A number of updates from the Scottish, Welsh, Irish and UK governments have led to some changes to our summary of activity table.

This guidance is not designed to replace the advice being given by each government and has been simplified to provide a snapshot of the situation in each country. For the full picture please read the relevant government website and please check local tourist board and national park websites for local variations.

From 13th July:

	Outdoor group size limitations	Distancing	Travel	Overnight stays	Camping	National Parks	Toilet and Car Parking	Climbing Walls	Mountain Training Course Provision?
England	Up to 30 people for the purpose of work, education and training, voluntary or charitable services	2m except where that’s not possible, in which case 1m with mitigation measures in place	No restrictions, avoid public transport if possible	Yes self-contained, booked in advance	Yes – check for campsite closures before you travel	Open – check the relevant NP website for any restrictions	Some remain closed, check before you travel	No, indicative date of 25th July for climbing wall reopening	Yes, activity indoors limited to two households.
Scotland	A maximum of 15 people from 5 different households	2m	No restrictions, avoid public transport if possible	Yes self-contained, booked in advance	From 15th July, yes. Observe SOAC and Leave No Trace principles and any local restrictions/advice on wild camping	Open – check the relevant NP website for any restrictions	Some remain closed, check before you travel	No	Yes, activity indoors limited to 8 people from 3 households
Wales	Up to 30 people outdoors only where these are organised and supervised by a responsible person for sports and other leisure activities and classes	2m except where that’s not possible, in which case mitigation measures are required	No restrictions, avoid public transport if possible	Yes self-contained, booked in advance	No, indicative date of 25th July for campsite reopening	Open – check the relevant NP website for any restrictions	Some remain closed, check before you travel	No	Yes, no activity indoors
Northern Ireland	Up to 30 people, Mountaineering Ireland recommend 10-15 people	2m	No restrictions, avoid public transport if possible	Yes	Yes – check campsite information before you travel	Open – check the relevant NP website for any restrictions	Some remain closed, check before you travel	Yes - check with the wall before you travel	Yes
Ireland	Mountaineering Ireland recommend 10-15 people	2m	No restrictions, avoid public transport if possible	Yes	Yes – check campsite information before you travel	Open – check the relevant NP website for any restrictions	Some remain closed, check before you travel	Yes - check with the wall before you travel	Yes

Links for more information

	Mountaineering council update	Government guidance
England	BMC - England update	UK Government
Scotland	Mountaineering Scotland latest	Scottish Government
Wales	BMC - Wales update	Welsh Government
Northern Ireland	Mountaineering Ireland latest	Northern Ireland Executive
Ireland	Mountaineering Ireland latest	Irish Government

What does this mean for you, our candidates?

It means you can now develop your experience, bearing in mind the limitations outlined above. Here are some things to think about when you’re heading out:

Refamiliarization

It’s important to build in a period of refamiliarization if you’ve not been hill walking or climbing much recently, regardless of how experienced you are (or were) – skill fade is common and your fitness is probably not what it was. If you choose the right partner(s) and the right venue you can support each other while enjoying your time in the hills or at the crag. If you'd like some support, the Mountain Training Association is restarting some of its workshops and regional group events for members - see what's happening.

Risk management

Whether you’re heading out for a walk on your own or with others, your assessment of the risks involved has a new hazard to consider: Covid-19. To help you make decisions about what steps you should take to avoid spreading the virus, read our advice for MTA members.
The time required to think, make decisions and consciously complete safety checks might mean everything takes a bit longer than it used to; allow yourself this time for risk management. Mountain Rescue aren’t able to respond as quickly as they were prior to lockdown, and now more than ever it’s worth putting the effort into planning and preparing for your adventures and taking care of yourself and others while you’re out. The daylight hours start early and finish late at the moment so there’s no need to rush. Efficiency will follow.

Respect the Rock

If you’re new to climbing outdoors, or you’re taking friends or family climbing outdoors for the first time, the BMC’s #RespectTheRock campaign has some great resources including videos and articles that might help with the transition.

Restrictions

There are still a number of restrictions in place and for a successful day out it’s important that you know what they are. Use the table we’ve created as a guide and research the place you’re visiting before you go. If you’ve not been out yet, think about where your first post-lockdown adventure might take you and the logistics involved in travelling there and parking when you get there. Have a few options in mind in case your first choice destination is crowded or inaccessible.

Our customer service team has welcomed back a few members of the team so get in touch if you have any questions about our schemes or contact one of our approved providers.