Walking during lockdown
Due to the Covid19 pandemic, the UK Government has placed England into a national lockdown from Tuesday 5 January 2021. This means everyone living in England must avoid all non-essential travel and stay local to exercise.
What is allowed under lockdown rules?
You can walk outdoors once a day, in a public outdoor place, as part of your daily exercise:
- by yourself
- with the people you live with
- with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
- in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
- or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household
Public outdoor places include:
- parks, beaches, forests, countryside accessible to the public including rights of way
- public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
- the grounds of a heritage site
- public playgrounds
Covid19 – Travelling to green spaces
You should exercise in green spaces locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your area if necessary.
- If you need to travel, you should walk or cycle where possible, and plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes on public transport.
- Avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble. See the guidance on car sharing.
- If you need to use public transport, you should follow the safer travel guidance.
- Before travelling, you should check if facilities are open to visitors (for example, car parks and toilets).
- Do not park on verges or block gates, this restricts access for other vehicles.
Covid19 – Respect other people, protect the natural environment
Read signs and respect the measures that local authorities and site management have put in place to help ensure social distancing.
When in the countryside, follow the Countryside Code. You should:
- take all of your litter home
- keep dogs under effective control and on a lead when you are around farm animals – read further guidance for pet owners
- leave gates as you find them and follow instructions on signs
- use footpaths and follow signs where they suggest alternative routes
Wildlife, including nesting birds, may have moved into new areas. Land managers may have provided extra protection for wildlife. Be vigilant and comply with these protective measures so that you do not disrupt the local wildlife.
Further Covid19 advice from the UK Government about exercising outdoors: Accessing Green Spaces Safely
General Walking Tips
Happy walking starts with ensuring you are properly equipped for all walks. We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, so take waterproof clothing and in the summer add sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for everything!
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Walking boots are recommended, but if you don’t have them it is advised to wear suitable and comfortable footwear. Leave sandals and heels at home, trainers and boots with good soles are better.
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While walking during the pandemic, remember to take a facemask and anti-bacterial hand gel if you intend on using public transport, local shops or public toilets.
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If it is a long walk, make sure you take a packed lunch, or snacks, and plenty to drink.
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Walkers tend to be sensible folk, but do please choose a walk within your capability and access requirements.
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If you are walking on your own, take a mobile phone with you, and tell someone where you are going.
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If you are using a route from the T100 Website. do please double check to make sure any facilities we may have mentioned are still open when you need them. Many places have restricted access due to Covid19, or are currently closed.
Walk Archives
Looking for inspiration about where to walk? Click on the images below to go to the archived walks from the T100 festivals. The 2020 walk archive is here
We’ve kept them on the website for anyone that wishes to follow the routes themselves, although as archived pages they are not actively maintained. If you spot something a bit wonky, feel free to let us know and we’ll fix it. Please take care when following the routes, all are done at your own risk.
T100 Walking Festival 2021
We will be back in 2021 with a new theme and new routes! Sharing is caring! Feel free to tell us about routes around Thurrock, Southend or along the Thames Estuary you would like to see the T100 walking Festival visit. Send your suggested routes to Katie Beadle, Project Coordinator katie@kinetika.co.uk.
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