Rutland is the perfect place for walking and has long attracted ramblers who enjoy finding their way around the tiny villages, little known tracks and country lanes. One of the best features is that you’re never far away from a great village pub! These routes also explore the county’s forgotten history.
Bishops, Bombs and Bonfires – Lyddington and Stoke Dry
Allow two to three hours for this circular walk, taking in the villages of Lyddington and Stoke Dry. You could make a leisurely day of it, stopping for lunch at one of the fantastic pubs en route and visiting the Bede House in Lyddington.
Difficulty Rating
Start and Finish
The Green, Main Street, Lyddington
Distance
Four miles
Refreshments
Marquess of Exeter (Lyddington), The Old White Hart (Lyddington)
Lyddington – CREDIT: thursdaywalkers (Instagram)
Romans, Roses & Poems – Pickworth and Great Casterton
To the North-East of Rutland, close to the border with Lincolnshire, the roads and bridleways of Pickworth and Great Casterton echo with the sounds of the footsteps of past travellers.
Difficulty Rating
Start and Finish
The longer walk begins and ends in Great Casterton. For the shorter route, start and finish in Pickworth.
Distance and time
Longer walk – 10.5 miles
Shorter walk – 4.5 miles
Refreshments
The Crown in Great Casterton, Woolfox Golf and Country Club, The Horse & Jockey, Manton
Mills, Quarries & Railways – Pilton, North and South Luffenham
This circular walk takes in the villages of Pilton, North and South Luffenham
Difficulty Rating
Start and Finish
The Parish Church of St John the Baptist, North Luffenham, LE15 8JR. Car parking along lane to church or in Church Street.
Distance
4 miles
Refreshments
The Fox Country Pub & Dining, North Luffenham
Forests, Monks & Pagans – Braunston
From Braunston to Caldecott, Launde to Lyddington, Much of the South-West of Rutland was, during the Medieval Ages, covered by the Ancient Royal Forest of Leighfield.
Difficulty Rating
Start and Finish
Parish Church of All Saints, Braunston
Distance
Five miles
Refreshments
The Blue Ball, Braunston
Mysterious Mazes & Vanished Villages – Wing, Manton and Preston
Allow two to three hours for this circular walk, allowing more time if you wish to explore the villages of Wing, Manton and Preston.
Difficulty Rating
Start and Finish
The ancient maze in the centre of Wing village.
Distance
5.5 miles
Refreshments
The Kings Arms, Wing and The Horse & Jockey, Manton
Canals & Canterbury, Water & Westminster – Market Overton, Whissendine and Langham
Allow around five hours for this delightful circular walk that takes in the villages of Market Overton, Whissendine and Langham; allow longer if you want to explore the villages.
Difficulty Rating
Start and Finish
Market Overton. Parking along Thistleton (Teigh) Road along from parish church and The Black Bull.
Distance
Approx 11 miles (8.5 if you take the shortcut)
Refreshments
The Black Bull in Market Overton, The White Lion in Whissendine and The Wheatsheaf in Langham
Whissendine Church – CREDIT: afoxinwhippetcountry (Instagram)
Fields & Follies – Exton
Allow one to two hours for this circular walk which explores the village and old hall estate of Exton. You’ll need to allow slightly longer if you want to explore the parish church of St Peter and St Paul.
Difficulty Rating
Start and Finish
Exton village – please park respectfully.
Distance
Five miles
Refreshments
The Fox & Hounds Hotel & Restaurant, Exton
Exton – CREDIT rutland_home (Instagram)
View the series of Rutland Heritage Trail walks here. Remember to share photos of your walks with us on social media using #DiscoverRutland and #LoveRutland.
Safer Walking
- Be prepared – wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear, take refreshments and directions.
- Respect the countryside – take care in crops and be considerate of livestock.
- Take care when crossing or walking on roadways and walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Fasten all gates, keep dogs under close control and guard against fire.
- Please show consideration to village residents by parking cars responsibly and making sure all dog mess is appropriately cleared away.
- Remember to take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints!
