Can I drive 5 miles to walk in the woods?

[R2221]

Just that really. We’ve been isolating for over a week and these woods are the only thing that kept us sane. Isolated woods - not many people there. Those we came across were mindful of distance.

With the current lockdown rules, are we allowed to drive there?

Boris meant a walk round the block once a day.

With the amount of families around here and living close to shops etc walking around the block is more dangerous than driving to a more isolated area.

people in the countryside drive everywhere all the time

But not any more because we've been told to stay at home. So we won't be going out unless it's really necessary, and when it is necessary, I don't want to crash into people making unnecessary journeys to go for a walk or to walk their fucking dogs.

The whole thing is about lowering risk - meet fewer people in less places, do fewer things, make more space in the hospital.

I read that you could only drive to and from work and that's what I got from his speech today. It's non essential so I'd say no you can't.

In this case the empty woods aren't close to home, they're 5 miles away. We'll be on curfew next and rightly so, people aren't getting it.

With the amount of families around here and living close to shops etc walking around the block is more dangerous than driving to a more isolated area.
Spot on @U2HasTheEdge.

Woods round me are full of wild garlic right now. We're pretty much stocked up with with meat, bread, eggs, etc for a few weeks but I think a trip or 2 to the woods (10 mins by car) to forage for veg, where I won't meet anyone is better for all than going to the supermarket a couple of times.

This must be a windup - STAY THE FUCK HOME!

I have to drive 5 miles to a supermarket. Sorry mumsnet

Being in the car will not spread the virus.

While your car is parked someone sneezed on the door handle, your child gets ill.
Was your walk worth it?

Is it ok for me to drive to Scotland to pick up a prescription? I mean, I live in Birmingham, and there's a perfectly good pharmacy at the end of my road, but I just like it better up there.

He said a walk. I didn't hear go for a drive to go for a walk.

Have you watched any of the footage from the Italian hospitals?

Imagine having a serious RTA and being hospitalised while there is a Coronavirus outbreak? You might have multiple injuries and then contract coronavirus. Will you be lying in your hospital bed thinking you were really glad you went for that walk? What do you think your chances of survival are?

I work in the NHS in a service that supports people who have suffered life changing events. Some of those people have been involved in car accidents and were in hospital for months on end. Some of them broke a few bones. Others have head injuries that means they can no longer work or function normally. I know for a fact it was hard enough for them to be in hospital under normal conditions. I dread to think what it would be like now.

I read that you could only drive to and from work and that's what I got from his speech today. It's non essential so I'd say no you can't.

1. Unless you read that on the government website it is just someone’s opinion of how the rules should be interpreted.

1. In what bit of the speech did he say “leave your home only on foot if going out to exercise”?

How on Earth do we have so many overweight and obese people seeing as they all have been doing 'daily exercise' and it must continue, using your car and anything other than driving somewhere for this must-have 'daily exercise' of course involves getting in a car.

Are all the people saying stay home no matter what city folk?

While your car is parked someone sneezed on the door handle, your child gets ill.

What? I mean it - what?

Why is someone more likely to sneeze on a car parked in a quiet woods than on the street or drive?

I am going to have to drive to take my dog for a walk. He's massively reactive to people on pavements and they're going to be heaving with people taking their exercise.

I have to drive 5 miles to a supermarket. Sorry mumsnet

Which is essential travel. So you will be able to say that to the police. But if you are then stopped by the police 2 hours later because you fancy going for an ramble in the woods, then you may be fined

While your car is parked someone sneezed on the door handle, your child gets ill.

More likely to happen while it’s parked in my street.

I think you could as you could say it was exercise maybe, which we're allowed. Worth a go.

While your car is parked someone sneezed on the door handle, your child gets ill.
Was your walk worth it?

Someone might sneeze on my door handle at home.

They might touch something on a walk that has been sneeze on on my street.

Good hand hygiene no matter where you are is a must.

What’s with the @Flaxmeadow. As I say to my son, can you use your words to tell me what is wrong?

Which is essential travel. So you will be able to say that to the police

But the governments own extended version of the guidelines - as published upthread - don't say anything about 'essential travel'?

My door handle is far more likely to be sneezed on in Tesco's carpark, surely?

The rules were not followed at the weekend as people were going out to the sticks but there were a lot of people together. I will drive to take my dog for a walk where I know there will be no one. Not too good at crossing roads as a pedestrian when walking around my village and don't want to put pressure on emergency services!!