Top 8 Lakes around North Luffenham

Around North Luffenham, you'll discover two significant man-made reservoirs: Rutland Water and Eyebrook Reservoir. Both offer extensive natural beauty, diverse habitats, and a wide range of recreational opportunities, from watersports to birdwatching.

Rutland Water is a hub for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling and walking along its 25-mile perimeter track, with cycle hire available. Watersports like sailing, windsurfing, and open-water swimming are popular. Fishing, mini-golf, and pleasure boat tours on the Rutland Belle are also offered. The western end features nature reserves perfect for birdwatching.

Eyebrook Reservoir is notable for its historical significance as a practice site for the Dambuster raids during World War II, commemorated by a plaque. It's also a 201.3-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it an excellent location for birdwatching, especially for wintering wildfowl. Anglers are drawn to its renowned trout fishing opportunities.

Yes, the Rutland Water Cycle Path offers a picturesque, traffic-free route around Rutland Water, suitable for families. For more extensive cycling, you can explore various road cycling routes in the wider area. Find more options on the Road Cycling Routes around North Luffenham guide.

Both Rutland Water and Eyebrook Reservoir offer walking opportunities. Rutland Water has a 25-mile perimeter track suitable for walking, including easier sections like the 'Rutland Water Cycle Path – Normanton Church loop'. Eyebrook Reservoir provides tranquil footpaths with scenic views. For detailed routes, check the Hiking around North Luffenham guide.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Eyebrook Reservoir is particularly renowned for its fly fishing, regularly stocked with rainbow trout and home to native brown trout. Rutland Water also offers fishing opportunities.

Absolutely. Rutland Water is very family-friendly, featuring playgrounds, a sandy beach at Sykes Lane for paddling and swimming, and the Rutland Water Cycle Path which is safe for children. The Rutland Belle pleasure cruiser also offers family tours.

The most iconic historical site is Normanton Church, a partially submerged church on a peninsula at Rutland Water, saved from demolition during the reservoir's creation. Eyebrook Reservoir holds historical significance as a practice site for the Dambuster raids of World War II.

Yes, both reservoirs are excellent for birdwatching. The western end of Rutland Water has designated nature reserves, including the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, known for wintering bird populations like gadwall and shoveler, and even ospreys. Eyebrook Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, particularly important for wintering wildfowl.

Open-water swimming is a popular activity at Rutland Water, particularly at the Rutland Water Beach located at Sykes Lane, which offers a sandy shoreline for paddling and swimming. Always check local regulations and safety guidelines before entering the water.

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for watersports, cycling, and enjoying the beach. Autumn provides stunning foliage for walks, while winter is exceptional for birdwatching, especially at Eyebrook Reservoir and the nature reserves at Rutland Water, when large numbers of wildfowl gather.

While specific details on fully accessible routes vary, sections of the Rutland Water Cycle Path are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for a wider range of visitors. It's advisable to check specific sections for their accessibility before your visit.