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For those in urban areas, social distancing has its challenges. Living in the Highlands of Scotland, that’s been less of an issue for Hannah Barnes, who’s been relishing the chance to spend some time at home and getting creative finding new rides – although, working as a bank nurse, reminders of the grim impact of the coronavirus are never far away.

“By this point in the year I’ve usually started a busy summer of travel, events, races, filming projects, etc. So to still be at home for a prolonged period while all the flowers are coming out, everything’s turning green, it’s warming up, the birds are singing and the lambs are skipping around, has been nice,” she tells us.

“Adopting the rule of ‘no car, no gnar, not far’, we’ve ridden trails we’d normally run on, or have never considered riding before. One riverside trail a stone’s throw from home is flat, but turned out to be so fun, and is set in a beautiful woodland. I’ve explored more new places from my doorstep in the past two months than I have in the previous four years we’ve lived here!

“I expected to be working in the hospital a lot, but I’ve actually picked up fewer shifts than usual. People seem to be staying away and there are few COVID-19 cases in our area needing hospital admission. Hopefully it stays that way and our limited rural resources can keep on top of it. If I’m needed, I’ll be there.”

For Hannah, the pandemic has helped bring home the importance of the small things. “Lockdown has enabled us to appreciate what’s right in front of us,” she says, “whether it’s our garden, our health, our community, a conversation over the fence with a neighbour, the pleasure of a simple bike ride, the importance of family time or being more resourceful. It’s great to see good things coming from all of this.”