Looking at the latest government pronouncements two things strike me. Firstly two people from different households can now exercise together providing they socially distance. Secondly we can now travel to take exercise.

I am wondering if a bit of low risk mine exploration (i.e known mines, no digging / new exploration and no vertical) is back on the agenda.

What think you?

Well I am a soloist anyway. UG, I probably wont bother as Wales is off limits, but be nice to go for a good walk in the 'proper' countryside.

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Looking at the latest government pronouncements two things strike me. Firstly two people from different households can now exercise together providing they socially distance. Secondly we can now travel to take exercise.

I am wondering if a bit of low risk mine exploration (i.e known mines, no digging / new exploration and no vertical) is back on the agenda.

What think you?

I'm seeing similar questions in kayaking groups, hillwalking groups, motorhome groups etc. I'm thinking discussions here will be more balanced and intelligent but elsewhere as soon as some enquiring soul speculates that something may now be allowed then other enraged participants will weigh in about how it is too soon, people are being selfish and the ultimate emotionally charged 'we shouldn't out of respect for key workers, NHS etc.'

Ultimately I think what Boris was trying to say was that people should exercise their own discretion as to what they could do whilst still maintaining reasonable precautions.

Hopefully more information will be released that makes things clearer and perhaps such bodies as the BCA, NAMHO and BMC will produce guidance.

I'm hoping what I think is the worst case where things are theoretically permissible but socially unacceptable to admit to (at least in some circles) will not become the norm.

Actually the worst thing might be if there is a rush to the national parks and hills followed by a second wave of infection that may or may not be related enabling people to make a connection and be much more resistant to re-starting such leisure pursuits a second time.

But yes, if I lived near to a nice easy mine I'd be taking a gentle trip.

You are talking a lot of good sense Alex.

Yes, we could see a new 'political correctness'.

What I really dread is 'Exploring with Fighters' gaining access to an empty Nightingale Hospital!

:lol::lol::lol:

EDIT
Thinking about it, his mask would fit well, and the "We shouldn't really be in here"

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I am going to stay at home for a bit longer (fortunately I have plenty of space at home). I'll let all the 'enthusiasts' rush out, catch the lurgy, become ill, get better, then I'll consider going out myself.

There's no rush.

Chris.

I must admit I am in two minds. At the moment my inclination is to err on the side of caution.

I must admit I am in two minds. At the moment my inclination is to err on the side of caution.

I think I'll be erring on the side of caution when we're allowed to travel a bit for exercise in Wales (which we're still not yet). I can't say the idea of being in a large group in a confined space underground has much appeal at the moment 😢

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Given that a lot of mines are in remote areas, the influx of people from outside is unlikely to be welcomed and will do serious damage to how local communities see us.

Hearing the unhappiness from Nenthead residents about people just driving and riding through I would say that mine explorers would be decidedly unwelcome.

We are in no way clear of this crisis and the North is a couple of weeks behind in terms of recovery.

Our beloved prime minister has changed the emphasis so that he is able to blame the resurgence on people rather than government ineptitude.
Please don't mess everything up.

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I am from near Cambridge in the East Midlands and my opinion is I think it’s to soon so to be going underground sadly, I perhaps will do just 20 minutes in a tramway tunnel with my son ,I have full permission on this certain peace of land but as for proper trips I won’t be until we are back to normal, I live in a small village so I understand why wales does not want people their at the moment I don’t like people coming here during this virus just because their places are busy selfish I no this has happened constantly since the lockdown when you was not even aloud to travel around I didn’t I wish others did not break the rules

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Probably not for a while yet I think. Having spent the best part of 8 weeks keeping out of the way of this virus, I feel no need to share lungfulls with anyone from outside of my household.
I saw on the news that Cumbria is nervous about an influx of visitors to the lakes and pennines, they have medical facilities appropriate to their population and do not need an influx of viruses from around the country; in addition to which the population is older which increases the risk factor considerably.
I would like to get out and walk at some greater altitude, but for the time being will continue around the local fields and woods.

It seems my fears were justified. I've now read the full guidance document and it is pretty clear that as far as the government is concerned it is fine from Wednesday to jump in your car with your family and head to the Peak District/Lake District/the coast/the forest etc. etc. providing you stay 2m from other people and within England.

It's clear however that there will be great concern and resentment from local people to any influx. If the weather is anything approaching half decent after Wednesday this seems almost inevitable. Your average local is not going to distinguish between a family out for a jolly picnic or a mine explorer or a hiker or climber.

The concerns of locals are legitimate I feel and I probably won't be jumping in the car and heading off to distant parts for a grand day out. However the government are unlikely to ease this restriction twice. they've already said it's ok so they won't make another anouncement in a month or two and say 'now it's really, really OK'. So that really leaves us now at the whim of public opinion.

I'm thinking the trigger will be when cafe's, pubs, B&B's and the like are allowed to re-open that will be more the sign that we can proceed without upsetting any applecarts.

I'm thinking the trigger will be when cafe's, pubs, B&B's and the like are allowed to re-open that will be more the sign that we can proceed without upsetting any applecarts.

or Wales and Scotland give the nod?

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I'm thinking the trigger will be when cafe's, pubs, B&B's and the like are allowed to re-open that will be more the sign that we can proceed without upsetting any applecarts.

or Wales and Scotland give the nod?

Hoping that'll be a while off. Not convinced we're properly past the peak here in North Wales.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-51994504 

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In spite of what government advice apparently says I think driving any appreciable distance to pursue one's hobby is not on. Living in Cornwall the last thing I want to see is an influx of people from "up country" at the moment. I would imagine that this view is mirrored in the Peak, North Wales and the Lakes (for example).

That said do you think the situation is different if you stay local? For example living smack bang in the middle of the Tamar Valley ore field I have dozens of mines within a ten minute drive and many within walking distance.

Entirely agree with the above. I can't think why the 'drive any distance' bit was included.

Far better to hold off until other tourism type businesses were able to reopen and communities could get behind the move. Unfortunately as I said the cat is out of the bag now as far as England is concerned and one cannot release it twice......

From a rescue point of view I can say that underground rescue teams are not happy with this.

A quick glance at various sites seem to signify they're sitting in their cars waiting for the off.

I hope the sentiment expressed here is general, but I suspect not!

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As keen as I am to get back underground I'm rather keener to see my grand-daughter again. I've had 4 video calls so far today from her as she is desperate to see us!

Living nearby it would be perfectly possible to meet her in the park but listening to the questions tonight they are insisting you have to meet only in pairs one from each household. Since it probably unwise to send a 6 year old out to the park on her own this seems unachievable if we stick to the guidelines. 😢

It's all a bit half baked and full of inconsitencies. I think this is all about priming the pump to get the population infected at a manageable level.

I think there is an increasing recognition that this virus is here to stay and there may never be an effective vaccine. So we need to learn to live with it. The longer the country stays in lockdown the harder it will be to get out of it and it simply delays the point at which we all face up to how to live, work and play with the virus. Social Distancing is here for the foreseeable future I fear.

Of course it's only been here since December. Boris says there may be no vaccine. Whether you are immune after getting it is also undecided. Myself, I'd err on caution.