National park bosses said visitors to the Dales should be respectful . Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Car parks and toilets in the Yorkshire Dales will stay open during the latest lockdown, national park bosses said.

Dartmoor’s authority said some of its facilities will remain open to the public.

The Dales authority emphasised that people should not be travelling long distances to reach places to exercise.

UK Government advice is that people can leave their homes in England to spend time or exercise outdoors. “This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel to do so if necessary – for example, to access an open space,” it said.

The new lockdown came into force throughout England on Thursday.

The Dales Countryside Museum and national park centres in Aysgarth Falls, Grassington, Hawes and Malham will be closed, the park authority said, although our staff will remain on hand at weekends to help visitors.

David Butterworth, chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Over the last few months we have adjusted well to a different way of working, which means we will continue to offer a service under the new national restrictions.

“We will be keeping national park authority car parks and toilets open for people wishing to exercise outdoors, though I would reinforce the government message that people should not be travelling long distances to get here.

“And, with many local businesses closing, anyone coming into the national park will need to be self-sufficient and aware that at this time of year the weather can be unpredictable.

“Our website has been updated to reflect to new guidelines and I would strongly urge the public to read, understand and follow these guidelines.  Finally, I would ask everyone to:

“Respect the land – If you are exercising outdoors, exercise within your limitations to keep pressure off local resources, and know the Countryside Code.

“Respect the community – Many in the local community are among some of the most vulnerable groups of people and are self-isolating. Keep a safe distance from homes, schools, and farms.

“Respect each Other – Respect social distancing rules and avoid gathering in Dales towns and villages where many local businesses are now closed. Finally, be kind and respect one another.”

Dartmoor bosses urged people to make sure they know the new rules and follow them.

Chief executive Dr Kevin Bishop said: “We’re well prepared to deal with this second lockdown and have worked quickly to respond to the changing situation.

“We know how important connecting with the outdoors is for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Our priority is to help people remain safe; whether that’s people who live and work in the national park or those that come here to enjoy what’s special about it.

“Every single one of us still has a part to play in moving safely through this new set of restrictions. We ask that people make a few simple changes to the way they visit to protect themselves, each other and Dartmoor communities. If we continue to follow the rules, and be compassionate and kind, we can do our bit to manage the spread of Covid-19.”

The authority said local people using Dartmoor for exercise and fresh air should follow all rules to ensure they protect themselves, others and keep the national park special for everyone.

Its head office at Parke remains closed. Visitor centres at Haytor, Postbridge and Princetown are also closed until 2 December at the earliest.

Car parks are open and toilets are open at: Haytor; Dartmeet; Postbridge; Meldon Reservoir; and Shipley Bridge.

If car parks are full, people must not park on verges, double yellow lines, in front of gates and entrances, narrow lanes or anywhere on the road where access will be blocked, national park bosses said.

These areas must be kept clear for emergency services, farmers and residents as well as ensuring food and vital supplies can be delivered safely to the vulnerable and those living in more remote areas.