Last updated on Monday 19 July.

Walking for exercise and mental wellbeing is more important than ever. To make sure we can all enjoy it safely, it’s important to keep up to date with current coronavirus restrictions.

On this page, you'll find an overview of the different restrictions across England, Scotland and Wales and what they mean for you. 

Wherever you walk, it’s important to be safe, considerate and responsible. Always follow the Countryside Code or Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and avoid busy areas which may make physical distancing difficult. Remember you can explore Ramblers Routes to discover local walks, close to home.

Are you a member of the Ramblers or an affiliated group? You can find more information about how these restrictions affect you on the Members & Affiliates page.

Are you a Ramblers volunteer? We are currently updating our guidance in response to changes to legal restrictions across England, Scotland and Wales. In the meantime, please continue to follow our current guidance (links below) to reduce the risk of Covid transmission.

England

The UK government roadmap for lifting lockdown in England is now at Step 4. People can walk together outdoors, and Ramblers group walks and volunteer activities can take place. We are in the process of reviewing and updating our guidance for groups and volunteers.  

If you're in an area where the new COVID-19 variant is spreading, the government is advising that where possible you should try to minimise travel in and out of these areas.  

• Walking with family & friends: Groups can get together for informal walks. 
• Ramblers group walks: Covid-secure group walks can take place in any number – please check with your local group. Car-sharing and coach rambles can resume. 
• Path maintenance: Covid-secure path maintenance can take place – please check with your local group. 
• Other Ramblers activities: Covid-secure activities can take place – please check with your local group. We recommend events, training and committee meetings should continue to be held outdoors or online where possible.  

Scotland

All of Scotland moved to Level Zero on 19 July. Read more about Protected Levels here.  
 
The advice from sportscotland is that you should avoid car sharing with anyone from another household unless you deem it to be necessary. If you do car share then you should follow Transport Scotland advice on how to travel safely and put in place appropriate risk assessment and mitigations. 

• Walking with family & friends: You may walk informally in groups of up to 15 people from 15 households. 
• Ramblers group walks: Covid-secure group walks can take place. sportscotland's limit for official sports participation is 500 people – but please check with your local group. Public transport, taxis and private hire coaches are permitted, provided relevant guidance is followed. 
• Path maintenance: Covid-secure path maintenance can take place – please check with your local group. 
• Other Ramblers activities: Covid-secure volunteering can take place – please check with your local group.  We recommend events, training and committee meetings should be held outdoors or online where possible.  

Wales

The Welsh Government Covid guidance is at Alert Level 1. Car sharing with other households to go walking is not advised. 

• Walking with family & friends: Groups can get together for informal walks. 
• Ramblers group walks: Covid-secure group walks can take place in any number. Please check with your local group for more information. 
• Path maintenance: Covid-secure path maintenance can take place - please check with your local group. 
• Other Ramblers activities: Covid-secure activities can take place – please check with your local group. We recommend events, training and committee meetings should continue to be held outdoors or online where possible