Getting here
52.65442, -0.65548
Best for
5 activitiesWildlife
Free75%Ancient woodland
Dog walks
Free72%Dogs allowed with public access
Heritage
Free68%Ancient woodland — historic landscape
Waterside walks
Varies68%Reservoir — waterside public access
Picnic day out
Free52%Reservoir — waterside day out
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 km🚶
Walking
7
4 named nearby · 3 public paths
Named routePublic access
🚴
Cycling
12
12 named nearby
Named route
🐴
Horse riding
1
1 public path
Public access
Named routes and paths nearby
Macmillan Way · Walking290 km
Rutland Round · Walking105 km
National Byway (Rutland) · Cycling0
National Byway (Oakham Loop) · Cycling0
Main Route · Cycling
Main Route · Cycling
About this reservoir
Rutland Water is a reservoir covering 2753 hectares managed by Forestry England within their forest estate. As an ancient woodland, it has been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD — a rare and irreplaceable habitat rich in biodiversity and historical character.
Wildlife to spot
Photos
1 / 21
🌱 Visiting this spring
- 🌸Ancient woodlands are famous for bluebell carpets in April and May — one of Britain's most spectacular wildflower displays
- 🐦Prime nesting season — listen for woodpecker drumming, warbler song and the first cuckoos from April
- 🦌Roe deer are active before the leaf canopy closes in — dawn and dusk are best
✓ Public accessFree entry🐶 Dogs
Good to know
- £Free to visit — no entry charge
- 🐕Dogs welcome
- 🌿Ancient woodland — rare wildlife habitat
- 🌳Large woodland — room to roam
Weather for this location
Next 14 daysLoading local forecast…
Nearby places
Useful places within 5 km