4.5
(205)
1,490
riders
63
rides
Mountain biking around Normanton offers a network of trails primarily centered around the Rutland Water area. The terrain features paths alongside the reservoir, with gentle ascents and descents through surrounding landscapes. These routes provide opportunities for exploring the local environment on two wheels. The area is characterized by open water views and accessible pathways suitable for various skill levels.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
4.7
(53)
401
riders
35.8km
02:21
180m
180m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(5)
38
riders
15.2km
00:49
70m
70m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(4)
27
riders
16.8km
00:59
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
26
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
23
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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In the second half of 1979 the International Arts Foundation commissioned the sculptor Alexander to produce a large-scale sculpture for Rutland Water. The cost was Β£50,000 and the site chosen by the landscape artist who designed Rutland Water was the then rather bleak Sykes Lane picnic site. It was cast in London and was then the largest bronze sculpture of modern times.
3
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Compact gravel in the drier days and mud in the wet ones.
0
0
Keep your eye open for Rutland Sailing Club Open Day and get free sailing and trips out as well as a lovely traffic free ride.
0
0
This ancient woodland was partly destroyed through construction of the reservoir. It is a neglected coppice of the Peterken Ash-Maple, Ash-Hazel, Pedunculate Oak-Hazel and Invasive Elm types but has been partly planted with conifers.
2
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The church was built in classical style for the Normanton Hall estate on the site of a 14th-century building. Except for the tower, the medieval church was rebuilt in 1764 by Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 3rd Baronet. The church was de-consecrated in 1970, and was to have been demolished as part of the reservoir construction, as its floor was below the proposed water level. Following a public outcry, the lower half was filled with stone and rubble, and a concrete cap constructed just below the level of the windows.
1
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There are over 60 mountain bike trails available around Normanton. These routes primarily explore the area around Rutland Water, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
Yes, Normanton offers a good selection of easy mountain bike trails. Out of the 64 available routes, 35 are rated as easy, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Rutland Water Dam β Rutland Water Dam loop from Edith Weston, which is 9.5 miles long and features flat sections.
The mountain bike trails around Normanton vary in length and duration. For instance, the popular Rutland Water Circuit is 22.2 miles (35.8 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 21 minutes to complete. Shorter options like the View of Rutland Water β Rutland Water Dam loop from Hambleton are about 10.5 miles (16.8 km) and can be completed in under an hour.
Many of the trails around Normanton are suitable for families, particularly those around Rutland Water. The terrain is generally gentle with accessible pathways, making routes like the Rutland Water Cycle Path β Rutland Water Nature Reserve loop from Whitwell a great choice for a family outing. These trails often feature flat sections and scenic views.
The mountain bike trails around Normanton are characterized by reservoir-side paths, open water views, and gentle rolling terrain. The routes primarily follow the perimeter of Rutland Water, offering a mix of paved and gravel surfaces with gentle ascents and descents. There are no technically difficult trails in the area.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Normanton are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The most prominent example is the Rutland Water Circuit, which offers a comprehensive loop around the reservoir. Other circular options include the Rutland Water Cycle Path β Rutland Water Nature Reserve loop from Empingham.
Along the mountain bike trails, you'll primarily enjoy open water views of Rutland Water. Notable landmarks include the historic Normanton Church, which stands partially submerged, and the Rutland Water Dam. You might also encounter sections of the Rutland Water Cycle Path.
The mountain biking experience around Normanton is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 190 reviews. Reviewers often praise the scenic open water views, the well-maintained reservoir-side paths, and the accessibility of routes suitable for various skill levels.
Yes, the trails around Normanton offer numerous scenic spots, particularly those with open water views of Rutland Water. Routes like the View of Rutland Water β Rutland Water Dam loop from Hambleton are specifically highlighted for their panoramic vistas across the reservoir.
Mountain biking around Normanton is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many of the reservoir-side paths remain accessible, though conditions can be wetter and colder.
The mountain bike trails around Normanton are predominantly rated as easy or moderate. There are no trails classified as difficult, meaning the area is more suited for casual riders, families, and those looking for a less technical experience rather than advanced mountain biking challenges.


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