Countryside Alliance Guidance
In this time of national emergency, all of us must heed the Government's instruction to avoid non-essential travel. The apparent mass exodus to rural areas, especially popular destinations such as Snowdonia, have forced the Welsh Government to introduce powers to prevent public access to popular destinations. This applies to public rights of way and land open to public access. None of us want to see a blanket closure of public rights of way across the UK, so responsible behaviour now will ensure this does not become necessary.
Non-essential travel
We have all been instructed to avoid any non-essential travel. There is no excuse for people using rights of way who are not local to the area. You must not travel by car to use a right of way. When using a right of way local to you it is important that people respect social distancing.
Gardens and farm yards
We all recognise the benefit of exercise within the vicinity of where we live, but we also need to recognise that those who have rights of way adjacent to their properties should not have the additional worry of others coming into close proximity with them and their families. They have an equal right to be able to get outside into their gardens and carry on essential farm work. These may be homes that are self-isolating or shielding vulnerable people. If you are using local rights of way, perhaps now is the time to consider avoiding those rights of way that pass close to people's houses, or through their gardens or farm yards.
Livestock
Avoid using rights of way where there is livestock, because farmers need to be able to care for their animals. The virus can survive for days on gates and farmers should not be put at risk of infection or be spending time disinfecting gates required to access livestock and ensure their welfare.
Dogs
Even in ordinary times the distress and financial loss to farmers caused by dogs out of control is enormous. Avoid livestock and always keep dogs under strict control.
Let's do what we can to avoid both further spread of COVID-19 and reduce the stress on our hard-pressed farmers.
Original Article and guidance here