Rutland 2026: cycling around the Hambleton Peninsula

 I cannot believe I have done it: we have cycled all around the Rutland Water Reservoir including the Hambleton Peninsula! 


Unfortunately the beach was closed this weekend because of algae. However, after we failed to reach the peninsula last year, the first Saturday without French school, I was determined to try again this year! 


 
We parked at Whitwell this time to be a bit nearer the peninsula, but thankfully not as near as Barnsdale, which is very, very hilly, to the point that cyclists may be encouraged to dismount. 


After a rather dull part alongside the road, we hit the hilly part but it was so worth it as the view was great. We spotted a heron, or we believe we did, as well as swans a Canada geese.





We even saw quite a few sheep from very near and even some horses, which can only please my little one.


The peninsula track is not an easy ride as there are a few rather steep slopes especially in the North part. therefore I am quite glad we did not persevere last year. Today was a bit cooler, especially after the recent heat waves. 

We like Rutland so much we would like to go back later in the summer, this time without the bikes, possibly to try canoe, or the Aquapark, which was open today but we ran out of time. 


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