Certain paths in the Pembrokeshire Coast national park remain closed

Wales’s three national park authorities are urging the UK public to comply with rules restricting visits.

Unlike relaxed measures announced by Boris Johnson for unlimited travel for exercise in England, Welsh Government regulations prevent similar journeys.

Authorities in Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast welcomed guidance reinforcing the existing lockdown.

They said they are calling on all UK residents to respect rules and measures in place in Wales to protect everyone, and will this week be making significant efforts with their partners to ensure that the correct information is reaching people.

The Cardiff administration relaxed its rules on Monday to allow more than one outing for exercise, but the ban on travelling away from home to walk, run or ride a bike remains.

Honeypot areas in Snowdonia are still out of bounds to outdoors fans

Chief executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Tegryn Jones said: “The clear measures announced by Wales’s First Minster Mark Drakeford on Friday apply to those living in Wales as well as those planning on travelling across the border into Wales.

“In Wales the lockdown continues and you should stay at home unless you are undertaking essential activities. This also means you should not drive to exercise, and only exercise from home, whilst following the Countryside Code.

“For those who do not live within walking distance the message from us is clear: do not visit Wales’s national parks until the Welsh Government’s guidelines to avoid unnecessary travel in Wales have been lifted.

Stay home messages in the Brecon Beacons

“We appreciate that the restrictions are challenging for people, but keeping our residents, visitors and staff safe is the first priority. When the time is right we look forward to welcoming you back to the national parks of Wales and most importantly doing this at a time when we can keep everyone safe.”

The most popular rural hotspots in Wales including Snowdon, Pen y Fan and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path will remain closed under Welsh Government legislation until it is deemed safe to reopen them, the park authorities said.

Emyr Williams, chief executive of Snowdonia National Park, said: “These measures in Wales mean that people cannot drive to exercise in Wales – no matter where they live – and there will continue to be no parking or access to the most popular sites in the Welsh national parks.

“We urge visitors planning on coming to climb Snowdon or any other popular peaks and sites to follow government guidance, to stay at home and exercise in their local area – please don’t make a wasted journey.

“We will continue to review closures on a weekly basis and will only open sites when it is safe to do so.”

Brecon Beacons national park chief executive Julian Atkins added: “Exercise in the outdoors is hugely beneficial for physical and mental wellbeing and this has been recognised by Welsh Government in their minor amendments to legislation on Friday that now allow people to exercise from their doorstep more than once a day.

“We hope we have clarified the differences between Wales and England and we thank you for staying home, staying safe and protecting the NHS.”