Wheels set to roll on walk around Rutland Water

A wheels-friendly walk around Rutland Water organised by The Outdoor Guide to mark Ordnance Survey’s National #GetOutside Day goes the extra accessibility mile

 
On Sunday 6th October a wheels-friendly walk will set off from Normanton Car Park on the south shore of Rutland Water. The six mile easy-wheeling route is organised by The Outdoor Guide (TOG) in support of Ordnance Survey’s National GetOutside Day, and leads walkers around the banks of the reservoir to a lunch stop-off on the north shore at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel.

TOG’s Rutland Water wheels-friendly walk is ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs, prams, buggies and bikes. Starting at 10 am, walkers will be able to pause to admire Rutland’s iconic partly-submerged Normanton Church before heading off towards the dam at the reservoir’s eastern end. After crossing the dam the route then turns west, in the direction of Whitwell and Barnsdale.

Debbie North, Ambassador of TOG’s accessibility arm AccessTOG, says: “I’m really excited to be leading this walk. It’s a particular favourite of mine. Rutland Water is a stunning gem and what could be nicer than a group walk in the lovely early Autumn fresh air, enjoying the gorgeous tranquil views and getting to meet new friends, young and old of all abilities, and maybe their canine companions too!”

After a refuelling soup and sandwich at Barnsdale Lodge, walkers who back track to Normanton under their own foot- and wheel-power will be able to claim a free half pint at the Wheatsheaf in Edith Weston.

Fully accessible toilet and changing facilities provided by Mobiloo at the lunch stop and accessible facilities at the start/finish point make this walk a properly inclusive outdoor activity opportunity for all the family.

The Ordnance Survey GetOutside initiative aims to help more people to get outside more often. From family strolls to extreme challenges, the initiative inspires people to find new places, create lasting memories and discover the best of the great British countryside. This summer  National #GetOutside Day celebrates all outdoor activity on Sunday 29^th September.

Nick Giles, Managing Director, Ordnance Survey Leisure says: “GetOutside is for everyone. We firmly believe that an active outdoor lifestyle helps us live longer, stay younger and enjoy life more. Inclusivity is at the heart of our mission and this wheels-friendly walk produced by outdoor accessibility champions TOG is a fantastic opportunity for those with mobility challenges to come together with other walkers and enjoy one of Britain’s most beautiful walks.”
 
Julia Bradbury, co-founder of TOG with her sister Gina Fox, says: “OS maps are the crown jewels in any walker’s rucksack. I never leave home without mine and am thrilled that TOG has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to create this wheels-friendly walk around my home county in celebration of National GetOutside Day. This walk brings back memories of happy childhood days around Rutland Water learning about the birds and other wildlife that call this magical place home.”
 

Sign up to the walk at www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk/rutland for further information.