A group of people from Bolton who took a 160-mile round trip to Snowdonia were sent home by police.
Officers from North Wales Police discovered the hapless trio after they flagged down a marked car to ask for advice on places in the area to visit.
While the restrictions on coronavirus lockdown travel in England have been eased, the rules in Wales remain strict and people have been told not to make any unnecessary journeys.
In a tweet, a spokesman for the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team explained their shock after being asked for the travel advice.
They said: "Incredibly one of our team has just been flagged down in Snowdonia by a car containing three people from Bolton
"'Excuse me officer, can you recommend some nice places for us to visit?'
"'Yes, there are plenty on your way home'".
Boris Johnson has this week announced new relaxed rules for the lockdown.
Speaking at the daily downing street press conference on Thursday, the prime minister revealed some major changes.
Mr Johnson said all five steps required to change lockdown measures are being met, but warned he would not 'throw away' the gains already made.
As of Monday, the government confirmed that schools will reopen, some non-essential retailers can trade, and up to six people can meet outside.
