OUT & ABOUT
Stops around The Water Nicholas Rudd-Jones went on a magical mystery tour around Rutland Water on the Rutland SHORELink, the hop-on, hop-off bus and was mightily impressed
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utland County Council launched the Shorelink Bus service earlier this year to connect Oakham and Uppingham with Rutland Water. It offers a regular hourly service around the water to locals and tourists alike, and is ideal for exploring one of the most beautiful spots in the country without a car, stopping at all the points of visitor interest around the water. I started my journey at Oakham Railway Station and bought a one-day pass that allowed me to use the bus whenever and wherever I wanted anytime that day. I decided to take the tour all the way around. Getting on the bus I met a grandmother and her granddaughter, Oakham residents on their way to the Rockblok (for the granddaughter) and a cup of coffee (for granny). Also there was a bicyclist who had come off his bike and had to be patched up at Oakham Hospital. He was now on his way back to pick up his bike at Normanton. As we went around, other passengers got on, including a couple camping at Lyndon High Top who had a camper van and wanted to use public transport to get around. They had used it every day and sung its praises. Also there were some locals getting on at Manton to go shopping in Uppingham. The trip itself was a pleasure. The views of the water are great, giving much better visibility than you would get from a car; there’s no driving stress; people on the bus are very friendly and swapping advice on the best places to go; and there’s ample space for bikes and any other paraphernalia. Stop 1: Barnsdale Gardens www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk A wonderful collection of mini-gardens (and some not so small!), that are not only lovely to see, but potentially a great inspiration for your own plot. I am not a knowledgable gardener, but there is plenty of information provided, a wellstocked nursery, and helpful staff. The coffee shop is excellent, with delicious salads etc and scrumptious cakes. Stop 2: Whitwell Harbour Get off here for the Rutland Belle, the Harbour Café, Whitwell Watersports, the Cycle Shop and the Rockblok. There is so much to do here, you will probably want to pause here for at least a couple of hours and catch a later bus. Stop 3: Sykes Lane Here you will find the newly refurbished visitor centre, an excellent adventure playground and plenty of space for picnicking. Walking across the dam also make a nice short walk if it’s not too windy. Stop 4: Empingham www.whitehorserutland.co.uk Maybe you fancy a spot of lunch at the excellent White Horse which, under new
ownership this year, offers excellent food and hospitality. Tell them you need to be on the bus again in an hour (it goes right past the door) and I’m sure they will oblige. Stop 5: Normanton Get off here for the Fishing Lodge, Bike Hire & store, an Italian restaurant even (L’Incontro)! And there is a lovely short walk alongside the water to Normanton Church, which was saved from flooding when the reservoir was created. An hour’s break would be ideal for that. Stop 6: Edith Weston This is your stop if you want to go down to the Rutland Sailing Club. It’s also a good start-point for a walk along the quieter southern shore in either direction. Stop 7: Lyndon Get off here is you’re staying at the Lyndon Top campsite, fancy a round of golf or PYO strawberries. This is also the stop for the famous Lyndon Nature Reserve Visitor Centre. The centre features the live Osprey camera as well as fantastic new displays looking at the relationship between weather and wildlife, with specific sections on weather, climate change and phenology. There is lots of good information about the nature reserve at www. rutlandwater.org.uk
Stop 8: Uppingham Uppingham would always win the ‘perfect small town’ award – it is so beautiful, and there is so much going on here. Stop off for a coffee or to explore the High St. The bus stops in North St, and it is just a oneminute cut through to the High St; or go round by the traffic lights and pop into the delightful Goldmark Gallery to be inspired by some prints or pottery. Stop 9: Egleton (the stops are less frequent here - check timetable) Stopping off point for the incomparable Egleton Nature Reserve, also the site of the worldfamous Bird Fair each August. Stop 10: Oakham On the way back why not stop on the High St and browse the shops. Whatever time of day and whether you want a drink, a snack or a meal, Otters Deli at the end of Mill St is a perfect spot. Or if you want to sit outside in a charming garden, try the Castle Cottage Café, just off the Market Square. All in all a thoroughly worthwhile service for anyone, local or visiting, who wants to enjoy all the pleasures of Rutland Water without the hassle of driving and parking charges. More details: • The service operates 7 days a week, including Sunday and Bank Holidays, between 9am and 7pm. • For timetable information visit www.rutland. gov.uk/shorelink • For tourism information visit www.discoverrutland.co.uk • Please note that there are other stops along the way in addition to the ten mentioned, please consult the timetable.
RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2013
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