Wheels All Set to Roll on All-Ability Walk around Rutland Water
The Outdoor Guide (TOG) co-founded by fellow Rutlander Julia Bradbury, is delighted to host a wheels-friendly walk around the reservoir to mark Ordnance Survey’s National #GetOutside Day! Suitable for all types of wheelchair (and wheels!) with full disabled changing room facilities available at Barnsdale Lodge.
Date: Sunday 6th October 10am – 2pm
Start: Rutland Water Carpark End: Barnsdale Lodge Hotel
Sign up here:
On Sunday 6th October a wheels-friendly walk will set off from Normanton Car Park on the south shore of Rutland Water at 10am. Organised by The Outdoor Guide (TOG) in support of Ordnance Survey’s National Get Outside Day, the six mile easy-wheeling route will lead walkers around the banks of the reservoir to a lunch stop-off on the north shore at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel.
TOG’s Rutland Water wheels-friendly walk is ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs, prams, buggies and bikes. Starting at 10 am, walkers will be able to pause to admire Rutland’s iconic partly-submerged Normanton Church before heading off towards the dam at the reservoir’s eastern end. After crossing the dam the route then turns west, in the direction of Whitwell and Barnsdale.
After a refuelling soup and sandwich at Barnsdale Lodge, walkers who back track to Normanton under their own foot- and wheel-power will be able to claim a free half pint at the Wheatsheaf in Edith Weston.
Fully accessible toilet and changing facilities provided by Mobiloo at the lunch stop and accessible facilities at the start/finish point make this walk a properly inclusive outdoor activity opportunity for all the family.
Along the way you will be joined by RSPCA experts who will be able to talk all things wildlife!
The Ordnance Survey GetOutside initiative aims to help more people to get outside more often. From family strolls to extreme challenges, the initiative inspires people to find new places, create lasting memories and discover the best of the great British countryside.
“GetOutside is for everyone. We firmly believe that an active outdoor lifestyle helps us live longer, stay younger and enjoy life more. Inclusivity is at the heart of our mission and this wheels-friendly walk produced by outdoor accessibility champions TOG is a fantastic opportunity for those with mobility challenges to come together with other walkers and enjoy one of Britain’s most beautiful walks.”
“OS maps are the crown jewels in any walker’s rucksack. I never leave home without mine and am thrilled that TOG has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to create this wheels-friendly walk around my home county in celebration of National GetOutside day. This walk brings back memories of happy childhood days around Rutland Water learning about the birds and other wildlife that call this magical place home.”
“I’m really excited to be leading this walk. It’s a particular favourite of mine. Rutland Water is a stunning gem and what could be nicer than a group walk in the lovely early Autumn fresh air, enjoying the gorgeous tranquil views and getting to meet new friends, young and old of all abilities, and maybe their canine companions too!”
Here are two videos which show off some of the highlights on both the shorelines:
