SEVEN cyclists who travelled 50 miles to a Forest mountain biking centre were ordered to ‘get on their bikes’ and return home by police.

The group from Caerphilly in Wales were spoken to at Cannop Cycle Centre on Sunday morning after breaching lockdown rules about travel, which apply in both England and Wales.

Police also said they later sent home two people from Bristol who had travelled over the Severn Bridge to the Forest.

By travelling across the border, the cyclists breached the laws relating to Wales where you are not allowed to drive to exercise or cross the border for non-essential reasons – and in England where you are only supposed to exercise in your local area.

The beauty spot in Gloucestershire is maintained by Forestry England, which says on its website that people should: “only visit one of our forests for your daily exercise if it is only a short distance from your home.”

FE says its car parks are open for people to do their daily lockdown exercise session, although just how far you can travel to get there is unclear.

A spokesperson said: “The nation’s forests remain open. Forestry England-managed car parks in the Forest of Dean are open for local people to enjoy their once-per-day outdoor exercise.

“Please keep yourself, our staff and other visitors safe by following the government’s guidance on what you can and cannot do during the national lockdown.”

Forest Police posted on Sunday: “Officers have advised seven males attending Cannop Cycle Centre today to return home to Caerphilly.

“Should they be found in the area again during lockdown they will be fined!”

They had earlier said: “Neighbourhood Team are continuing high visibility patrols around the Forest of Dean today with regards to current COVID-19 guidelines.”

Forest Specials also posted on Sunday: “Team found two people travelling from Bristol without a reasonable excuse so directed them to return.”

But many local residents who took to social media said the visitors should have paid the penalty there and then.

Pauline Walford stormed: “Why did they get a warning? They should have had a fine on the spot, they knew what they were doing, and they know the rules.

“Makes me mad when we are having to shield for all these months. Some people think they can do just what they want with NO punishment.”

Kat Ennis added: “Last Saturday I was walking in the woods near my home and I saw a group of about 10 cyclists - they were chatting and had strong south Wales accents… wonder if it was the same lot?”

Marian Northfield said: “Us foresters need somewhere to walk, so why should we have to put up with selfish people from outside our area.

“Another spot they use is between Staunton and Monmouth, there were loads down there just before new year!”

Claire Christopher added: “It’s not just the cyclists, it’s walkers too! Carrying maps and backpacks and asking for directions back to their vehicles because they’re lost!”

Scott Thomas posted: “If you feel the need to travel an hour’s drive away just to exercise then you’re pushing your luck and taking the biscuit to be honest.”

“People think only of themselves these days. Idiots for not heeding advice. Will make it last longer than necessary,” blasted Linda Homchurch.

But not everyone was critical of the visitors.

Claire Louise Lynam posted: “Let’s think about this logically with how viruses transmit. They were outside, likely to be distanced from local people…

“There were police on quad bikes in the woods yesterday. We are rapidly heading into a police state. And I for one disagree immensely with this.”

Forest of Dean Cycle Trails posted at the weekend: “Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.

“The car parks and essential facilities in the Forest of Dean are open for people to exercise once-per-day, if they live locally.

“Please do not travel outside of your local area to exercise at our forests.

“If you are a local visitor, please only exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, once a day.”

The cycle centre is currently closed except for local repairs, but Forestry England have left the bike and walking trails open for local people to exercise.

The spokesperson said: “We welcome local, responsible mountain bikers at our way-marked cycle trails and on hard stone forest roads.

“This is not a time for challenging yourself. It is important to avoid injury and reduce the pressure on our staff and the emergency services.”

FE advice on its website adds: “Our car parks are open for local outdoor exercise only…

“If you don’t live locally then you must not travel for recreation, it is non-essential travel and you can delay your visit until after restrictions ease.”