Rutland Water Cycling Loop
Cycle the scenic 17-mile loop around Rutland Water, a stunning reservoir offering nature, history, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful cycling
Rutland Water Cycling Loop
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful cycling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cycle the scenic 17-mile loop around Rutland Water, a stunning reservoir offering nature, history, and family fun.
"A jewel of England, well worth a visit for its beauty and outdoor activities."
🚴♀️ Cycle the Full Loop
The 17-mile loop offers stunning views. Consider renting a bike if you don't have one!
💧 Check Aqua Park Hours
The aqua park is a hit for fun, but check opening times as it's seasonal.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,312 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Full Rutland Water Loop
Rutland Water
Cycle the entire 17-mile perimeter for breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. A true gem for cycling enthusiasts.
Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Rutland Water
Discover diverse birdlife and stunning natural beauty. Keep an eye out for the famous Rutland Dinosaur fossil!
Charming Lakeside Villages
Villages surrounding Rutland Water
Explore picturesque villages like Oakham, with its historic market town charm and thatched cottages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Ride
Parking and Access Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚴♀️ Cycle the Full Loop
The 17-mile loop offers stunning views. Consider renting a bike if you don't have one!
💧 Check Aqua Park Hours
The aqua park is a hit for fun, but check opening times as it's seasonal.
🅿️ Parking Costs
Parking is £2/hour, capped at £16. Consider nearby village parking to save money.
🥪 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of space for picnics, both shaded and sunny. Bring your own food!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚴♀️ Cycle the Full Loop
The 17-mile loop offers stunning views. Consider renting a bike if you don't have one!
💧 Check Aqua Park Hours
The aqua park is a hit for fun, but check opening times as it's seasonal.
🅿️ Parking Costs
Parking is £2/hour, capped at £16. Consider nearby village parking to save money.
🥪 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of space for picnics, both shaded and sunny. Bring your own food!
🦖 Discover the Dinosaur
Don't miss the incredible Ichthyosaur fossil discovery at the nature reserve!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rutland Water is widely praised as a beautiful jewel offering diverse outdoor activities like cycling and walking. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths, free toilets, and the abundance of nature. However, some find parking fees steep, and litter can be an issue on busy days.
"Jewel of England.
Beautiful place, well worth a visit.
There is plenty of parking in numerous car parks. Price are currently £2 per hour upto £16.
Lots of different things to do, including: Walking/hiking, fishing, boat trips, mini golf. There's also a water park, although when we visited it wasn't open. Maybe worth checking if that's what you are visiting for.
There's also barbecue stands for disposable bbq's.
Plenty of places for refreshments including cafes.
Toilets are free to use(rare in this country these days) and includes toilets for customers with disabilities.
I would also say, if you want a bit of piece and quite, don't go at the weekend."
Handy Manny
"Great for outdoors activities walking cycling as well as water based sports. Plenty of parking but Anglian water will extorting a big price and off road out side parking is heavily policed."
Lee James
"Nice place to have a walk/take the kids/dog. Loads to do with the aqua park, boat rides, cafes etc."
Shane Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rutland Water is accessible by car, with several car parks around the reservoir. The nearest train station is in Oakham, from where you can cycle or take a bus to the water's edge. +1
Limited bus services operate to villages around Rutland Water. Oakham is the main hub, and from there, you might need to cycle or arrange local transport.
There are numerous car parks around Rutland Water, including Sykes Lane and Barnsdale. Parking fees apply, typically £2 per hour.
Yes, if you're staying in Oakham or Uppingham, you can cycle to Rutland Water. The surrounding countryside offers scenic routes.
Rutland Water is well-signposted from major roads in the East Midlands. Use Sat Nav postcode LE15 7QA for the main visitor centre area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cycling the loop around Rutland Water is free. You only pay for parking if you drive to the site.
There are no general entry fees for Rutland Water itself. Charges apply only for parking.
Rutland Water is generally accessible year-round. Specific attractions like the Aqua Park have seasonal opening hours.
While there isn't a dedicated bike rental on-site, several local hire shops in Oakham and Uppingham can provide bikes for your cycling adventure.
Toilets at Rutland Water are free to use, which is a welcome bonus for visitors.
🎫 🚴♀️ Onsite Experience
The full Rutland Water cycling loop is approximately 17 miles. It typically takes 2-3 hours to cycle, depending on your pace and stops.
The Rutland Water cycling path is mostly tarmac, making it suitable for most bikes, including road bikes and hybrids. It's a scenic and relatively flat route.
Yes, there are several cafes and refreshment points around Rutland Water offering snacks, meals, and drinks.
Rutland Water has a designated 'wild' swimming area with a life-guarded beach, but always check safety conditions before entering the water.
Rutland Water offers a wide range of activities including walking, birdwatching, fishing, boat trips, mini-golf, and a popular aqua park.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire loop offers stunning photographic opportunities. Look for reflections on the water, birdlife in the nature reserve, and charming village scenes. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues.
Absolutely! The nature reserve is a haven for birds, so bring a telephoto lens if you're keen on wildlife photography.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of private property and any specific signage. Drone usage may be restricted.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be great for sweeping water views.
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