The route chosen was to start at Barnsdale walking through Whitwell then on to Sykes Lane around by Normanton Church and finishing at Normanton, a linear walk of roughly six miles in total.
After sorting out the cars at the beginning and end of the walk we all assembled at Barnsdale Car Park to start our walk.
Two new walkers joined us for the day. Willie, Sheila and their new friend Ngaire from New Zealand also joined us.
After all the introductions we set off in glorious sunshine.
Out through the grassed areas of the car park into the wooded area surrounding this part of the reservoir.
We then picked up the path used by cyclists and walkers which circumnavigates Rutland Water.
Fun and games en route!
Walks with no stiles and with ever so smooth tarmac paths become strolls in the park.
A short break while we re-group.
Approaching Whitwell and the water sports.
We walked on past the boats and gymnastic activities heading out on the path to Sykes Lane.
Water is the main feature of this walk, not from the sky but from the reservoir.
Then into the Sykes Lane parking area which we had earmarked for lunch.
It was deemed that we had arrived a little earlier than anticipated and that we would push on over the dam and find a suitable place on the other side.
Walking across the dam there was a nice breeze coming off the reservoir.
After completing the dam section of the walk someone pointed out a good place for lunch.
And what a view.
Willie, Sheila and Ngaire looked around for a nibble here and there.
Lunch over, we tidied up and packed our bags.
Our next part of the walk was on to the semi submerged church of Normanton.
For info:
Normanton Church.
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.
A group photo seemed a good idea.
Organising a groupie one is fun.
Nearly all here.
Photo shot complete, we set off for the final leg of our walk.
At Normanton Car Park, coffee, tea and cold drinks were more than welcome. Refreshed, all the car drivers disappeared to collect the cars from the start.
Walk over, it started raining - how lucky was that!
We pretty much split in half at this point, some returning back home, or on to family get togethers, others continuing the day with a visit to Gates Garden Centre at Cold Overton.
At the garden centre somebody found a bargain and someone else had a quiet five minutes to themselves.
After the garden centre we moved on to the Wheatsheaf in Oakham and had a cracking dinner - evidence provided by the clean plates afterwards.
Thanks to everyone for a lovely day.
Back to normal next week - 10.30 at the Village Hall Car Park. Cheers for now.
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