Rutland Water is surely the heart of England’s smallest county. This attractive 3100 acre reservoir provides a balance  of sport, leisure and wildlife conservation, offering everyone the opportunity to try something new.  You can try sports such as windsurfing, rock-climbing or canoeing, hire a dinghy, bicycle or fishing boat, visit the nature reserves at Egleton and Lyndon, or walk the numerous paths and tracks that wind their way alongside the water and through the woods.

This is a haven for walkers – and there are many to choose from.  One of my favourites is the 6 miles round the Hambleton peninsula – a finger of land jutting into the lake, beginning and ending in the picturesque village of Hambleton – or in the Finches Arms, perched on the hill as you drive into the village.  This walk begins a short distance from the waters edge and winds its way through woods and pasture – and where you come away from the water for a while, you can still glimpse it through the trees.  Wildlife is all around – you can hear the call of many birds, and if you are a birdwatcher, you can even spend time watch the activity from over 20 hides, with experts on hand to help you identify some of the lesser known species. 

As you walk you will see many swans gliding over the smooth surface of the lake, and it is particularly beautiful late afternoon when the sun is beginning to set.  Walking with my Italian greyhound Sophie many years ago, she spotted a swan gently taking flight – so she promptly took off, running like lightenening towards the water, and failed to see the steep drop from the edge into the water… She literally ran through the air for about 3 feet, then dropped like a stone into the water!

You can imagine my trauma thinking that my beloved dog had disappeared into a watery grave, when suddenly after about 10 seconds her head popped up like a telescope and she started to swim to shore!   I, of course, had been ready to wade in after her, even prepared to give her the kiss of life – but thankfully this was not required.  She certainly was surprised by her watery adventure, but shook herself off and happily continued her walk, albeit at a more sedate pace.  This was at a spot where dogs were permitted at the time, but you do have to keep an eye on them and respect the ‘keep dogs on leads’ signs as there are lots of sheep grazing, and at this time of year, lambs.  You may even find yourself amongst them, even trying out an array of bleating noises to see if they answer back ( they do, and don’t tell me you have never tried it!!!)

The Hambledon peninsula walk is 6 miles and depending on speed and fitness levels it can take you a good hour or longer if you are not on a route march with an active daughter.  The last bit of the walk  brings you up and down hillocks, you keep thinking you must be near the end when suddenly you are back on the road, the Finches Arms in sight.

Another lovely walk takes you to the far shore, at  Normanton, where you can see the remains of the church (above picture)  that was partially submerged when the valley was flooded to create the reservoir.  This now houses a mini museum, where you can see how Rutland Water was planned and formed in the 1970s.  Additional visitor centres are at Lyndon Hill and Egleton Birdwatching Centre, where you will find a viewing gallery and Wildlife Trust shop.

As we emerge from winter into spring, the snowdrops are out and the air is crisp and clear.  Although still cold, the days are drawing out and soon it will be light enough to walk in the early evening.  The beauty of Rutland Water will captivate you whatever the season and you will want to come again and again.

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