Following the Government’s recent statements, we, in common with many other organisations who have been discouraging travel to the Lake District and Cumbria, must accept that some people will now attempt to come despite the risks.

As of Wednesday 13 May the Government has allowed people to “exercise outside as many times each day as they wish” and has also said that “people may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, so long as they respect social distancing guidance while they are there”. 

We, in common with many official organisations, have been asking people to “Please, do not visit the Lake District and Cumbria”. This position has been supported by the vast majority of people, and remains the strongly held view of the majority despite the change in Government policy.

However, as travelling to the Lake District and Cumbria is now legally possible, we now ask the following:

• Give serious consideration to whether you should risk your or others’ health by travelling distance.
• Remember that most facilities, including accommodation and catering, remain closed.
• 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 self-isolating. Open countryside, as farms, can be someone’s workplace.
• Remember social distancing still applies. Stay two metres (7 feet) apart, remain within your household groups, and please don’t gather in our towns and villages.
• Follow the Countryside Code.

We now have to accept that some people will want to visit the Lake District and Cumbria while the serious risk to people’s lives continues, and we must all continue to act responsibly to minimize any risk.

Douglas Chalmers
Chief Executive, Friends of the Lake District

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