アッシュウェルの湖・トップ5

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.

Amazing place to walk no matter the weather no hills or muddy places, mainly asphalt. Plenty of places to stop for a break (coffee/tea/snacks) and plenty of benches if you have brought your own refreshments

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

Normanton Church was originally known as St. Matthews Church and served as a parish church until the 1700s when the village was mostly demolished to create an estate for the Heathcote Baronets. The church was then used as a private chapel. When the Rutland area was chosen for a new reservoir it was clear the church would be flooded by the water. As a consequence of a large public outcry the church's ground floor was raised above the maximum reservoir level. A causeway was built connecting it to the nearby shore and an embankment was constructed around the building. Boulders were put in place around the church to create a defensive breakwater. The church is now a wedding and events venue.

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.