Ramblers Scotland has launched a new campaign called #RoamSweetHome to inspire everyone to keep active safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
The multi-faceted campaign is also urging people to keep connected during lockdown – both with landscapes and each other – for their physical and mental wellbeing.
The charity is urging everyone who can safely do so to stay active in their homes, balconies and gardens and during daily short walks from their front doors.
People are being urged to share their mini-adventures using the #RoamSweetHome hashtag, to inspire others and to keep connected with the outdoor community. Details at ramblers.org.uk/
Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “Sadly, last month we had to suspend all our group walks, social activities and volunteering programmes – as everyone’s safety must come first.
“But we hope the #RoamSweetHome campaign will keep walkers’ spirits up with lots of great advice, activities and entertainment, all in line with official guidance on social distancing and safe exercising.
“Our members have already been doing great work to look after each other and stay connected in innovative ways. For example, Linlithgow Ramblers will climb the height of Beinn na Lap on their stairs this weekend, as one of their members’ virtual ‘final Munro’. Loads of other Ramblers groups are running fun online events to help the outdoors community through this challenging time.”
The #RoamSweetHome campaign includes:
- A series of ‘Lockdown Diaries’ blogs by Ramblers Scotland’s president Lucy Wallace – an outdoor instructor and wildlife guide based on Arran – on topics such as litter-picking, garden nature and equipment DIY
- Free maps to more than 700 short, circular ‘Medal Routes’ walks in every Scottish local authority area: ramblers.org.uk/medalroutes
- Local Ramblers groups’ online events; such Linlithgow Ramblers’ virtual Munro, Eildon Ramblers posting photos of their individual lockdown walks and Balerno Ramblers sharing YouTube videos of their past walks each week.
- Resources and information to help the Ramblers’ 54 Scottish groups stay connected with their members, via message boards, email groups, online conference calls, virtual coffee mornings and more.
- A #RoamSweetHome step challenge, with supporters across GB joining in, getting their ‘step counts’ up in the weeks and months ahead.
- Online advice on maintaining health and wellbeing under lockdown, including live chats and online blogs from health and nutrition experts.
- A Ramblers Great Walking Quiz, to be live streamed in the coming weeks using Facebook Live, with themed questions on the Ramblers’ 85-year history.
If you choose to walk for exercise you are advised to only walk locally to where you live. You should walk alone or with people from your household. You should not walk with friends or in groups. Keep 2m (6ft) distance from anyone you pass on your walk.
The Scottish Government has published advice, which Ramblers Scotland strongly supports, on access rights during coronavirus at bit.ly/accessrightsCOVID19. Read more here.
The Ramblers’ latest COVID-19 advice for supporters, members and volunteers is at: ramblers.org.uk/
The Ramblers’ work to help everyone enjoy the benefits of walking is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.