Families have been photographed visiting Loch Lomond, enjoying their newfound freedom has Scots have been able to travel anywhere in the country since Friday.
Groups of up to six people from six different households have also been able to meet for the first time in months this weekend.
. John Devlin 16/04/2021. BALMAHA. Conic Hill, overlooking Loch Lomond. Walkers take to the hills as lockdown restrictions are eased. Walkers make their way up and down Conic Hill. Hillwalkers urged to prepare properly as travel restrictions ease. Hillwalkers are being urged to make sure they are fully prepared for outdoor activities as coronavirus measures are due to be eased. Restrictions on travel are to be lifted across Scotland on Friday, meaning people can travel across the country for outdoor exercise. Mountaineering Scotland has welcomed the move but urged those heading for the hills to make sure they are properly prepared and ready to be flexible in their plans. CEO Stuart Younie said: “We are delighted with the unexpected news this week and particularly for those living in the cities and smaller local authority areas who have had limited access to the outdoors during this lockdown, as they can now get back to doing what they love. “The last 12 months have demonstrated how important outdoor recreation is for our physical and mental wellbeing, and as things start to ease it will play an important role in our economic recovery, particularly in rural areas.†Popular destinations are expected to be very busy, meaning walkers and climbers travelling by car may have to set off early or consider going somewhere less populated. Mountaineering Scotland also advised that to get the most out of their day, people should think carefully about the conditions they are likely to meet on the hill. Snow still lies extensively on the higher hills and fluctuating temperatures have meant much of it is likely to be very icy. Heather Morning, adviser for Mountaineering Scotland, said: “An ice axe and crampons to cope with any icy stretches really are still essential items of kit at this time of year. “People should also be conscious that, with limited opportunity to climb in the hills over the last few months, they may have lost some hill-f
Walkers take to the hills overlooking Loch Lomond as restrictions ease. Photo: John Devlin
. Restrictions ease
From Friday, 16 April, residents in Scotland are now able to travel anywhere in the country (provided there's no overnight stay), and meet up with six people from up to six different households. Photo: John Devlin
. Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond, one of Scotland's iconic beauty spots, was a prime place for people to go and make the most of their newfound freedom. Photo: John Devlin
. Escape from the cities
For many city dwellers, Friday marked the first day in months that they were allowed to venture further than 5km outside their local authority area and reach more remote parts of the country. Photo: John Devlin
1. Restrictions ease
From Friday, 16 April, residents in Scotland are now able to travel anywhere in the country (provided there's no overnight stay), and meet up with six people from up to six different households. Photo: John Devlin
2. Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond, one of Scotland's iconic beauty spots, was a prime place for people to go and make the most of their newfound freedom. Photo: John Devlin
3. Escape from the cities
For many city dwellers, Friday marked the first day in months that they were allowed to venture further than 5km outside their local authority area and reach more remote parts of the country. Photo: John Devlin
4. Walkers out and about
Keen walkers were pictured making the most of the warm weather and the newly loosened coronavirus restrictions at the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park on Friday. Photo: John Devlin