We have received concerns from some members of the public about rights of way remaining open at the present time.
At present we believe public rights of way in the Yorkshire Dales National Park provide an opportunity for local people to take exercise, physical and spiritual, and get some fresh air in these difficult times. These paths should not be blocked or obstructed.
It is also important to stress that people should not be making special journeys to access them. Travel to exercise is NOT essential travel and people should not be travelling to do their daily exercise.
Local communities throughout the park rely on these rights of way, and their safety should not be compromised by unnecessary travel into and around the park, so if there is a particular problem with people gathering on rights of way, then the Police should be informed. They have the power to disperse any groups behaving in such a way.
Where rights of way pass close to, or through residential and agricultural properties, it is important that the existing Government advice regarding social distancing and hand washing is adhered to. The risk of the coronavirus being passed on to others from people using public rights of way and other paths and trails is considered to be very low as long as people follow this advice.
The National Park Authority will work with the Highways Authorities in Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire to take any further actions necessary in the event of any changes to legislation or Government guidance, however, at this time there are no plans to close public rights of way.
Nick Cotton, Member Champion for recreation management said: “Walking or cycling in the Yorkshire Dales, carried out responsibly, with social distancing from other people, is an excellent way to maintain our physical and mental health. These are both vital components in keeping our strength and maintaining our spirits through the COVID-19 crisis. The days are getting longer and we should channel the energy of springtime to help us face the future with positive feelings of rebirth and renewal”
Finally, it is important that people stay home, and only leave the house for one of four reasons:
- shopping for basic necessities, for example, food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
- one form of exercise a day, for example, a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.
- any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
- travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.
For any issues relating to rights of way please e-mail info@yorkshiredales.org.uk. In the meantime, we will continue to review the wider situation daily and would advise people to keep up to date at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk
I have a 2 bed holiday cottage in Middleham. Can this be utilised by essential workers at this time, doctors, nurses, care workers etc,?
Nick Cotton, Member Champion for recreation management said: “Walking or cycling in the Yorkshire Dales, carried out responsibly, with social distancing from other people, is an excellent way to maintain our physical and mental health. These are both vital components in keeping our strength and maintaining our spirits through the Covid-19 crisis. The days are getting longer and we should channel the energy of springtime to help us face the future with positive feelings of rebirth and renewal”
And yet those of us who live in Leeds for instance cannot avail ourselves of these vital components as we would have to drive in order to do so. Despite the fact that we would behave responsibly.
Their is certain people who cannot get there daily exercise because they need a car to do it, so why are they liable for a fine by the police
If you live in Leeds, it is possible to find places in and around Leeds to walk. You do not need to drive 30 miles to get to the Dales.
The latest Government instruction is Stay Local, do not drive to take exercise.
Well very unfair to put such a wonderful description of the benefits of being out and about in the dales in an article which is telling people to keep away
Why does the Yorkshire Dales National Park not just put up a big sign saying closed for business until further notice? Travelling by car for more than say 5 miles to exercise is socially irresponsible and is part of the reason for the spread of this virus. Currently at ca. 5,000 from covid 19 in 5 weeks is already 3 times the annual death rates of 1800 on UK roads
We need to keep rights of way open for local communities to exercise and to shop for essentials.
It is the responsibility of each individual to heed Government instructions on staying home and not travelling unnecessarily. We will continue to support the North Yorkshire and Cumbria Police in order to engage, explain and encourage.
I find it impossible to believe that any resident in the Yorkshire Dales has to use a footpath for any essential activity. Tell me I’m wrong or allow the closure of footpaths where it makes sense to do so, eg footpaths that pass though a residences garden, Yes?
My home is a rural property several miles from any village. I have a public footpath which passes at the side and round the back of my house. NYP signs have been put up all around saying please refrain from visiting this location. I usually have two local people who regularly exercise on this footpath. I see them probably once every two weeks. This last weekend since covid 19 arrived I had twenty three groups ranging from couples to families of five wanting to trample through my garden I am 66 years old and self isolating in order to protect myself and my family from this disease. I am trying to relieve the pressure on our overstretched nhs. What part of stay at home does this comply with. People who I have never seen before have taken it into their head to come walking. Sofa surfers are being mobilised and some of them are aggressive when challenged. We are not supposed to be driving to a beauty spot We should respect our health service and do our best to stop the spread
Meg, we have the same problem. My wife has cancer and has self-isolated, We took precaution of putting our own signs up only to have them ripped down and walkers came through. The the Par Ranger phoned my wife to say they had had a complaint. Get Real YDNP and protect us please!