There’s something special about that first glimpse of Rutland Water as you roll up to Whitwell. Whether you’re tackling the full 23 mile loop or just nipping round for a quick spin, this Rutland Water cycle route is one of the best traffic free rides in the East Midlands – which is practically on our doorstep in Stamford.
This is the guide we wish we had before riding here for the first time. The route, section by section. Where to find a proper Rutland Water cycle map. Where to hire bikes (if you’re not bringing your own). Plus the little things locals know that the signs don’t tell you.
Rutland Water cycle route at a glance
- Full Loop: 23 miles (37km) including the Hambleton Peninsula
- Surface: Mix of tarmac and compacted gravel, mostly traffic-free with a few short roadside stretches
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate – flat on the south shore, a few sharp little climbs through Barnsdale Wood
- Time: 2-3 hours with stops
- Best Start Point: Whitwell Car Park (LE15 8BL) – bike hire, café and toilets
- Parking: £2/hour up to 6 hours, £16 over 6 hours (Anglian Water tariff)
- Maps: linked on Strava below
- Bike hire: Specialized Rutland Water at Whitwell – details below
Rutland Water cycle map
The route is signposted all the way round, but it’s worth having a map in your pocket — mobile signal can be patchy, especially through the woods on the north shore.
Our route on Strava — follow it on your Garmin or phone and download the GPX:
The official Rutland Water map — Anglian Water also publish a printable PDF showing the cycle track, car parks, toilets and cafés: download the Rutland Water park map (PDF).
Route variations – Short route: Whitwell to Normanton and back (12 miles). Extended route: Include Hambleton Peninsula (adds 5 miles). Family route: Whitwell to Barnsdale only (8 miles return)
Best time to ride
Early mornings are magical here – especially in summer when mist often hangs over the water. We usually aim to arrive before 8am at weekends to beat the crowds. Winter rides can be equally rewarding, just pack an extra layer and watch for icy patches near the wooded sections.
The route, section by section
Starting from Whitwell (where you’ll find plenty of parking and excellent facilities), the route follows a well-marked track clockwise around the reservoir. With Rutland Water Cycling Map signs on your way round. Here’s how it unfolds:
Section 1: Whitwell to Barnsdale (6 km)
Rolling along the north shore, you’ll pass through woodland before emerging to spectacular views across the water. Watch out for the short but sharp climb up to Barnsdale Lodge – it catches out many first-timers!
Section 2: Barnsdale to Egleton (13 km)
This section includes the impressive dam crossing and some of the best views of the ride. The surface here is typically smooth, perfect for shorter family rides and picking up speed if you’re feeling energetic.
Section 3: Egleton to Normanton (10 km)
Look out for the famous partially submerged church – it’s the most photographed spot on the route. The track here can get muddy after rain.
Section 4: Normanton to Whitwell (8 km)
The home stretch includes some gentle climbs through woodland. Keep an eye out for diving ospreys in summer months.
Hire bikes at Rutland Water
Not got a bike, or bringing family who haven’t ridden in years? Bike hire at Rutland Water is straightforward – and the hire bikes are current season Specialized models, so you’re not stuck with something that’s seen better days.
Specialized Rutland Water, Whitwell (formerly Rutland Cycling — same place, new name since 2022) Whitwell Leisure Park, Bull Brigg Lane, Whitwell, LE15 8BL · 01780 460705
| Bike type | Typical day hire | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Adult mountain / hybrid bike | From around £40 | Fine for the full 23 mile loop |
| Electric bike | From around £50 | Remember photo ID (driving licence or passport) |
| Children’s bike | From around £20 | Child seats and buggies also available |
| Tandems & e-tandems | Check when booking | Book ahead — limited numbers |
A few extra things worth knowing before you turn up:
- Book ahead on summer weekends and school holidays. Walk-ups are fine on a quiet weekday, but don’t count on it during August.
- Helmets are included free with hire.
- Bring your booking confirmation and ID. Photo ID is a must.
- Check opening days before you drive over.
- Wear sensible layers. Loose, breathable clothing and a light waterproof — and no flip-flops.
E-bike hire elsewhere around the water. Rutland Nursery at Manton, right on the cycle path, hires e-bikes at £50 a day plus a £100 refundable deposit — call 01572 498720 to book. Discover Rutland also runs an e-bike fleet from several hotels and businesses around the county, which is handy if you’re staying locally.
Parking and getting there
- Rutland Water has four main car parks run by Anglian Water — Whitwell, Sykes Lane, Normanton and Barnsdale — plus separate parking at the Nature Reserve (Egleton and Lyndon) that’s for reserve visitors only.
- Charges: first 15 minutes free, then £2 an hour up to 6 hours, £16 for longer. An £80 annual permit covers all Anglian Water parks.
- Opening: car parks open from 9am; closing times change with the seasons.
- Barnsdale closes over the winter apart from weekends, so check before you rely on it.
Where to stop for coffee
- Harbour Café, Whitwell — handy for a pre-ride breakfast or a post-ride slice of cake. Bike racks outside. Gets busy by late morning on summer weekends.
- Sykes Lane and Whitwell takeaway cafés — quick hot and cold snacks.
- Manton — the village pub is a favourite mid-loop stop.
- Fika, Oakham — our club’s regular coffee stop, a short detour into town from the western end of the loop.
Local tips from the club
- Road bike or not? Large parts of the track are gravel. A hybrid or mountain bike is the comfortable choice. My Canondale Cujo finds itself at home riding round.
- Share with care. It’s a shared-use track with walkers, dogs, buggies and kids. Bell, slow down, say thanks. Hold gates open for others. Nobody’s chasing KOMs on this family friendly trail.
- The dam is always windy. Even on a still day in town.
- Download the map before you go. Signal drops out in Barnsdale Wood.
- Winter rides are lovely — quiet, misty and crisp — but watch for slippery leaves and ice under the trees on the north shore.
When things get tough
If you’re struggling, the car parks make natural bail-out points where someone can collect you: Whitwell, Barnsdale, Sykes Lane and Normanton.
Remember, this isn’t a race – take your time and enjoy those views. They’re some of the best in the Midlands.
Rutland Water cycle route FAQs
Ride it with us. Stamford Cycling is a free, no-drop social club and Rutland Water’s roads and lanes are home turf for our Sunday Social. Find out about our group rides or explore more routes around Stamford and Rutland.
