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Rutland Water Dam – Normanton Church loop from Empingham

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Rutland Water Dam – Normanton Church loop from Empingham

Easy

4.2

(6)

395

hikers

Rutland Water Dam – Normanton Church loop from Empingham

02:00

7.82km

30m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

961 m

Construction of Rutland Water began in 1971 and took nearly five years to complete. The main part of the project was to build the dam wall, made of compacted clay excavated from pits within the area of the reservoir.

The dam is 35 metres high, up to 810 metres wide at its base, and 1200 metres long.

Tip by

3.16 km

Normanton Church

Highlight • Historical Site

Normanton Church was originally known as St. Matthews Church and served as a parish church until the 1700s when the village was mostly demolished to create an estate for the Heathcote Baronets. The church was then used as a private chapel.

When the Rutland area was chosen for a new reservoir it was clear the church would be flooded by the water. As a consequence of a large public outcry the church's ground floor was raised above the maximum reservoir level. A causeway was built connecting it to the nearby shore and an embankment was constructed around the building. Boulders were put in place around the church to create a defensive breakwater.

The church is now a wedding and events venue.

Tip by

3.67 km

Lake View

Highlight • Viewpoint

Got the basic covered to keep you going

Tip by

3.76 km

Giant Store Rutland Water (closed)

Highlight • Rest Area

Lovely Giant/Liv store with a huge range of cycling products. Beautiful location on the South side of Rutland Water. Also feature bike hire if you drive there and fancy a spin around the local bike paths.

Tip by

3.99 km

Rutland Water South Shore

Highlight • Viewpoint

One of the few places many local people are prepared to cycle, using the tracks around Rutland Water which are traffic-free. As Iain says, it can be very busy in summer and at weekends. The Giant store at the car-park is handy if you need an emergency fix, not to mention a new bike or kit. As a committed roadie I often call in at the car-park for a lunch outdoors at the cafe. The roads along the South Shore are much quieter than the A606 along the North Shore.

Tip by

4.66 km

Normanton Church

Highlight • Monument

An iconic and unusual Rutland landmark. Saved from demolition in the 1970's following public protest, the church now seems to float when the lake is full, at other times it seems as if the lower half has sunk completely, as though the church is too heavy for the ground beneath it.

Tip by

7.11 km

Rutland Water Dam

Highlight • Viewpoint

The dam at the east end of Rutland Water has a good flat straight section of cycle trip with views over the reservoir and nearby Empingham.

Tip by

7.82 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.13 km

596 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.29 km

261 m

175 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 28 August

18°C

14°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Rutland Water Dam – Normanton Church loop from Empingham

Rutland Water Dam

Rutland Water Dam

Normanton Church

Lake View

Giant Store Rutland Water (closed)

Rutland Water South Shore

Normanton Church

Rutland Water Dam

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