Protecting the vulnerable is important during this coronavirus crisis – but restricting walking is just a bad idea

The police have been proactive in monitoring rural jaunts, says Janet Street-Porter, but is it really the best use of their time?

Taking strolls in rural areas – sensibly – can provide a breath of fresh air (Getty)

As a former president of The Ramblers charity – who has walked the length and breadth of the UK for several TV series (and pleasure) – the removal of my right to roam in the name of “safety” is a step too far.

With sunny spring weather predicted this weekend, walking is a simple pleasure, but one that’s become a battleground in the current climate of catastrophe.

Yesterday, I went to the woods near my house in Norfolk – where I’ve only see four hikers at most during an hour long stroll – and found gates and fence posts were festooned with ugly yellow plastic laminated signs attached with plastic tape marked “evidence” asking “why are you here today?”