5th August 2016 our day out at Rutland Water 6.8mls.

Yes, what a beautiful morning it was. Everybody arrived at the Cosby village hall on time where we soon sorted out final directions and off we set for Rutland Water.

Arriving at Whitwell car park on the North Shore we had plenty of time to get ready. As the Rutland Hopper bus had been axed with the austerity cuts we had to have a car parked at our destination so that when we'd finished our walk one driver could return the other drivers to their cars at the start of the walk then back to the finish to pick up the walkers and finally we'd all move on to Oakham for dinner.

When all together we finally set off on our walk.

We caught our first glimpse of the new Aqua Park assault course that has been installed at Whitwell. 

Then we passed some local carving and wondered what it was meant to represent.

Spreading out through the next car park at Sykes Lane there was a sign post for a Butterfly Centre but we gave that a miss as we were heading off across the dam.

Only 3 miles to Normanton Church which had submerged into the reservoir when it was flooded.

After crossing the dam we turned right on to the south shore of Rutland Water.

 One of our walkers spotted an egret but it also spotted him and decided to move before a photo could be taken.

 A few of the ladies decided to take five while waiting for the others to catch up. 

We could see the church in the distance and snaps were taken of all the smiles, smiles because lunch break was only another mile or so along the path!

Friendly cyclists going in the opposite direction.

Millions of these photographs of the sunken church must have been taken and sent all round the world.

For info:
The valley had to be cleared and so Normanton Church was deconsecrated and scheduled for demolition, but the general public had other ideas and their protests were successful. When it came time to flood the area, it became obvious that the church would be partially submerged once the high-water level was reached. This would mean the gradual erosion of its lower walls and foundations. A hastily formed trust was organised with the aim of rescuing the building from a watery demise and various proposals were considered.

Finally, it was decided that the lower level of the church should be filled with rubble and topped with concrete to create a new floor. This would be approximately 60cm above the water level. The church would become a small island once the reservoir was filled, and so a causeway was built connecting it to the nearby shore of the lake and an embankment was constructed around the building. A layer of boulders was then put in place as a defensive breakwater.

The result of this work was the creation of a very unusual landmark. Although the church seems to float when the lake is full, at other times it is something of an optical illusion, for it seems that its lower half has sunk completely, as though the church is too heavy for the ground beneath it.

Waiting for lunch.

After passing the church we headed into Normanton car park and refreshment area where we selected a prime piece of English turf overlooking the reservoir for our picnic.  Beautiful!

 Afterwards we set off for the nature reserve, our destination of the day.

Passing the sailing club we stopped to admire the skill involve in sailing a boat.

From this vantage point with Edith Weston behind us you can look across to Hambleton, the peninsular part of Rutland Water.

The weather was fantastic, warm with a nice breeze coming off the water, just right for walking.

The odd little short cut could be found here and there.

Getting closer to the nature reserve, there's a box for your fishing returns - does this mean how many you have chucked back in?

At the visitor centre you can watch bird life from hides or stroll around the reserve itself.

While the drivers went to collect the cars left at the start point the rest of us settled down to have a natter while we waited. 

The more energetic decided on a weird form of arm wrestling. 

The winner, well we're not quite sure.

On to Oakham for a stroll around the town. Parking is very reasonable if you wait until after 4 o'clock. (!)

 Everybody likes to find a bargain in the charity shops.

 It was quite quiet at this time so anybody could get into the shops.

It wasn't long before the tantalising smell of coffee tempted a few into the local coffee shops. Others set off to the evening venue for the meal.

On  the way we met up with some of our other regular walkers who joined us for the meal and a catch up on the news.

There was a very nice area at the rear where we could have a drink before dinner. 

The meal was excellent - so good we all forgot to take photos.

This is the evening sunset we saw on the way back to Cosby - a great finish to a great day out, thank you all. We must do it again.

A quick note Willie and Sheila are on holiday either in France or South America we're not quite sure.  Hopefully we'll be receiving messages soon.