Rutland Water
Go to online mappingFrom - to: Circular ride based on Oakham
Type: Round reservoir - mostly traffic-free with some sections on quiet roads
Surface: Tarmac roads and stone-surfaced paths
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Rutland, famously England's smallest county, has at its heart one of England's largest man-made lakes, created as a reservoir in the 1970s.
The route begins in historic Oakham, with a market every Wednesday and Saturday, a fine Norman castle site and the Rutland Museum celebrating the county's heritage.
A short detour at Barnsdale Country Club takes you to Barnsdale Gardens, a series of individual gardens created by ecologically-minded gardener, the late Geoff Hamilton. You will also pass Normanton church, the last remnant of a village depopulated in the 18th century to make way for a park. The foundations of the village are now drowned but the upper parts of the church remain above water and house an exhibition on the making of the lake.
For further information and a leaflet on Rutland Water please contact Sykes Lane Tourist Information Centre on tel: 01572 653026.
Download a ride description sheet.
Local attractions:
- Oakham Castle
- Barnsdale Gardens, Oakham
- Rutland Water
- Normanton Church, Rutland Water
- Egleton Nature Reserve
Bike hire:
- Rutland Cycling, Normanton Car Park
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