The situation on Monday 3rd August
In relation to hill walking, climbing and mountaineering there are now some areas where the guidance in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland is very similar:
Travel
No national restrictions – avoid public transport if possible. If you do have to use public transport, check with your transport operator for the latest travel advice on your route.
Camping
Yes – check for campsite closures before you travel. Whether you’re camping on a campsite or in the hills, follow the Countryside Code/Scottish Outdoor Access Code (links below) and
Leave No Trace principles.
National Parks: open
Check the relevant National Park website for any restrictions and visitor advice.
Toilets and car parking
Some remain closed, check before you travel.
Some differences remain in the following areas (table updated 11th August):
| |
Outdoor group size limitations |
Distancing |
Accommodation |
Climbing walls |
Mountain Training course provision? |
| England |
Up to 30 people for the purpose of work, education and training, voluntary or charitable services, otherwise max of 6 people from different households/bubbles |
2m except where that’s not possible, in which case 1m with mitigation measures in place |
All holiday accommodation permitted (following the relevant guidance) |
Yes, some remain closed, some require advanced booking, check before you travel |
Yes |
| Scotland |
A maximum of 15 people from 5 different households |
2m |
All holiday accommodation permitted (following the relevant guidance) |
No, indicative date for reopening: Monday 14th September |
Yes |
| Wales |
Up to 30 people |
2m except where that’s not possible, in which case mitigation measures are required |
All holiday accommodation permitted (following the relevant guidance) |
Yes (from 10th Aug), some remain closed, some require advanced booking, check before you travel |
Yes |
| Northern Ireland |
Up to 30 people, Mountaineering Ireland recommend 10-15 people |
2m, or 1m with appropriate mitigation |
Yes |
Yes - check with the wall before you travel |
Yes |
| Ireland |
Mountaineering Ireland recommend 10-15 people |
2m |
Yes |
Yes - check with the wall before you travel |
Yes |
Local lockdown restrictions may have an impact on some of the restrictions outlined above. Please stay up to date with the latest guidance for the places in which you live, work and intend to visit.
Links for more information:
What does this mean for you, our candidates?
It means you can 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.
Share the Adventure Smart message
Help us reduce the number of avoidable Mountain Rescue callouts by sharing these
AdventureSmart questions with people new to the outdoors:
- Do I have the right GEAR?
- Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
- Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?
If you answered no to any of the questions above, a
Mountain Skills course might be just what you need to enjoy your time in the mountains safely.