To take DS out for the day in the countryside.

[DiaDino]

I live pretty close to a national park and i was wondering if I would be unreasonable to drive DS there, take a ball and go for a walk and a picnic in our car in light of all thats going on. We're not in self isolation, I just wondered if it would be classed as social distancing? I don't suppose many people will be using the area

I would, this freedom to roam is not going to last forever. As long as you keep your distance from other people, it will be fine.

Yes it’s fine as long as you stay away from other people

I'm thinking of doing something similar later. Pretty much driving to a empty green space and just letting the kids run off steam for an hour. Surely they can't be a risk to anyone / no-one can be a risk to them if there's no-one there.

Do it. National Trust have opened their grounds for free. Cafes and shops closed, but grounds are free to roam. We'll be doing alot of it until we can't!

As long as you are driving.

Yes I would

I live in a NP and there have been loads of people on the paths near the car parks ( more people on the disused railway multi use path than normal). It is obvious most people don't know what 2m is when they don't have a measuring tape.

I don't know what a weekend will bring. I guess if you keep at least 2m away from anyone else and clean your hands each time you use a gate latch then you are still taking the same isolation measures.

Yes, I’d do it today. Might not be able to tomorrow.

Yep, been doing this for the last few days with 3yr old DS as partner has been working from home. Agreed that I don't think it will last so been getting out, while adhering to social distancing, while we can

I think a huge amount of people will be thinking this same thing, therefore it’s not responsible to go. Can’t say I’m not tempted myself, but it doesn’t seem like the right thing to do right now.

Don’t see why not as long as you’re social distancing.

We live on a new estate but our area is surrounded by open fields. There are lots of paths so it’s relatively easy to social distance.

Until the government says even being out despite adhering to social distancing is an issue, better to get those walks in while you can.

I wouldn't.
I know what 2metres is. I trust myself nd my child to keep that distance from others but I don't trust others to do the same.
Sadly, other people are morons. Just check your local FB page and all the people that are out on the piss last night.

I went to the Peak District yesterday. It was still pretty busy so I think everyone had the same idea. My parents live in the lakes and they say it's really quiet there though.

Of course this is fine as long as you are sensible. Don't park near anyone else, if you happen to see other people give them a wide berth.

We are lucky, we have the countryside on our doorstep. We will still be walking the dog on the local footpaths & fields. We don't tend to see many other people but if we do we will keep our distance.

It is better for everyone's physical and mental health to get fresh air & exercise. Just need to do it in a responsible way.

I met my dad (75) in a park this week. We drove in separate parks and I maintained a 2m distance.

My dad, however, did not take this seriously. He kept moving closer.

Then he chatted to another walker. He threw the ball for the dog of the walker.

Then he chatted to somebody else.

Also, what happens if your car breaks down, if you have a bump or a more serious accident. If your child has a fall?

Cars, not parks.

No. Essential travel only. Please do not go

It's absolutely fine to go out as long as you keep your distance from other people.

Essential travel only applies to public transport - to keep it for essential workers and to allow them space. No issue with driving but please drive carefully and don't expect there to be nobody else on the road. I suspect the rate of car accidents will go up because people will be driving like idiots at top speed, assuming nobody else is around. They will be.

The medical officer said yesterday during the press conference that going out was fine.

Go for it. I'll be doing lots of walking in the country. You need physical exercise to stay healthy. It's also good for mental health. Just stay away from people.

Yes we're doing the same

We will be doing the same every day. Going for a walk/bike ride to the local park. We won't be touching play equipment or going near others. I think some people are confusing isolation and social distancing.

People dying they will go out for walks etc. How do you stay 2metres, which is longer than the length of a bed, away from people on paths that are only 1metre wide?

All national parks, beaches and beach fronts shut here in France. Anywhere people are walking that has a lot of foot traffic is shut. No running. No biking. 500m max from home allowed.