Baby steps to freedom
Exercise, particularly outdoors, remains one of the best ways to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
As we nudge towards ‘freedom’, there will be a number of areas to consider. We have already seen mayhem and congestion on sunny beaches and in hotspots down south after travel restrictions were lifted.
There are still many vulnerable people we want to help protect in addition to ensuring NHS staff, emergency services and other key workers can do so safely.
Fortunately Argyll is not densely populated – excepting midges – so maintaining social distancing should not be difficult.
And proposed Scottish phase one guidelines ask that travel for outdoor leisure and exercise remains within a short distance of your community, as opposed to England’s travel as far as you like.
Here are a few tips:
Try to avoid hotspots or where there is little parking; avoid obstructing access for emergency services, homes or businesses; take away litter and bin it at home – including loo roll or dog mess; avoid portable barbecues and fires; don’t stay overnight; ensure you have everything you might need in the event of accident or breakdown.
If, like me, you are missing walking, scrambling or climbing in the hills, we have to be patient to see how the government responds to proposals the Mountain Safety Group recently put to them.
Oban Mountain Rescue Team said: ‘We know no one goes out with the idea of needing help, but rest assured we are ready and able to go if needed.
‘Probably the most pertinent advice from Scottish Mountain Rescue is on the speed of rescues during the pandemic. Things will happen at a much reduced pace as we gather information with minimum numbers.
Be prepared
If you need assistance, you might have to wait longer than in the past. Also, if you’re going for a walk, be prepared by carrying extra warm clothing and a few extra sweeties. Be prepared and stay safe.’