Rutland Water
Walk Highlights
- Nearest Town:
- Rutland
- Postcode:
- LE15 8HD
- Parking:
There are numerous pay and display car parks located at various points around Rutland Water Reservoir in Rutland, managed by Anglian Water. Popular car parks include those at Normanton, Sykes Lane, Whitwell, Egleton (for the Birdwatching Centre), and Lyndon. Charges apply. These car parks provide access to different sections of the perimeter track, visitor centres, cafes, and toilets.
- Distance:
- 4.20 miles
- Time:
- 3.00 hours
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Terrain:
The terrain around Rutland Water Reservoir in Rutland is predominantly well-surfaced, shared-use tracks (tarmac or compacted gravel), making it very accessible for walkers, cyclists, pushchairs, and wheelchairs. The routes are generally flat with some gentle undulations. Some off-track nature reserve paths may be grassy and less even.
- Facilities:
- Toilets, Cafe
- Accessibility:
- Yes
- Get Directions:
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3-Day Dog Walking Forecast
Ground Conditions
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Dog-Centric Details
- Poo Bins Available:
- No
- Secure/Fenced Area:
- No
- Dog Water Source:
- No
- Dog Notes:
Dogs are welcome on the main tracks around Rutland Water in Rutland, but they should be kept on a lead at all times, as it is a very popular shared-use path with cyclists, families, and sensitive wildlife areas. Dogs are generally not permitted in the nature reserve areas (e.g., Egleton, Lyndon reserves) to protect breeding and roosting birds – check local Anglian Water/Wildlife Trust signage. Please clean up after your dog. Some cafes around the reservoir may have dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- EV Charger Nearby:
- No
- Fuel Station Nearby:
- No
- Livestock Information:
- Off-Leash Policy:
- On-Leash Only
- Dog Traffic:
- Moderate
- Seasonal Advice:
- Height Restriction:
- No
- Printable Version:
- Open & Print
Explore the magnificent Rutland Water Reservoir in Rutland, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, offering a vast array of recreational activities and stunning waterside scenery. This walk allows you to enjoy sections of the well-maintained track that encircles the reservoir, providing beautiful views across the water, access to nature reserves, and glimpses of the iconic Normanton Church.
Rutland Water is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds, with internationally important numbers of waterfowl. The full perimeter track is around 23 miles (or 17 miles excluding the Hambleton Peninsula), but it can be easily broken down into shorter sections. Visitor centres at Egleton (Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre) and Lyndon provide excellent facilities and information. You can also hire bikes or enjoy watersports.
- Walk or cycle around parts of Rutland Water Reservoir in Rutland, one of Europe's largest man-made lakes.
- Enjoy stunning views across the water and visit iconic Normanton Church.
- Excellent for birdwatching, with dedicated nature reserves and hides (e.g., Egleton, Lyndon).
- Well-maintained, accessible tracks suitable for families and various abilities.
Walks at Rutland Water can be of any length, from a short 1-2 mile stroll from a car park to a specific viewpoint or nature reserve, to a challenging full-day circumnavigation or a substantial section of the perimeter path.
Safety Disclaimer
Outdoor activities always involve an element of risk. Routes, terrain, surfaces, weather, access, livestock presence, water levels, and parking arrangements can change at any time, and path conditions may deteriorate without notice.
You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of your dogs, children, and anyone else with you. Please assess conditions for yourself before setting out and decide whether the walk is suitable for your group.
Dress appropriately for the conditions and bring suitable equipment, food, water, leads, navigation tools, and anything else needed for a safe outing. Trail Tails Ltd is not responsible for loss, damage, injury, incident, or any consequences arising from use of this information.
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