エンピンガムの湖・トップ8

Great area for a hike. If you do not want to go the full circle alternatives to walking back on the same track are a bit limited.

The bit between Manton and the nature/bird watching centre appears to have been re-stoned with a very uncycle-friendly gravel. Too big piece size and not compacted down making it a bit scary for tyres less than 40mm I would say. As walkers and cyclists are only real users, it is unlikely to get better for years.

The church was built in classical style for the Normanton Hall estate on the site of a 14th-century building. Except for the tower, the medieval church was rebuilt in 1764 by Sir Gilbert Heathcote, 3rd Baronet. The church was de-consecrated in 1970, and was to have been demolished as part of the reservoir construction, as its floor was below the proposed water level. Following a public outcry, the lower half was filled with stone and rubble, and a concrete cap constructed just below the level of the windows.

Watch out for the cross winds here. The grass nearest the dam has a concrete lattice embedded, goff for mtb and gravel bikes alike.

Construction of Rutland Water began in 1971 and took nearly five years to complete. The main part of the project was to build the dam wall, made of compacted clay excavated from pits within the area of the reservoir. The dam is 35 metres high, up to 810 metres wide at its base, and 1200 metres long.

Construction of Rutland Water began in 1971 and took nearly five years to complete. The main part of the project was to build the dam wall, made of compacted clay excavated from pits within the area of the reservoir. The dam is 35 metres high, up to 810 metres wide at its base, and 1200 metres long.

An iconic and unusual Rutland landmark. Saved from demolition in the 1970's following public protest, the church now seems to float when the lake is full, at other times it seems as if the lower half has sunk completely, as though the church is too heavy for the ground beneath it.

Fort Henry is a gothic folly, sitting beside a large lake often adorned with water lilies in the heart of Exton Park. Built in 1788 for Henry, Earl of Gainsborough, Fort Henry is located on private grounds, as are the shores of the larger, Northern lake. The public footpath circumnavigates the smaller lake to the South.