Top 5 Lakes around Oakham

Rutland Water offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy cycling or walking along the popular Rutland Water Cycle Path, which is traffic-free and suitable for families. Watersports like open-water swimming, sailing, and windsurfing are available, along with a pleasure cruise. It's also an excellent spot for fishing and wildlife observation, particularly birdwatching.

Yes, Normanton Church at Rutland Water is an iconic and unusual Rutland landmark. Saved from demolition during the reservoir's creation, it now appears to float on the water. Additionally, Eyebrook Reservoir has historical significance as a practice site for the Dambusters during World War II.

Both Rutland Water and Eyebrook Reservoir are excellent for birdwatching. Rutland Water is an internationally recognized wildfowl sanctuary, home to over 25,000 waterfowl and a significant location for the Rutland Osprey Project, with over 30 bird-watching hides. Eyebrook Reservoir is also renowned, with over 200 species recorded, including ospreys and various waders.

Fishing is a popular activity in the region. Eyebrook Reservoir is known for fly fishing, regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and also offers fly fishing for pike. For a dedicated angling experience, Stretton Lakes features six to eight coarse fishing lakes well-stocked with various species like Mirror, Common, and Ghost Carp, Roach, Rudd, Tench, and Bream.

Absolutely. Rutland Water is particularly family-friendly, offering a diverse range of activities from cycling on the traffic-free Rutland Water Cycle Path to an Aqua Park with obstacles. The Rutland Belle pleasure cruise is also a relaxed option for families. The sandy Rutland Water Beach provides a space for paddling and swimming.

You can find numerous walking routes around the lakes. The 23-mile traffic-free track encircling Rutland Water is popular for walking. For more options, explore the Hiking around Oakham guide, which includes routes like the 'Oakham to Brooke Priory loop along the Rutland Round'. There's also a guide for Easy hikes around Oakham, featuring routes like 'The Grainstore Brewery Tap loop'.

Yes, cycling is a major attraction. The Rutland Water Cycle Path offers a picturesque, traffic-free 23-mile route around Rutland Water, suitable for all ages. It can get busy during summer and weekends, so consider visiting during off-peak times for a quieter experience.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Rutland Water, you might spot otters and ospreys, along with over 25,000 waterfowl. Eyebrook Reservoir is also excellent for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded. Stretton Lakes, surrounded by woodland, supports diverse flora and fauna, including fallow deer and woodland birds in the adjacent Stretton Wood.

Yes, Stretton Lakes offers luxury round log cabins, some with private heated hot tubs overlooking the lakes, ideal for a tranquil retreat. An adults-only touring park with five-star facilities is also available on-site.

The Rutland Water Dam is a significant man-made monument and reservoir dam. It is 35 meters high and 1200 meters long, forming a crucial part of Rutland Water's construction, which began in 1971 and took nearly five years to complete.

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the extensive recreational opportunities at Rutland Water, from cycling and watersports to wildlife observation. The peaceful natural beauty and dedicated fishing at Eyebrook Reservoir and Stretton Lakes are also highly valued. The komoot community has given the lakes more than 220 upvotes and shared over 60 photos, highlighting their appeal.

Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find options in the Running Trails around Oakham guide, which includes routes like the 'Rutland Water Circuit' and 'Armley Wood – Hambleton Wood loop from Oakham'.