The tiny Rutlandshire village of Upper Hambleton was indeed fortunate when, in the late 1970s, the land to it's North, South and East sides was flooded to form what was then Empingham Reservoir, but we now know as Rutland Water. Fortunate in that it was a few vital feet above the height of the new dam to the East and the consequent water level. Not only that, but a narrow ridge to the West side meant that, instead of finding itself on an island, the village remained connected to the "mainland" and the nearby town of Oakham.
The Hambleton Peninsular now forms the centrepiece of Rutland Water and it's 7 mile circumferential path makes a five star bike ride.
Bikes can be taken by train from Derby to Oakham which is well worth a visit in it's own right having some lovely old buildings and lots of places to eat including a Wetherspoons. Hourly trains from Derby, change at Leicester. About £12 return with a Rail Card.
Not many signs on this route but this is the only one that you need. You cannot get lost. Just keep as close to the water as possible.
From Oakham on the A606 road, this road leads us onto the peninsular and Hambleton village. It has a good cycle path alongside. Thith ith the Isthmus.
First view of the waters of Rutland Water from the North shore of the peninsular with Burghley House visible on the horizon.
Ignore the private road to the left here proceeding to the narrow off road track after the first hill.
This is as far as cars are allowed, apart from registered angler's cars, so the only hazards for cyclists are the sheep and the inclines....
................................ both in evidence here.
But the sheep are more interested in scoffing this winter feed.
The undulating path reveals a new view from each apex.
Several cattle grids keep the sheep from the woodland areas.
On the horizon is the dam which holds the waters back.
More views of the water as we traverse around the South side of the peninsular.
On reaching this tee junction turn left to access the tip of the peninsular.
Down to the water's edge ......................................
........................where we can see Normanton Church on the far bank.
Return to the tee junction and follow the path.............
..........................along the South side of the peninsular.
The path becomes a traffic free road, eventually returning us to the public road on the isthmus.
A Merry Isthmus to all our readers.
Verdict
A superb ride with great views. A few minor gradients but almost entirely traffic free. Likely to be busy with cyclists and walkers at weekends, Half Term, Bank Holidays etc.
Note that Portaloo toilets are strategically placed around the route and these are for public use to avoid contamination of the reservoirs's store of drinking water, although the sheep do not use them.
Surfaces poor in places but rideable by most types of bike and rider.
Watch out for steep downhill gradients and sheep.
Videos
To see video of parts of the route on YouTube, click
HERE
And for The Official Tourist Guide to the County of Rutland video click
HERE2
