4.5
(221)
1,497
riders
66
rides
Mountain biking around Empingham features a landscape shaped by Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. The terrain primarily consists of gentle, rolling hills and expansive waterside paths, with modest elevation changes. This area offers numerous routes that follow the reservoir's perimeter, providing a mix of open views and sections through light woodland. The trails are generally well-maintained, making them suitable for various skill levels.
Last updated: June 18, 2026
4.6
(61)
406
riders
35.8km
02:21
180m
180m
Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure around the Rutland Water Circuit, a 22.2-mile (35.8 km) route that offers diverse terrain and scenic views. You will gain 575 feet (175β¦
4.8
(55)
327
riders
27.1km
01:28
150m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7
(3)
28
riders
13.9km
00:44
70m
70m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
26
riders
16.8km
00:59
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
26
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Make sure to take the additional peninsular part of the ride though beautiful Hambleton and past Hambleton Hall where we stayed. It has an excellent Michelin Star restaurant open to non residents
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Fantastic 2 -3 hour ride with great views. We went on simple rented electric bikes, not full EMTB, and tbat was great and there are some hilly parts away from the water.
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Nice and easy hike on the man path, while some of the smaller ones canbe a bit owegrown an soggy. ood change of scenery to make a walk here more varied.
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Well designed sculpture, which provides a nice contrast to the pretty natural surroundings (though the immediate area here close to the parking is a bit more 'designed' than other parts along the coast.
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In the second half of 1979 the International Arts Foundation commissioned the sculptor Alexander to produce a large-scale sculpture for Rutland Water. The cost was Β£50,000 and the site chosen by the landscape artist who designed Rutland Water was the then rather bleak Sykes Lane picnic site. It was cast in London and was then the largest bronze sculpture of modern times.
3
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This iconic church is Rutland's most famous landmark. It was saved from the water and is now open for guided tours that recount the history of this beautiful building and its surroundings and also provides a stunning location for civil weddings and classical concerts.
3
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There are over 70 mountain bike trails available around Empingham, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
The mountain bike trails around Empingham are primarily easy to moderate. There are 37 easy routes and 33 moderate routes, making the area suitable for beginners and those looking for a relaxed ride. There are no difficult trails listed.
Yes, many of the trails around Empingham are suitable for families, especially the easy-graded routes that follow the gentle terrain around Rutland Water. The Rutland Water Dam β Rutland Water Dam loop from Edith Weston is a good example of a shorter, easy route that families might enjoy.
Trail lengths vary, but many popular routes range from 15 km to 35 km. For instance, the Rutland Water Circuit is 35.8 km, while the Rutland Water Dam β Rutland Water Dam loop from Edith Weston is 15.2 km.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Empingham are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the full Rutland Water Circuit and the Normanton Church β Rutland Water Dam loop from Exton and Horn.
The trails primarily offer expansive views of Rutland Water, one of Europe's largest artificial lakes. You'll also ride through sections of light woodland and nature reserves, enjoying a mix of open landscapes and sheltered paths.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Reviewers often praise the continuous waterside views, well-maintained paths, and the overall accessibility for various skill levels, particularly around Rutland Water.
Yes, several routes pass by notable landmarks. The Normanton Church β Rutland Water Dam loop from Exton and Horn, for example, takes you past the iconic Normanton Church, which appears to float on the water. You'll also encounter the Rutland Water Dam and enjoy views of Rutland Water itself.
While specific cafes directly on every trail aren't detailed, the area around Rutland Water is well-equipped for visitors. You might find options like the Bythams Community Shop & Cafe in nearby villages, or other facilities around the main visitor areas of Rutland Water.
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Empingham, with milder weather and full foliage. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing leaves. While trails are generally well-maintained, winter rides might require more appropriate gear due to colder temperatures and potentially muddier conditions, especially on unpaved sections.
Many routes around Rutland Water offer excellent viewpoints due to the expansive nature of the lake. The View of Rutland Water β Rutland Water Dam loop from Hambleton is specifically named for its scenic vistas, providing continuous views across the water.


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