THE Yorkshire Dales National Park has warned visitors to follow social distancing guidelines if they go to the area over the bank holiday weekend.

The park says households and key workers are welcome "to come to walk, cycle and get some fresh air. A place to clear their heads and recharge their batteries".

But in order to be a safe place it asks everyone to follow social distancing guidance, to only travel in household groups, to avoid busy places, town and village centres, and to only park in car parks.

Carl Lis, chairman of the park authority, said: “National Park Authority car parks and toilets are open, and our car park capacity will be regularly updated in order to help people avoid busy locations. Authority car parks remain free to NHS staff and social carers.

“Most local businesses still remain closed, including cafés, restaurants, pubs, and many local shops, which means visitors will need to be self-sufficient. But please don’t bring barbecues as the land is tinder dry and there is a real fire risk."