Government’s announcement on 23 June means that after many weeks of restriction, some facilities for visitors in the Lake District and Cumbria will be re-opening soon. This is welcome news for both those who wish to come back to enjoy this special place and for the many businesses and individuals who depend on the visitor economy for their livelihoods.

From 4 July, people will be free ‘to stay overnight in self-contained accommodation’, including hotels, bed and breakfasts and camp sites. Pubs, restaurants and museums will also be able to resume business, and social distancing measures will change on the same date, with people only required to be one metre away from those not in their household, instead of the current two-metre rule.

However, we should not forget that the Covid-19 virus is still at large, and we must all continue to act responsibly to minimize any risk.

• Please check before travelling. Some facilities may remain closed, adopt different opening times or conditions for entry.
• Do not attempt activities that put yourself or others at risk. Our mountain rescue teams are staffed by volunteers.
• Respect people and places where you go. Communities may contain vulnerable people who are still self-isolating. Open countryside, as farms, can be someone’s workplace.
• Even if it has been reduced, remember social distancing still applies. Stay one metre+ apart (3+ feet) but continue to do 2m where possible or take mitigation to reduce the risk (eg face coverings). Remain within your permitted groups, and please don’t gather in our towns and villages.
• Follow the Countryside Code.

Once again we can all visit the Lake District and Cumbria. Let’s all enjoy ourselves, while keeping ourselves and others safe.

Douglas Chalmers
Chief Executive, Friends of the Lake District

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Read the advice on staying safe from the Lake District National Park here