Rutland Water is the centrepiece for sporting activities in the county. Set in stunning 3,100 acres of beautiful rolling English countryside, Rutland Water has a 25 mile (40 km) perimeter track, perfect for cycling, walking and running. There’s a huge range of activities waiting for you, regardless of your age or ability. Whilst famous for its water sports and sailing facilities it’s also the perfect place for a spot of fly fishing. Rutland Water is proud to host the Rutland Sailability program that is designed to enable people with any disability to enjoy sailing in a safe environment.
There is a weekly parkrun at Rutland Water every Saturday at 9am starting at Normanton Church. Parkrunners can register for free via the parkrun UK website and need to bring a hard copy of their barcode. The parkrun attracts all ages and abilities who walk, jog or run the 3 miles, from babies in buggies to Nordic walkers, there is also provision for all abilities – and everyone is encouraged back to the restaurant for a drink and a chat afterwards. Junior parkrun happens every Sunday, also at Normaton at 9am, but a shorter distance of 2km and lots more cheering! £1 all day parking for park runners on the day.
Rutland is ideal for cyclists and ramblers, with trails and routes available from the Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane (which has an adventure golf course not to be missed!) Hiking from village to village whilst taking in the views and a country pub or two is very rewarding!
Rutland is blessed with some fantastic Golf Courses, many enjoying the best views in the county and offering fabulous social opportunities and dining facilities at their club houses for visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an amateur, you’ll enjoy Rutland’s five excellent courses, and each with their own golfing challenges.
Rutland Water Golf Course, with panoramic views of Rutland Water, provides excellent golfing and wonderful leisure facilities. There’s a driving range, the Hambleton 9-hole par-3 course and the challenging 18-hole Championship Normanton course. Golf clubs and golf buggies can be hired and there are superb chipping and putting greens for practice. The site offers luxury en-suite accommodation and a self-catering cottage to allow you to enjoy a relaxing golfing break with unparalleled views of Rutland.
Greetham Valley Golf Course features two 18-hole and one 9-hole course as well as fully equipped Clubhouse, pro-shop and driving range. This popular golf club has a variety of Golf Breaks and Golf Society days with a thriving membership. Their Golf Academy offers one-to-one, duo and group lessons that are available for novices, improvers and the occasional despairing low handicapper! Greetham Valley has 35 hotel bedrooms, 8 eco friendly log cabins, restaurant and many other facilities.
There is also Woolfox Golf & Country Club, North Luffenham Golf Club and Luffenham Heath Golf Club to explore.
Rutland is host to many big sporting events, many being delivered by the excellent Pacesetter Events, including the Dambusters Triathlon, The Vitruvian, Rutland Water Marathon, SwimRutland and more. The SwimRutland NightSwim gives you the chance to experience the thrill of swimming in open water underneath the stars, this fantastic event is sure to be a firm favourite with adventurers! If open water swimming is of interest (first timers or regulars) then check out Inspire2Tri and their swim sessions.
There are also many sporting events and challenges throughout the year at venues including Burghley House and Belvoir Castle, including Tough Mudder.
The county also hosts prestigious international sporting events ideal for spectators; both the International CiCLE Classic race which sets off in Oakham every April and the annual Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in nearby Stamford, draw huge numbers of spectators from all over the world.
For a less ‘active’ activity, hone your BBQ skills with England Cricketing legend Matthew Hoggard – Hoggy’s Grill is based at Rutland Nursery and offers fun half day courses to inspire and give you confidence to become a BBQ king or queen!
If you enjoy seeing the countryside from the saddle, then Rutland can offer you some fantastic hacking, plus horse friendly accommodation! Leicestershire & Rutland Bridleway Association organise a programme of rides throughout the year, including the Hambleton Bluebells, a 6 mile ride on mainly private tracks at Rutland Water.
If you’ve not ridden before and want to try some lessons, try booking into Somerby Equestrian Centre, Stretton Riding School or Owston Lodge Equestrian Centre.
