It may be small in size but Rutland packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty and gorgeous landscape. With so many ideal days out for walkers, it is hard to recommend just one!
However, amongst our favourite walks is one that takes you from Lyndon to North Luffenham – and combines some of Rutland’s lovely villages and sights (as well as providing a number of pit-stop opportunities along the way!).
This loop covers Lyndon – Wing – Pilton – North Luffenham and is 6.65mi/10.70km and is estimated to take 3 hours without stops (OS Map estimations). Although this walk starts at Pick’s Barn Cafe, this is a loop walk and can be picked up at any point of the circuit. Furry friends can also join in, with all three recommended rest-stops welcoming canine companions, but please be mindful and keep dogs on a close lead in fields of livestock. Please note that this blog is a guide to the route – for thorough details and the exact route please use the OS map route here.
Important: There are many car parks available within Rutland and along this route, please be mindful of where you leave your car. Car Parks at pubs and cafes along the route may have time limits in place, and will be reserved for paying customers only. If you do choose to park roadside, please be mindful not to block access to a field or a driveway.
Start your journey at Pick’s Barn Cafe in Lyndon (parking available for customers). The cafe here is open Tuesday – Sunday and offers breakfast and a light lunch menu, as well as baked treats and barista-brewed coffee. This is a great place to fuel up before your walk, or to grab some treats to enjoy on the walk!
Come out of Pick’s Barn and turn left to set off for your walk. Heading into Lyndon village turn left at the fork in the road and head down until the footpath starts on the right. Follow the trail across fields until you reach the road. Follow the path down to the river where the footpath begins on the right, following the river and across a field to the train track. Please cross the train track at the pedestrian crossing with care, double-checking it is safe before going ahead. Continue on this footpath until you reach Wing, where you turn right and then left onto Middle Street. At the bottom of Middle Street, you can find The King’s Arms, the second of our three pitstops.
The Kings Arms is a country inn, led by talented head chef James Goss, the pub features local game on a constantly changing menu. Whether you are stopping by for a drink with nibbles, lunchtime sandwiches or to enjoy the main menu, there will be local produce ready to knock your walking socks off!
After the Kings Arms, continue right along Top Street until you can join the footpath marked on the OS map. Follow this path across the fields and alongside the road until you come to the village of Pilton, where you can take in the sights of what was once the smallest village in the county! Continuing through the village, follow the map along the roads through Pilton and out along Pilton Road. Once you get to the crossroads, take a left and follow the hill down, over the bridge and into the field and path to the right. Head across the field to the river – taking care when crossing the bridge – before heading up towards the North Luffenham Church. From here head up into the village and left towards The Fox in North Luffenham.
The Fox is a traditional country pub, with a beer garden for summer visitors and wood burners inside to warm winter wanderers, this is a great rest stop all year round. Stop here for a drink or to indulge in the classic pub menu with a twist featuring a Wagyu beef burger and the famous homemade beef and ale pie.
From The Fox, you are on the home straight. Head right from the pub and follow the road down the hill to Luffenham Road. This road will take you back to Pick’s Barn and is a quiet and narrow track where you can enjoy views of surrounding villages and nature-watching – just keep an ear out for any traffic coming your way.
Along this route, the ground conditions are varied between road and off-road tracks, which can be soft underfoot, notably through the winter, so bring suitable walking boots or wellies. Be mindful that animals may be in fields that the footpaths cross, be respectful and keep your distance, remembering to close any gates you go through. Please keep dogs on a close lead in fields of livestock.
For more walks and if you are looking for walking buddies then ‘Nordic Walk it!’ has something for everyone from Well-Being Walks to Stride Out sessions for those who want a walking challenge. With 1 ½ hour walks available every day, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Rutland.
If you are looking for walking gear and more for your rambles, visit the Lands’ End outlet store in Oakham or Mountain Warehouse in Gates Garden Centre.
Image Credit: thursdaywalkers
