I thought long and hard about leaving my area. I decided against the Lakes due to the huge amount of stay away pleas from MRT, LDNPA, FOL etc. However, I yearned a day in the open, in hills, and in solitude. So, headed for Quernmore on the west side of Bowland, and parked at Rigg Lane. Car park barriers had not been taken down yesterday, but there is a very wide verge where I left the car. Walked for just over 17 miles up on to Clougha Fell, Grit Pike, Ward Stones and then dropping down to do a circle of Tarnbrook Fell, before picking up my outwood route for the return leg.
I picked this route for quietness, though I had never walked the area, everything I read said it was a quiet area. In the first 15 miles I saw 4 people, a few more in the last couple of miles, mainly two families. Social distancing was very very easy to achieve.
I also noted that much of the walk is on well maintained moor maintenance tracks so the chances of a slip were minimised. I drove straight there, touched one gate, with a gloved hand. The two stiles I used were so easy even I didn't have to put hands on wood.
Being out in the hills was magic. Views of the Lakes, the Yorkshire peaks and the Howgills. Came back a much happier person. I think the trip (50 miles) was justifiable based on Central Gov advice, my own research, my efforts to reduce contact and the lack of risk on the route.