Rutland Water North Shore Circular Walk
Leicestershire
Dog friendly along its main path, this north-shore circular of Rutland Water is one of the most rewarding reservoir walks in the Midlands, trading city for sky, water and wheeling ospreys in summer. Starting from the village of Egleton, the route picks up the Rutland Round and sticks to the surfaced shoreline trail past Normanton, Barnsdale and Whitwell before looping back through quiet lanes.
Dogs must be on lead through the Egleton and Lyndon nature reserves and at Sykes Lane, but can run off-lead at the designated Barnsdale dog-walking area and on most of the open shoreline. The path is almost entirely surfaced and flat, making this a comfortable long day out. Parking is best taken in Egleton itself because the Birdwatching Centre car park is for reserve visitors only; Whitwell and Sykes Lane car parks are pay-and-display options further round.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 15.1 km (9.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 5 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafe and information at Sykes Lane and Whitwell; pub and shop in Egleton village.
- Parking
- Roadside parking in Egleton village; Anglian Water pay-and-display car parks at Whitwell, Sykes Lane and Normanton for alternative starts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rutland Water North Shore Circular Walk dog friendly?
Yes, Rutland Water North Shore Circular Walk is rated 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better options in the Midlands for a day out with your dog. The route follows a surfaced, largely flat shoreline trail with open water views, and there are facilities including a pub and shop in Egleton village as well as cafes and toilets at Sykes Lane and Whitwell.
Can dogs be off lead at Rutland Water North Shore Circular Walk?
Dogs can enjoy off-lead time at the designated Barnsdale dog-walking area and along most of the open shoreline. However, leads are required through the Egleton and Lyndon nature reserves and at Sykes Lane, so it's worth keeping that in mind as you plan your route.
What should I know before visiting Rutland Water North Shore Circular Walk with my dog?
The route starts from Egleton village, where roadside parking is available — note that the Birdwatching Centre car park is reserved for reserve visitors only, though pay-and-display options exist at Whitwell, Sykes Lane and Normanton if you prefer an alternative start point. The path is almost entirely surfaced and flat, so it's a comfortable choice for a longer day out, and if you visit in summer you may be treated to ospreys overhead.
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