TOP STAT
nd sits on a Belton in Rutla t above sea hillside 500 fee area of 1,024 an s ha d an el lev ’s church dates ter Pe St . res ac century, with back to the 13th it going even some parts of further back.
rather spectacular view and one which provides the necessary visual stimulus to finish the walk in style. And it really is a satisfying finish, as the path heads downhill, through a hedgerow and across another stream over a brand new wooden bridge, before heading into the village via a pretty little paddock. After seven miles up and down you will have earned a pint and a bite to eat, and the charming market square in Uppingham, just five minutes drive away, will provide all you need in Don Paddy’s, the Lake Isle restaurant, the Vaults pub or the Falcon Hotel. A perfect end to this very festive walk. Merry Christmas!
Difficulty rating (out of five)
Le and below
This walk is mainly farmland based, so there’s plenty of opportunity for your pooch to run free. Gorgeous village scenes and rolling countryside abound
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Where to park North of the church in Belton-inRutland and as close as you can to College Farm Lane. Distance and time Seven miles/two and a half hours. Highlights The rolling countryside around here is visually spectacular and it’s an invigorating walk. Peaceful Belton, with its mixture of grand old houses and smaller terraced cottages, makes for a fitting start and finish point.
Lowlights If there has been a lot of rain the bridleways can be very muddy which means you get even more exercise walking up them! There is a bit of a shortage of footpath signs at times, so you will need an OS map to make sure you don’t have to do any u-turns. Refreshments The Sun in Belton, which doesn’t open during the day. Or just down the road there are a number of good options in Uppingham, from Don Paddy’s to The Falcon and the
Lake Isle. Or the Blue Ball at Braunston and the King’s Arms at Wing are both excellent village pubs nearby. The pooch perspective Mostly arable fields means there is plenty of scope for adventure off the lead, although on hot days in the summer there might be a shortage of water.
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