When it comes to cycling and outdoor sports, Rutland is one of the best places to visit. With cycling routes across the county and the hub of Rutland Water for water sports, you are spoilt for choice.Cycling around Rutland is a favourite activity for locals and visitors and we have a collection of 7 Rutland Heritage Trails which provide both walking and cycling routes. These are circular routes exploring our beautiful countryside, quaint villages and the occasional pub! There are also two further suggested bike routes for road cycling;The Northern Route begins at Rutland Garden Village and covers 24 road miles, with a shorter 14 mile option and The Southern Route begins at Normanton Car Park and covers 23.7 road miles. If you’re heading to the water, you can cycle round, the route is 23 miles, or you can miss out the peninsular to make it 17 miles (mainly off road)
Rutland Watersports Centre is a great place to experience sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding Hire the equipment in an activity session or book professional tuition, there’s something for all ages.Canoes, kayaks, SUP’s, katakanus and row boats are all hired on a first come first served basis from the Watersports Centre at Whitwell. You can also hire sailing boats and windsurfing equipment but 24hrs pre-booking is required and you can book directly on the phone. Keen sailors also have the option to bring their own equipment to use with a launch permit.
Rutland Water offers some of the best fishing in the region, if not the UK, and is a true haven for anglers. Trout in the reservoir can grow up to an amazing 15lbs, and huge Pike, that can grow up to 40lbs, lurk beneath the water. The reservoir not only attracts leisure anglers but also plays host to some top level competitions attracting discerning anglers from far and wide.Fishing novices need not worry though – fly-fishing tuition is available from friendly guides at Rutland Water Fishing Lodge, offering everything that’s needed for a day’s fishing. It’s not necessary to bring anything except perhaps some wellie boots!
Remember to obtain your fishing permit from local tackle shops or alternatively from the Vendor Huts at Normanton car park or at Whitwell car park at Rutland Water. In addition to the normal fishing permits needed within Rutland, you can also obtain ‘Predator Permits’ (both annual and daily). These have proved very popular and double-figure Pike, as well as Trout and Zander, are regularly caught at both Grafham and Rutland Waters.Located at Normanton, The Fishing Lodge is able to supply everything that’s essential to get started in this exciting sport including tuition from professional guides, tackle and motor-boat hire.
FAQ’SRunning at Rutland Water is increasingly popular, so it’s no wonder there are many sporting events held here, from triathlons to night walks.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 Normanton at 9am, but a shorter distance of 2km and lots more cheering!
