Closed

The coronavirus crisis in the UK is gathering pace. Opportunities for interesting walks seem to be shrinking under the constraints of the lockdown situation, which they have tightened by degrees. We are now only allowed to exercise from home (no car journeys) and they have closed car parks and even roads to discourage access to the more attractive areas. (I still find it hard to understand the logic completely.) The local council have closed not only the car parking areas on Shipley Glen but also the entirety of Glen Road, to deter people. The sign says: "Car park closed. Stay at home. You must not drive to green spaces for exercise, walk to your local green space instead."

The car parking spaces on the far side of Roberts Park are also closed off (below). That's all very well but it does mean that the nature margins of the more urban areas, like the canal towpath and local woods, are more and more congested since they are the only accessible areas for the vast majority of local people. It also means those determined, for whatever reason, to use their cars are now parking on Victoria Road and our residential streets in Saltaire for access to the park and towpath. But hey, at least we're still allowed out to exercise, so far, and for that I'm grateful. The moors are theoretically still available to me but the wilder areas are a loooong walk for me... too far for most days.

I am taking the government's instructions seriously and staying inside at home, apart from very infrequent trips to get milk and other necessities from the supermarket, and short local solitary walks. I've learned not to go out when the sun is shining, on the whole. Too crowded! I'm also tending to walk in the late afternoon, when fewer people seem to be about. But even so, it's getting a bit boring treading the same few basic routes day after day. As for photos, it's harder to think of things I haven't snapped a million times already. I rarely take my camera out now, making do with my phone.

I do, however, accept that the more we all comply the quicker this will be over - so

'Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives!' 

I'm truly grateful for all those health care staff and key workers who don't have the luxury of staying safe at home. Whenever I'm feeling a bit grumbly, I think of the sacrifices they are making, and the pain of those who have lost loved ones to the virus. My own minor discomforts are small in comparison.