Wales's national parks have called for continued patience amid fears of a rush to the great outdoors over the bank holiday weekend

While Wales remains in lockdown, there are increasing fears that people will ignore Welsh Government regulations and attempt to access popular National Park hot spots this weekend, putting rural communities at greater risk.

The Park Authorities are reminding all UK residents to remember that Wales is still in lockdown with only essential travel permitted, therefore people are unable to drive to visit any of the Welsh National Parks.

Under Welsh Government regulations, the National Parks in Wales have closed a number of sites, including the Coast Path in Pembrokeshire, Snowdon in Snowdonia and Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons.

Owain Wyn, chair of Snowdonia National Park, added: “We understand that people are missing the Welsh National Parks and may be tempted to come here but please do not.

"It is a critical time for our communities and health services here in north Wales as we are only now reaching the peak of Covid-19 cases. We look forward to welcoming you back when it is safe, safe for you and safe for our communities”

Gareth Ratcliffe, chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority who represents an area bordering with England in Powys, said: “The difference between regulations in England and Wales has presented local challenges. Our communities are working hard to look after each other and we are grateful to all those following the rules for Wales and keeping our fragile rural communities safe.”

These and other sites are closed as they present a risk in terms of the transmission of the Covid-19 virus.