Ketton Quarry Circular Walk
Rutland
Ketton Quarry is a former limestone quarry east of Ketton village, worked for centuries to supply the stone that gives the village and Ketton cement works their name, and now a 28-hectare Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust reserve of chalk-like grassland, scrub and quarry cliffs. This circular walk of just under 10km starts in the village and climbs gently to the reserve, where a dog stays on the lead among grassland, woodland edges and old quarry faces with a viewpoint over the workings, before returning past the seventeenth century Ketton Stone Bridge over the River Chater. The going is mostly grass and gravel tracks with a short stretch of road, and the climbing is modest for a walk of this length.
This is a dog friendly walk, but the Wildlife Trust asks that dogs stay on a lead throughout the reserve, since livestock may be grazing the grassland and adders are present among the rocks and scrub in spring and summer. The old quarry faces are unstable in places following rockfalls, so keep dogs away from the cliff edges and out of the fenced-off geology trail. There is no reliable water on the reserve itself, though the River Chater offers a paddle near the stone bridge on the village stretch. Ketton village has shops and pubs at the end of the walk, and roadside parking is available near the reserve entrance on Pit Lane.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 40 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Shops and pubs in Ketton village (dog friendliness not confirmed); no facilities on the reserve itself.
- Parking
- Roadside parking near the reserve entrance on Pit Lane, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Ketton Quarry Circular Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in RutlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Ketton Quarry Circular Walk dog friendly?
Ketton Quarry scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and dogs are welcome throughout this 10km circular walk. The route takes in limestone grassland, scrub, old quarry faces and a stretch past the 17th century Ketton Stone Bridge — plenty of interest for a dog on a day out, as long as you're happy to keep them on the lead while on the reserve.
Can dogs be off lead at Ketton Quarry Circular Walk?
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust asks that dogs remain on a lead throughout the reserve, and it's worth taking this seriously. Livestock may be grazing the grassland, adders are present among the rocks and scrub in spring and summer, and parts of the old quarry faces are unstable following rockfalls.
What should I know before visiting Ketton Quarry Circular Walk with my dog?
A few things are worth bearing in mind before you set off. There's no reliable water on the reserve itself, so bring enough for the walk — though the River Chater near Ketton Stone Bridge offers a paddling opportunity on the village stretch. Keep dogs away from the quarry cliff edges and out of any fenced-off areas, and be aware of adders in warmer months if your dog is the type to nose around in rocks and scrub. Parking is free on Pit Lane near the reserve entrance, and there are shops and pubs in Ketton village to reward you at the end.
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