Some of Scotland’s best known places for walks are set to be busy again this weekend, as people continue to enjoy the eased lockdown restrictions. Last week, certain very popular locations within easy reach of a day trip from the central belt became excessively busy, with car parks overfull and excessive parking on the verges causing obstruction on narrow roads. This is likely to be the case again on some routes, especially in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with its proximity to Glasgow. Parking and roads to Ben A’an, Conic Hill and Ben Lomond are likely to…

The Scottish Government announced today that they are planning to remove the 5 mile limit on leisure travel on the 3rd July. This means that day trips to the hills will be possible for all at last. Self-catering accommodation which has its own private facilities can also reopen from that date. The indicative dates announced today include: Travel distance restriction relaxed – 3 July Self-catering accommodation and second homes (without shared facilities) permitted – 3 July Outdoor hospitality (subject to physical distancing rules and public health advice) – 6 July People can meet in extended groups outdoors (with physical distancing) – 10 July Households can meet indoors with up…

Scotland’s tourism minister Fergus Ewing has told Scotland’s tourism businesses to prepare to reopen on July 15th, conditional on Scotland reaching stage 3 of its lockdown easing plan. The final decision on whether to go ahead will be made at the 9th July review. Restrictions on travel outside of people’s local area are expected to lift from the 15th July, which will see a return to hillwalking for people who live some distance from the mountains. However, he also wanted that “absolutely nothing can be guaranteed” and the date could be changed if infection rates do not continue to fall.…

Nicola Sturgeon yesterday announced the four stage route map for Scotland to ease its Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Today Scottish Mountain Rescue have issued new guidance to hillwalkers. None of the changes are yet in place, but it is expected that we may move to ‘Phase One’ of lifting the lockdown on next Thursday 28th May – although this will depend on continued progress in reducing infection numbers. Phase One – from 28th May if supported by evidence The new advice allows unrestricted outdoors exercise, whilst adhering to distancing measures and non-contact outdoor activities in the local area – such as…