How far can I travel to exercise? Rules for keeping fit during Scotland's Covid lockdown

Scots are able to exercise during the lockdown period

Scots have been told to stay at home for four weeks with limited exceptions in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus – one of those exceptions is to leave the house for outdoor exercise.

Despite icy conditions across much of the country, many are now looking to pick up where they left off at the end of last lockdown, restarting a walking, running or cycling routine.

There are, however, limitations to where one can exercise while the second lockdown is in force.

Here’s what you need to know.

In what circumstances can I leave the house for sport?

Scots have been told that they can leave the house for exercise so long as the activity starts and finishes at the same place, and adhere to rules on meeting other households.

According to the Scottish Government: “A maximum of 2 people from 2 separate households can meet outdoors for sport or exercise. Children under 12 do not count towards households or numbers when meeting outside.

“The members of an individual household or extended household can meet outdoors for sport or exercise.”

How far can I travel?

The Scottish Government stipulates that you are allowed to travel five miles from from the boundary of your local authority area to exercise.

Which sports can I participate in?

The Scottish Government has listed the following sports and activities as eligible to continue during the lockdown period: walking, cycling, golf, tennis or running

Outdoor gyms are also allowed to remain open during the lockdown period.

What about organised sport?

Organised sport and exercise can only take place within a single household group, or a group containing no more than 2 people from 2 different households. Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards this number.

Organised sport and exercise for under-12s can continue in line with workplace and socialising guidance, and sport-specific guidance agreed between the Scottish Governing Body of Sport and sportscotland. Sports providers must ensure they operate in line with the relevant guidance