Helen Lea

Now that we are in lockdownn many of us will be walking on our own in our local area. As in the first lockdown I will be following the footpaths from Shavington across to the Willaston, Gresty, Hough and Wybunbury areas. However this lockdown is in the winter months and so poses more risks especially to a solo walker.
Completing a risk assessment of a walk has always been important but for a solo walker in winter months I feel it is essential. Knowing the footpaths in my area very well these are some of the points I shall consider when deciding where to walk on my own.
    • Stiles can be slippery and icy.
    • Some areas have seen a big increase in footfall so more people are using the stiles; there is a greater chance of the virus being on the stiles.
    • Many of the kissing gates in my area have the catch tied back which means you don’t have to touch the catch, a push or pull will open the gate. This lessens the risk of touching the virus.
    • Increased footfall on popular paths means it can be difficult to social distance especially when the footpath is narrow and enclosed.
    • The risk of flooded paths, bridges, fields and access to stiles or gates.
    • Some paths may have been damaged in floods.
    • Mud has always been a problem in winter months but increased footfall has made this a bigger problem this year. The amount of rain recently has made some large fields that were used for maize one vast muddy bath.
 I shall continue to explore my local area with walks up to 7 miles but there are a small number of footpaths I won’t be treading this lockdown. I shall keep to going out early for my walks and taking photographs of the wonderful countryside I live in.