All advice on this page was reviewed on Thursday 14 January. 

Walking for exercise and mental well-being 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 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? You can find further guidance about restarting activities below. 

England

The UK Government has placed England into a national lockdown from Tuesday 5 January. All in-person Ramblers activities are suspended. You must avoid all non-essential travel and stay local. You must not travel to Scotland or Wales. 

• Walking with family & friends: You can walk outdoors once a day as part of your daily exercise – by yourself, with members of your household or support bubble, or with one other person.
• Ramblers group walks: All group walks are currently suspended.
• Path maintenance: All path maintenance activities are currently suspended.
• Other Ramblers activities: All other Ramblers activities are suspended unless they can be carried out from home. AGMs must be held online. 

Scotland

From 5 January 2021, it is the law to ‘stay at home’ at all times apart from when taking part in a few limited exempt activities, which include local outdoor recreation.

• Walking with family & friends: A legal exemption allows unlimited local outdoor walks, provided you follow existing travel advice. You can walk in one household, or groups of up to two people from up to two households. There are separate exemptions for children aged 11 and under.  
• Ramblers group walks: All Scottish group walks are suspended until at least the end of January. We will update you further in due course about February and beyond.  
• Path maintenance: All path maintenance activities are currently suspended. 
• Other Ramblers activities: All other Ramblers activities are suspended unless they can be carried out from home. AGMs must be held online. 

Wales

• Walking with family & friends: You can walk outdoors by yourself, or with other members of your household or support bubble.
• Ramblers group walks: All group walks are currently suspended. 
• Path maintenance: All path maintenance activities are currently suspended. 
• Other Ramblers activities: All other Ramblers activities are suspended unless they can be carried out from home. AGMs must be held online.