Rutland Water: Normanton Church from Sykes Lane
Rutland
Rutland Water is one of the largest reservoirs in Europe by surface area, built in the 1970s to supply the East Midlands and now the best known landmark in England's smallest county. This out and back walk follows the tarmac path along the reservoir's southeastern shore from the Sykes Lane car park to Normanton Church, easy, level going for a dog kept on the lead throughout, and a part-submerged eighteenth century church that stands on a stone plinth just offshore, one of the most photographed buildings in the region. The route covers about 7.4km there and back and is almost entirely level, with a short stretch of compacted stone near the church that turns uneven after rain, and one steeper approach near the dam wall.
This is a dog friendly walk, though Anglian Water asks that dogs stay on a lead at all times along the shore path, which is shared with cyclists, runners and anglers on a popular route. The reservoir can carry blue green algae in the margins, so do not let a dog drink or paddle here, though there is no livestock to worry about instead. The Waterside Cafe near Normanton Church has outdoor seating where a dog can join you, and there are toilets at Sykes Lane. The dog free beach at Sykes Lane and the Egleton and Lyndon nature reserves are off limits to dogs. Parking at Sykes Lane is pay and display.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.4 km (4.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Waterside Cafe near Normanton Church (outdoor seating); toilets at Sykes Lane car park.
- Parking
- Sykes Lane Car Park, Anglian Water, pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Rutland Water: Normanton Church from Sykes Lane, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in RutlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Rutland Water: Normanton Church from Sykes Lane dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk along Rutland Water's southeastern shore, and it earns a 7/10 for dog friendliness. The route is flat and easy, and the Waterside Cafe near Normanton Church has outdoor seating where your dog can join you. Just bear in mind that some areas nearby — including the Sykes Lane beach and the Egleton and Lyndon nature reserves — are off limits to dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Rutland Water: Normanton Church from Sykes Lane?
No — Anglian Water asks that dogs stay on a lead at all times along the shore path. The path is shared with cyclists, runners and anglers, so it's a busy route where keeping dogs leashed is important for everyone's safety.
What should I know before visiting Rutland Water: Normanton Church from Sykes Lane with my dog?
The most important thing is to keep your dog away from the water's edge — Rutland Water can carry blue-green algae in the margins, which is toxic to dogs, so don't let them drink or paddle here. The path is almost entirely level and tarmac, though a short section near the church becomes uneven after rain, and there's one steeper stretch near the dam wall. Parking at Sykes Lane is pay and display, and there are toilets at the car park.
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