Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past six weeks, you’ll have noticed that travel in the U.K. has been severely limited due to the pandemic. But yesterday, Bo-jo made the slightly confusing plan for the gradual lift of lockdown across the country. So you may now be wondering, can I visit North Wales now?
One of the first steps to lift the lockdown is to allow unlimited outdoor exercise and the ability for English citizens to travel to beauty spots across the country and enjoy extended time outdoors. Meaning that all beaches, national parks, and places of that nature are now open to the public. However, he didn’t specify weather these new rules would apply across the U.K. So that leaves a big question… Can I leave the country?
When I heard the new relaxed rules, my first thought was “Brilliant, I can finally go for a surf!” I took my surfboard out of the shed, cleaned it up and was getting exited about the fact I could visit one of my favorite spots; Rhosneigr, North Wales. As I was taking off the old wax and sand from my board, I had a thought… Can I actually go to Wales? Or will I be stopped at the boarder. Or even worse, charged a hefty fine when I get to the beach…
After a quick Google search, it turns out that Boris’ new plan applies only to England. The Scottish, Welsh and NI government’s have decided to continue on with the lockdown at this point in time, for at least another three weeks (probably a wise move,) limiting travel for its inhabitants to their local area.
The Welsh first minister stated in an interview; “Traveling to Wales to exercise is not to exercise locally. We will use whatever means are available to convey this message, including signs on the major roads and motorways and articles we hope to place in local newspapers across our border.” It seems fairly clear that you shouldn’t be traveling into Wales at this point in time… Which is a bit of a bummer.
On the other hand though, you can understand the Welsh decision not to let us in, it’s got nothing to do with the virus, they’ve just had enough of being called “sheep shaggers” so this is their chance to get their own back!
All joking aside, it is important to remember that this virus is still spreading, so if we all suddenly decide to run to the beach, there is bound to be a higher risk of transmission. It is important to remember that if the ‘R-number’ climbs above one again, the lockdown will be tightened and we’ll be stuck indoors once more.
So, if you’re in England, you can’t go to Wales. You can’t go to Scotland. You can’t go to Northern Ireland (obviously), so what can you do? Well, technically you can go surfing in England (see some of my other posts for the best places to go). There has never been any law against that in this country, so long as you live close to the shore, and you remain socially distant. But now the law has changed, you can go to the beach to sunbathe, surf, swim, search the rock pools and whatever you can think of…(so long as you stay two metres apart.) But the question is, should you?
I think, as long as you’re following the guidelines strictly, there’s nothing inherently wrong with nipping to the seaside on a hot day. The problem arises when everyone and their dog has the same idea! You’ve got to take the risks into consideration here. Yes, there is a higher chance of spread If the beaches get crowded, yes, the government will enforce lockdown restrictions and fines when that happens, yes, there are no lifeguards on the shores at the moment. I suppose now, it all comes down to weather you really think that trip to the beach is worth the risk.
So, maybe you’ve decided to continue to stay inside for now. Maybe you’ll give the seaside a pass for today. What are you meant to do? Sit on your arse watching daytime TV? Of course not!…. daytime TV is shit! (Watch Netflix, there’s tonnes of good stuff on there.) Or… You could read some more of my posts 😉
When all is said and done, this will pass. We’ll all be able to see each other again in the near future. You will once again be met with the salty sea air, warm soft sand and (depending on where you are) the odd giant, evil, god-awful seagull, hell-bent on taking your beloved Cornetto.
In conclusion, no. You shouldn’t visit North Wales at the moment… or South Wales… or Scotland… or anywhere that isn’t your own house, at least until the rules change. So keep up to date by checking the government guidelines, stay safe and wash your damn hands 😉
Got a love for surfing? Or maybe just a love for the great outdoors? Give me 5 minutes and your attention & I’ll show you why you MUST visit Cayton Bay Today! (click here!)
Upset that your plans for summer 2020 have been ruined by Covid19? Fear not, here are my picks for the 5 most stunning South West beaches in the UK to visit!
