Walking and cycling
Restrictions in England are now easing.
The latest government guidance says that social distancing is no longer mandatory.
There is no limit on meeting people, but we are encouraged to meet others outside wherever possible.
Face coverings are now only recommended in crowded public spaces, for example on public transport.
All of Scotland is in Covid protection level 0. This means that:
- Up to eight people from up to four households can meet indoors at home
- Up to 10 people from up to four households can meet in a public indoor space
- Up to 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors - whether in a private garden or public place (children aged 12 and under not counted).
We've also teamed up with our partners to give you some handy tips for walking, cycling and wheeling safely in Scotland during the pandemic. Take a look at the guidance.
In Wales, there are no travel restrictions in place within the country.
There are no legal restrictions on sport, exercise and outdoor activity, however people are advised not to take unnecessary risks while exercising or taking part in any activity.
You can exercise in public outdoor places with:
- members of your household or support bubble, or
- with people from one other household, as long as the total number of people exercising is no more than six (excluding any carers or children under 11 from either of those households), and you remain outdoors.
In addition to this children and young people aged under 18 (or persons who were aged under 18 on 31 August 2020) can take part in organised outdoor activities, which could include organised sport activities, where they are held outdoors.
People should ensure they maintain social distancing and hand hygiene.
And in Northern Ireland, from 16 August, there are no restrictions on meeting outdoors. A risk assessment is required for gatherings of more than 30 people.
You should avoid visiting places where there is a chance that large numbers of people will gather and crowds will form.
If you go somewhere and there are crowds which will make social distancing difficult, consider going somewhere else instead.
When travelling you should walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of your household where possible.
For more details check the NI Direct website.
Using the National Cycle Network
We’re asking users and all affiliated groups not to run any group activities, group walks or rides, and events on the National Cycle Network.
However, as long as current government advice for your area is followed, you can still go for a walk or cycle on your own, or with members of your household (as long as they have not presented symptoms).
We ask that you please think ahead about which route you plan to take.
Stay local and only go where you know will be quiet.
Please be aware that many paths on the Network may not be wide enough for you to maintain the minimum of 2 metres of physical distance between yourself and the nearest person.
With the increase in different users enjoying their local routes, we've put together some guidance on how to share, respect and enjoy the National Cycle Network.
And, if you’re currently unable to go outside, we’ll continue to bring the Network to you here on our website and on our social media channels.
Maintenance of the Network
Non-essential maintenance on National Cycle Network routes that we are responsible for has been postponed until further notice.
Some volunteers are now carrying out small actions on the Network such as litter picking and cutting back vegetation.
And some of our staff are also now heading out to do maintenance and improvement works on routes too.
Please be respectful if you meet them out on the path.
A lot of work was delayed by the Covid-19 outbreak, so please bear with us as we get things up and running again.
Please continue to report anything you spot to your local Sustrans office and your local council.
However, do note that the issue may not be resolved until it is safe for our staff to look into it.
