The best walks and hikes around Burley
4.5
(561)
4,642
hikers
156
hikes
Hiking around Burley is centered on the landscape surrounding Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. The region is characterized by waterside paths, rolling countryside, and sections of woodland. Trails often follow the shoreline of the reservoir and cross the Hambleton Peninsula, offering routes with gentle elevation changes suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Burley
- The most popular hiking route is the Hambleton Peninsula loop — Rutland Water, a 5.7 mile…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.8
(140)
883
hikers
9.22km
02:23
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
100
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(3)
36
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(19)
201
hikers
16.7km
04:22
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Nice and easy hike on the man path, while some of the smaller ones canbe a bit owegrown an soggy. ood change of scenery to make a walk here more varied.
1
0
Well designed sculpture, which provides a nice contrast to the pretty natural surroundings (though the immediate area here close to the parking is a bit more 'designed' than other parts along the coast.
4
0
Those who like to play war might like it, but seems more like a disturbance of the nice nature around here.
1
0
From the village of Upper Hambleton there is a path that takes you round the peninsula. It is around 4m in length.
0
0
St Andrew's Church is the Church of England parish church of Hambleton, Rutland. It is a Grade II* listed building.
0
0
The village stands on the Hambleton Peninsula between arms of the Rutland Water reservoir.
0
0
In the second half of 1979 the International Arts Foundation commissioned the sculptor Alexander to produce a large-scale sculpture for Rutland Water. The cost was £50,000 and the site chosen by the landscape artist who designed Rutland Water was the then rather bleak Sykes Lane picnic site. It was cast in London and was then the largest bronze sculpture of modern times.
3
0
Fairly enjoyable walk. Although many miles spent walking by roadsides with limited/no view of the reservoir. People who follow this route (as I did), please be aware that around 2.7 miles in, the restricted access warning prevented any access of the route whatsoever (unless obtaining permission/key pass). This left me having to detour back up to the main road and added a further 1.5 miles onto my route and a couple of failed attempts trying to get back to the route again. This route is definitely more suited to cyclists, but worth the go on a nice day.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features of the hikes around Burley?
The hiking landscape around Burley is dominated by Rutland Water, one of Europe's largest artificial lakes. Most trails feature waterside paths, rolling countryside, and sections of woodland. Routes often circle the reservoir and cross the Hambleton Peninsula, offering scenic views across the water with gentle elevation changes.
Are there many easy, family-friendly hikes available?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. There are over 70 easy trails to choose from. A great option is the Path to Rutland Water – St Andrew's Church, Hambleton loop from Upper Hambleton, which is a short walk of about 3.3 km, perfect for a quick and scenic family outing.
Are the trails around Burley suitable for dogs?
Many of the paths around Rutland Water are great for walking with dogs. However, it's a popular area with wildlife and other visitors, so it's best to keep your dog on a lead, especially near the water and in nature reserves. Always be mindful of local signage regarding dogs.
Can I find circular walks in the area?
Absolutely. Most of the popular routes around Burley are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. The trails are designed to showcase the best of the Rutland Water landscape in a single circuit.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Burley?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the consistent, beautiful views across Rutland Water and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks.
Are there any longer hikes for a full day out?
Yes, for those seeking a more substantial hike, the Rutland Water Dam – Normanton Church loop from Upper Hambleton is a great choice. At over 17 km, it offers a challenging walk that takes you across the dam and past the iconic Normanton Church.
What is the best time of year to hike in Burley?
While the trails are beautiful year-round, spring is particularly special. This is when you can see the bluebells in bloom, especially on woodland trails. Summer offers long days perfect for waterside walks, and autumn provides stunning colors across the landscape.
Are there any hikes that go through woodlands?
Yes, you can find several trails that take you through wooded areas. For a walk focused on this type of scenery, consider the Rutland Water – Barnsdale Bluebell Woodland loop from Upper Hambleton, which is especially beautiful in the spring.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from around Burley?
There is a wide variety of options, with over 160 different hiking routes available in the area. These range from short, easy strolls to more challenging moderate-level hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.
Where can I find parking for the trails?
Rutland Water is a major attraction with several designated car parks located around the reservoir, often near the main trailheads and visitor centers. Be aware that some car parks may require payment, so it's a good idea to have some change with you.
Are there any particularly scenic routes you'd recommend?
For a route with varied scenery, the Scenic Country Road – Fort Henry Lake in Exton Park loop from Exton is an excellent choice. This moderate hike takes you through classic English countryside and past the lovely Fort Henry Lake in Exton Park.
Are the trails accessible by public transport?
Accessing the trailheads by public transport can be possible but may require some planning. Local bus services operate in the Rutland area. It's best to check the latest timetables for routes that stop near Hambleton, Edith Weston, or the main visitor centers to plan your journey.
Most popular attractions around Burley
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
