Walk 14/2008 – Rutland Water Circuit

Sunday 15th June 2008

A group of 12 met at Edith Weston car park to commence our circumference walk of Rutland Water. The reservoir is an attractive 3,100-acre reservoir built in the 1970’s to supply water to the East Midlands and originally named ‘Empingham reservoir’. Rutland Water has 25 miles of footpath that takes you close to the water’s edge as well as through woodland and with many stopping points with attractions, picnic areas, places to eat and picturesque viewpoints.

10 of us completed the 17 mile circuit (although there is a debate as to whether it may be just 15 miles). The 2 more energetic members should be applauded for completing the whole 24 miles circuit to include the more attractive part of the reservoir ‘Hambleton Peninsula’.

At our start we passed the Edith Weston sailing club where we observed the interesting too–ing and fro–ing of sailing dinghies. Continuing along our route we passed one of the two wildlife conservation centres with displays and viewing points, and where we were hoping to meet up with Barbara’s friend who works in the centre, but we missed her. The first wild osprey in England for 150 years hatched at Rutland Water in 2001 and now regularly breeds here.

When we passed on through to Manton we were hoping for a revitalising cup of coffee at ‘The Horse and Jockey’, a conveniently located pub and an ideal water hole to refuel! But unfortunately it was still closed so early in the morning! The next stage of our walk was through woodland path and some road to reach Egleton a picturesque village with thatched cottages and where people maintained their gardens to a high standard. One property had a very attractive lavender hedge around the margin of their large front garden.

Post coffee at Egleton, the group separated out into ‘10’ and ‘the 2 long distance walkers’, Owen and Geoff. The main group continued on their way along much roadway to Barnsdale and Whitwell. It was at this point that we first encountered ‘Mr Armani’ a very dashing young man who attracted much interest for the next hour! [Ed – only from the ladies, I might add]. Lunch was taken at Whitwell and many partook in yet another treat of an ice cream instead of a balanced diet!

Post lunch we continued our circuit by walking across the impressive manmade dam towards Normanton Church. The original site of the church (St Matthew’s Church as it was once known) would have placed it below the proposed water line of Rutland Water. It was saved from this fate through a project, aided by voluntary subscription, which raised the floor level of the church and protected the lower part of the building with a pier of stones. It now houses an exhibition about the building of the reservoir. The church, with semi–circular portico and tower, was built in 1826–9 and was designed by Thomas Cundy, then architect to the Grosvenor estate in Westminster.

With our walk completing back at Edith Weston 7 from the 17 miles group had to while away the time with a beverage back at the 17th Century traditional country inn, the Horse and Jockey which by now was open. Of course our reason was to wait for our 2 completing the 24 miles walk – it just was not because of that tasty pint of beer at all !!

The busy aspects of the reservoir and the long stretches of road walking did not give this walk a top grade for rural delight. However it did provide us with a distance challenge and due to the very easy terrain (compared with Lulworth!) an opportunity to chat and laugh all the way round! A very happy day.

Report – Cathy

Pictures – Alan

Walk rating – Ok for a local challenge

We start off from Normanton cark park near the sailing club.

One of the better views around the lake which is generally not very photogenic.

There are one or two wooded sections of the circuit.

Foxgloves brighten this part of the walk.

We have a practice hand holding session.

The church at Normanton.