Police have issued a strict warning after people swarmed to a popular walking route this weekend.

Images show lines of cars parked on verges and causing obstructions near the Heaven's Gate Longleat walking route and surrounding area.

Longleat Safari Park, and its car parks that lead to the routes, are currently closed off to the public due to lockdown.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “While we appreciate that people need to get outdoors for exercise, we want to remind everyone that they shouldn’t be meeting groups of friends or sitting down for picnics.

“The law states that people can leave their homes to exercise, but the guidance says that this should be limited to once a day and that you should not travel outside your local area.

“Therefore, the onus is on everyone to take personal responsibility, such that they do not increase the risk of the spread of the virus. We would also ask the public to remember the importance of social distancing in public and to sensibly avoid places where it may be difficult to ensure a safe distance.”

Lines of parked cars on Sunday (February 28)

Lines of parked cars on Sunday (February 28)

A spokesman from Longleat said: "Longleat has closed its main car parks at Heaven's Gate and Shearwater in a bid to discourage people from travelling outside their local areas to the estate by car during lockdown.

"We have been in contact with the police during the current lockdown period about our car parks and they are aware of people parking on the roadside and verges, and travelling by car to the estate for walks.

"In line with current government guidelines we are urging people to stay local and limit exercise to within walking and cycling distance of their homes."

Meanwhile Kate Blackburn, director of public health at Wiltshire Council, has warned people to continue to adhere to lockdown regulations, even as the weather eases.

She said: “The Government has laid out their roadmap for easing restrictions, but in the meantime the current guidance remains in place and people need to stay at home as much as possible.

“We know that with Spring comes more sunshine, and going out and getting fresh air is such a positive thing for health and wellbeing. People will still get the opportunity to enjoy the nicer weather while doing their daily exercise, but they need to make sure that they stay local.

“Everyone’s efforts have really paid off recently with local Covid-19 case rates heading in the right direction, and we don’t want to undo any of that.”