Rutland Water & Medieval Horn - Day Walk
17 people attending
3 places left
Rutland Water is man-made; a vast reservoir, one of the largest in the country. It was constructed as a water supply for the local area but also provides a useful recreational and scenic asset in a region lacking in natural lakes.
Our walk starts and finishes on the northern side of the reservoir with very attractive views across the water.
However this is not a boring flat walk around a lake, our route veers off to the pretty villages north of the reservoir, firstly to Exton where there's opportunity to stop for a drink in the local, then we'll head to the medieval village of Horn, the village's name means 'Horn-shaped feature'. It has been thought that this alludes to a slight bend in the North Brook, yet the earthworks of the village are likewise situated close to a ridge.
From Horn we'll head south to Empingham before rejoining the well way-marked Rutland Round / Hereward Way en route back to the start point.
Unfortunately, this is not a dog-friendly walk.
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What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab..
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is also a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events in order to keep everyone safe.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks for along the way and plenty of water or other fluids to drink. A hot drink is recommended!