COVID-19 Update - Route Map Phase 1

We were delighted to see the Scottish Government's Scotland's Routemap Through and Out of The Crisis published on 21 May 2020. Lockdown restrictions will be eased in four phases each of which are detailed in the document as a framework for decision making. Lockdown easing has begun with a move to Phase 1 on Friday 29 May 2020. We are moving in a positive direction!

We have been working closely with our industry bodies and other providers to understand what this means for us as a business. The spirit of Phase 1 is simply that personal/household exercise options have been increased to include non-contact sports outdoors. Canoeing and water sports are specifically mentioned as examples of what activities can now be enjoyed which is fantastic, especially given the warm temperatures we are enjoying at the moment! The strong message is to stay local, be prepared and exercise well within your ability level.

There was also an unexpected paragraph within the government website relating to 1:2:1 coaching being permitted in Phase 1. Physical distancing must be maintained, shared equipment avoided and it will be limited to one household per day. We are awaiting further clarity on this but we should be able to offer coaching on a 1:2:1 or 1:2:1 household basis if you have all your own kit. This will include canoe coaching and bike coaching. Please get in touch if you are interested in some coaching as you get back on the water   after a few months off or have been out on the bike during lockdown and in need of some confidence boosting skills. We would be extremely pleased to see you!

Phases 2 + 3
There are no set dates for moving between phases, restrictions may ease quicker than the three weekly Government updates or more slowly or with geographic differences. Working on the assumption that restrictions will ease in line with the three weekly updates, Phase 2 would be around the 18 June and Phase 3 around the 9 July. Physical distancing remains in place for Phases 2+3. Travel for leisure purposes remains 'locally' in Phase 2 and extends to driving beyond your local area in Phase 3. Details are still being worked on by government and industry for each of these phases, particularly the use of shared kit and we will update you as soon as we can regarding what we will be able to offer in each Phase.

Canoeing is particularly well suited to physical distancing and we are looking forward to enabling one or two households to get out on the water for a paddle again soon! Please get in touch if you are interested in a half or full day adventure on Loch Tay or Loch Faskally over the next few months.

We will keep confirm whether we can offer Activity Days over the summer holidays asap. If we reach Phase 3 in time we will hope to be able to offer canoeing, mountain biking and maybe climbing and abseiling as activities best suited to physical distancing.

We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Useful links to detailed Phase 1 guidance from Industry bodies:

1. Mountaineering Scotland - guidance for hill walkers and climbers
2. Scottish Canoe Association - guidance for paddling water sports  
3. Scottish Cycling - guidance for bikers 
4. Sport Scotland - a sport-specific list of guidance links