4.5
(17)
225
riders
5
rides
Gravel biking around Whitwell offers routes that navigate the landscape surrounding Rutland Water, a prominent feature of the region. The terrain primarily consists of paths around the reservoir, often passing through open countryside and areas of woodland. Elevations are generally gentle, with some routes featuring rolling hills rather than steep climbs.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
5.0
(14)
192
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
riders
30.2km
01:33
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(3)
8
riders
47.0km
02:52
520m
520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3
riders
31.0km
01:56
380m
380m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
1
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Make sure to take the additional peninsular part of the ride though beautiful Hambleton and past Hambleton Hall where we stayed. It has an excellent Michelin Star restaurant open to non residents
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Fantastic 2 -3 hour ride with great views. We went on simple rented electric bikes, not full EMTB, and tbat was great and there are some hilly parts away from the water.
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Nice and easy hike on the man path, while some of the smaller ones canbe a bit owegrown an soggy. ood change of scenery to make a walk here more varied.
1
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Well designed sculpture, which provides a nice contrast to the pretty natural surroundings (though the immediate area here close to the parking is a bit more 'designed' than other parts along the coast.
4
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Ride anticlockwise from Whitwell car park, visit Picks Barn Cafe for refreshments
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To build the railway here cretainly was a challenge for the engineers and builders - a lot of tunnels and slopes to overcome. In the end it looks great to see how the railway winds through this landscape.
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Picks Barn is a great place for coffee and a bite to eat although itβs not open on Monday and Tuesday
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There are 9 gravel bike trails documented around Whitwell on komoot. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy rides to more challenging excursions, primarily circling Rutland Water.
Yes, Whitwell offers several routes suitable for beginners. For instance, the area features 1 easy route and 5 moderate routes, often following established cycle paths with gentle elevations. While specific 'easy' routes aren't highlighted by name in the intro, the overall terrain around Rutland Water is generally accessible.
Gravel bike routes near Whitwell vary in length. For example, the View of Rutland Water β Hambleton Peninsula Loop loop from Empingham is about 18.8 miles (30.2 km), while the Lagoon 4 Track β Rutland Water Cycle Route loop from Oakham extends to 29.3 miles (47.2 km).
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are 3 difficult gravel bike routes around Whitwell. One notable option is the Lagoon 4 Track β Rutland Water Cycle Route loop from Oakham, which covers 29.3 miles (47.2 km) and features more significant elevation changes.
The gravel bike trails in Whitwell primarily offer views of Rutland Water, passing through open countryside and areas of woodland. You'll experience reservoir-side paths and gentle rolling hills, providing a scenic backdrop for your ride.
Many of the gravel bike routes around Whitwell are circular, designed to loop around Rutland Water or its peninsulas. An example is the Rutland Water Cycle Path β Rutland Water Nature Reserve loop from Edith Weston, which offers a full circuit.
Along the gravel bike trails, you can encounter several notable landmarks and attractions. These include the iconic Normanton Church, the vast Rutland Water itself, and the Rutland Water Dam. You might also pass through areas like Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland during certain seasons.
The gravel biking experience in Whitwell is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 17 reviews. Riders often praise the well-maintained paths around Rutland Water, the scenic views, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Given the prevalence of established cycle paths around Rutland Water and the generally gentle elevations, many of the moderate routes are suitable for families. These paths offer a safe and enjoyable environment for riders of varying ages and abilities.
The trails around Whitwell primarily consist of well-maintained paths, often part of the established Rutland Water Cycle Route. They pass through open countryside and woodland, generally offering good riding conditions. However, conditions can vary with weather, so checking local forecasts is always recommended.
Yes, as the trails largely circle Rutland Water, there are numerous parking facilities available at various points around the reservoir, including visitor centers and villages like Whitwell itself, Empingham, and Oakham, which serve as common starting points for rides.
While Whitwell itself has limited direct public transport links, nearby towns like Oakham, which is a common starting point for some routes, are accessible by train. From there, you can cycle to the trailheads around Rutland Water.


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