754442Similar stuff from Cairngorms NP and the ramblers association.
I was speaking to a colleague at work today who is a keen golfer and member at Muir of Ord golf course which is close to a
20 mile drive for him. The course has been in touch telling him they should be open next friday with all rules in place to golf safely. No access to building, so nearly everyone will be driving. Car park open and common sense in place. I imagine the vast majority of courses will have similar plans. So 20 miles plus is ok and driving is ok. Yes the golf club members pay fees but that should not be a factor when safety is the main concern.
Meanwhile some mountain rescue teams are saying the hills are strictly for locals and of course themselves for recreation. Car parks are still going to be blocked off and access hindered as much as possible.
It is not for the MRT to interpret the government advice for us or put pressure on the government to keep people off the hills.
MRT are giving the impression they want to keep people off the hills as long as possible because they are having trouble adapting to the corona. Of course they are volunteers and they dont have to do it - I accept that and that is their choice. But just give us the facts and we will deal with it ourselves and many will choose to stay away. If golfers can drive from Inverness far further than 5 miles and from Glasgow to Ayrshire which is even further, then it's got to be an even playing field.
It seems golf is embracing the lockdown easing whilst the self proclaimed mountain authorities are frightened of it.
I totally understand remote communities being nervous of city and town dwellers bringing in the virus but we cant stay like this forever and the risk to locals should be minimal. The government specifically said hiking, fishing and canoeing is back on the agenda.
This is not practical in a 5 mile radius or without driving -
same as golf.
I wonder if canoeists and fisherman are receiving the same negative vibes as hill walkers.
Ps I cant see how MRT and the national parks are going to be so much better prepared in 3 or 6 weeks.
Very disappointing and very negative.
Aviemore is just over 20 miles from me and plenty parking there. I might borrow someone's golf trolley so that no one pesters me, or gives me abuse or calls the police as I'm walking through the Lairig Ghru!