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!Our collection of 7 Rutland Heritage Trails provide both a walking and cycling route and are available online and at the visitor centres at Rutland County Museum and Sykes Lane. These are circular routes exploring our beautiful countryside, quaint villages and the occasional pub!
Bishops, Bombs & Bonfires – Lyddington and Stoke Dry
This route is approximately 4 miles and full to bursting with history. Along the way you’ll discover two St Andrew’s Churches, the deserted medieval village of Sneltson and Lyddington Bede House! Explore this trail and learn about the great Bishops of Lincoln, Rutland’s link to the Gunpowder Plot and how Guy Gibson and the 617 Squadron altered the course of the war after training over Eyebrook Reservoir for the Dambusters Raid.
Fields & Follies – Exton
A slightly longer route, this trial focuses on the picturesque village of Exton often described as the prettiest of Rutland’s villages. Dominated by Exton Hall with it’s atmospheric Old Hall ruins, formal gardens, entrance lodges and ornamental follies, transport yourself back in time. Uncover the past splendour of the area through the turreted structure of Fort Henry, the historic deer park and Grade II listed The Fox and Hounds pub.
Romans, Roses & Poems – Great Casterton and Pickworth
This route uncovers layers of history across the countryside around Great Casterton and Pickworth. Along the way you’ll follow ancient roads used by the invading Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, explore medieval villages and historic churches, and walk landscapes that inspired poet John Clare’s reflections on rural life.
Mills, Quarries & Railways – Pilton, North and South Luffenham.
Full of Rutland’s working past, this route explores Pilton, North Luffenham, and South Luffenham. Discover wind, water, and steam mill sites, quarry pits and ironstone workings, and follow old tramways and railway lines – including views of the impressive Welland Viaduct – that once powered local industry and helped supply iron for Britain’s expanding rail network.
Forests, Monks & Pagans – Braunston and Brooke.
Step into centuries of mystery on this trail through Braunston and Brooke. Wander paths that were once part of the vast Royal Forest of Leighfield, a royal hunting ground after the Norman Conquest. Along the way, spot the haunting Sheela na Gig carved into Braunston’s parish church and explore Brooke Priory, where Augustinian canons lived. Follow quiet country lanes and field paths as you uncover hidden stories, peaceful countryside views, and centuries of heritage at every turn.
Mysterious Mazes & Vanished Villages – Wing, Manton and Preston.
Explore one of Rutland’s most intriguing heritage routes. Begin at the ancient Wing Maze, one of England’s few surviving turf mazes, whose origins may date back centuries and hint at medieval rituals. Along the way, glimpse Lyndon Hall’s stone archway, rolling fields, quiet rivers, and the hidden heritage of Rutland’s countryside, making every step a journey through time.
Canals & Canterbury, Water & Westminster – Market Overton, Whissendine and Langham
Our final Heritage Trail winds through several villages where history hides in every lane and field. Begin at Market Overton’s medieval green, then follow quiet paths past the vanished Oakham–Melton canal, WWII pillboxes, and the Norman motte of Alstoe Mount. Pause at Langham’s 13th-century parish church before tracing the subtle traces of vanished villages, inviting walkers to imagine the lives and stories that shaped this corner of Rutland.
At Rutland Water, with it’s 22.1 mile circuit (or 15.1 miles without the peninsula), you can decide how far you want to venture, then turn around and head back.
The Rutland Round, is a complete tour around the perimeter of the county launched in 2000, covering a route totalling 65 miles.
The Uppingham Round: A circular walk of around 80 miles with Uppingham at its geographical centre, it passes through the districts of Harborough (Leicestershire), Corby (Northamptonshire) and East Northamptonshire.
The Melton Round: a 64 mile walk which circles Melton Mowbray, taking in northerly parts of Rutland, designed to take advantage of the fine views available in the area.
If you’d like to enjoy the character and history of our market towns and learn more about the stories of their past, with plenty of opportunities to sample the delights of nearby shops and cafes, then take a look at the Oakham Heritage Trail and Uppingham Heritage Trail for a wonderful day out.
There are also several famous national walking routes which pass through the county;The Macmillan Way is a 290 mile route from Boston in Lincolnshire to Abbotsbury in Dorset, The Viking Way is a 147 mile route crossing an area historically occupied by Norse invaders. The Hereward Way covers 110 miles, starting in Oakham and finishing in Thetford, Norfolk.The Jurassic Way walk is 90 miles which follows the band of Jurassic Limestone that runs along the northern boundary of Northamptonshire.
