Things to Do around Rutland Water

Rutland Water is one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe and England's largest reservoir. It encompasses over 3,000 to 4,200 acres of open countryside, providing a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The area is located in Rutland, England's smallest county.

Rutland Water offers a wide array of outdoor activities, including Jogging, Hiking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, Mountain biking, and Gravel biking. The region features 25 routes, with more than 77,000 visitors sharing their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars.

A popular 23-mile (37 km) or 25-mile (40 km) perimeter track encircles the reservoir, suitable for various cycling types. A shorter 17-mile route is available by bypassing the Hambleton Peninsula. Dedicated road cycling routes, such as the 24-mile Northern and 23.7-mile Southern options, also exist. For more information, see Cycling around Rutland Water.

The perimeter track is popular for jogging and running. Rutland Water hosts weekly parkruns every Saturday morning, covering a 3-mile course near Normanton Church. A shorter junior parkrun is also available on Sundays. Explore options with the Running Trails around Rutland Water guide.

Numerous trails crisscross the area, including easy walking paths connecting visitor points like Whitwell and Normanton. Beyond the reservoir, 7 Rutland Heritage Trails explore the wider countryside. For ambitious hikers, the 65-mile "Rutland Round" circumvents the entire county. Find more details in Hiking around Rutland Water.

Rutland Water offers several family-friendly options, including easy walking paths and cycle hire services with children's bikes. These routes provide accessible terrain suitable for all ages. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Rutland Water guide for specific trails.

Many trails at Rutland Water are dog-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities with their pets. It is advisable to check specific route details for any restrictions or requirements. A guide for Dog-friendly hikes around Rutland Water is available.

The western end of the reservoir features a 1,000-acre nature reserve, an internationally recognized Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ramsar Wetland. It is a critical haven for wildlife, especially water birds, attracting over 25,000 ducks, geese, and swans in winter. Rutland Water is also famous for its successful osprey reintroduction program.

A distinctive landmark is Normanton Church, which appears to float on the water's edge. The Hambleton Peninsula is another prominent feature, jutting into the reservoir and offering unique views. These landmarks are integrated into many of the area's popular routes.

Komoot offers several guides for Rutland Water, covering various sports and interests. These include guides for Running Trails, Hiking, Cycling, and MTB Trails. There are also specialized guides for family-friendly, easy, and dog-friendly routes.

The official website for Rutland Water is operated by Anglian Water Parks. General inquiries can be made via their website or by phone. The official website is anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water, and the phone number is +44 1780 686800.