Around Rutland 2026 - Day 7

Thursday 23rd April, St George's Day - Day 7

Today my walk started with a toddle round the sights of Oakham with Denise. We don't get to spend a lot of quality time together on these walks of mine. She's either busy cooking, washing, nursing my feet, driving me to starts & picking me up at finishes!

So, today was special because she was able to be my tourist guide as we wandered round Oakham Castle and then the environs of the magnificent church before she joined me briefly as I set out towards the Hambleton Peninsula. We parted as I headed out of Oakham and she returned back to the cottage - possibly to warm up as the wind was probably colder than yesterday.

I was striding out across the A606 and headed towards the quaintly named "Dog Kennel Cottage" where I had to turn right along the Hereward Way. There were a couple of cars parked on the grass obstructing the way a bit. I could see a large field with a well worn path ahead and a dilapidated barn with a sort of path twisting around nettle beds. I thought that looked more private so headed for the better worn path. I was happily plodding along taking a video when I realised that the way forward was blocked. The  path was well trodden because it was one that dog-walkers use, a path around the large field! Doh! 

I retraced my steps and found the path by the barn! Once I had crossed the A606 again (I'd had to cross it twice as it curved round) I was on the peninsula.

When I'd told people that I was going to walk the peninsula their reaction was either; “Oh, I've cycled round Rutland Water but missed that bit out.” Or: “Why? There's nothing there!!” I must admit, for the first couple of miles, along the narrowest strip, I began to wonder if I'd done the right thing!! Boring was too kind a word for it. Then, suddenly, the view opened up . . . . . . And I had a hill to climb. 

Needless to say, once I had gone up I had to come down but the views were rather lovely. I could make out Barnsdale , where I'd started my walk yesterday. Walking on this side I could understand the geography of the two valleys of the River Gwash being ideal for flooding for the reservoir. 

I was walking eastwards down the side of the northern valley and the dam was a few miles in front of me. Later I would round the point where the two valleys met and then turn and walk westwards along the southern valley heading back to Oakham. A huge area of fertile farmland and a couple of villages had been drowned but a remarkable wetland reserve had been created.

I was surprised by the number of people on this route. Most walkers had parked their cars at various points around the Hambletons but it was also a popular route for cyclists. I met a couple, Paul and Margie, who were a little older than I. I had seen them first as they'd parked their car after the boring stretch and had followed me at a distance until I'd stopped to try and work out what bird I could hear. I used my Merlin App and it turned out to be an Osprey. 

I could hear it calling "Kee-kee" but I couldn't see it. At first I thought it might be in the tree tops but the sound kept moving around. I moved on but could still hear it calling. I stopped again to listen, it seemed to be following me. I still couldn't see it until - suddenly - there it was, high in the sky, right above me. It gently floated on the wind & thermals calling as it went. I had only seen it as there was a large gap between the tree tops. No chance for a photo, I was to occupied with keeping my balance as it soared directly above my head.

That really made my day and I strode onwards marvelling at how lucky I had been. I knew Ospreys were around Rutland Water but little did I think I would actually see one. I rounded the point and headed back towards Oakham with the sun still shining and the wind now more at my back. I found a convenient bench in the sun to have my banana break. I shared it (the bench, not my snack!) with a couple from Melton Mowbray who came to Rutland Water frequently. They told me I'd enjoy seeing the bluebells further on. They were not wrong. What a fabulous sight. I don't ever remember seeing so many as there have been this year. 

I found an idyllic spot with another handy bench (there were loads of benches all along the walk) to have my lunch. What a view overlooking the southern arm of the reservoir. 

The rest of my journey was fairly uneventful apart from some cute lambs and their mums. They are so used to humans that often they hardly stir a muscle as I walk past. 

There was one small herd that were heading towards me at a little bit of a pace. 

That was rather unusual but, as they passed me, I realised why they were on the move. Behind them were a couple and two dogs, one in a pram!! and the other, a large pit-bull type, on a lead, but obviously eager to try and get at the sheep. It's male handler (what a surprise) was cursing it loudly as he tried to control it. Oh dear!

My route (after the boring bit again) took me to Egleton where I'd finished my walk yesterday. Today I took the track over the field towards Oakham. I'd just crossed the A6003 when my phone rang and I answered. It was a rather breathless Denise. She had followed my progress on Google Maps and had come to meet me, on foot! She'd seen me crossing the road and had apparently shouted & waved but I hadn't seen her! I retraced my step back to the road and there she was jogging down the road towards me. Well, it's good training for next months 10k! It was lovely to meet up and we walked together the last mile back to our cottage in Oakham. 

Last day tomorrow. I've done 12 miles today so, hopefully I can have a slightly easier day's walk.

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