The 34th annual Bluebell Walk or Cycle Ride around Rutland Water is set to take place on Sunday 5 May in aid of four Crohn's & Colitis UK Local Networks.

Crohn's & Colitis UK host this annual event to raise awareness of and money to support those living with Crohn's and Colitis - inflammatory bowl and gut diseases that impact over half a million people across the UK.

The charity is "here for everyone affected by Crohn's and Colitis. Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of. And the real number could be almost double that. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence. But they are not alone. 

"Our 50 Local Networks operate across the UK bringing local people affected by Crohn's and Colitis together and raising awareness of the conditions with members of the public. From educational talks to social events, we help give people the comfort and confidence to live freer and fuller lives. And together, we can make our voice heard."

Events such as the annual walk or cycle at Rutland Water enable the charity to continue providing support - which encouraging local people to get active, enjoy local wildlife and spend time with family and friends at this inclusive fundraising event.

A spokesperson from the team added: "Why not bring the whole family for a fun day out amongst the bluebells while raising fund and awareness for a great cause? Plenty of activities for friends and families to enjoy, from our mystery treasure hunt to face painting and games!"

Distances

There will be varying course lengths to suit everyone:

• 2, 5 and 9 miles walks 
• 17 and 25 mile Cycle rides

Sign up and choose your distance!

Ticket Prices

• Adult ticket = £9 Early Bird until 20th Feb, £10 Standard price.
• One Adult family ticket = £9 Early Bird until 20th Feb, £10 Standard price. (Under 18's free with accompanying paying adult)
• Two Adult family ticket = £18 Early Bird until 20th Feb, £20 Standard price. (Under 18's free with accompanying paying adult)

The annual Rutland Water Bluebell Walk or Cycle is back for 2024. Image credit: Crohn's & Colitis UK.

Parking

There should be plenty of parking at Whitwell car park, located on the North Shore, LE15 8BL. You are given a ticket on arrival at the barriers and you pay at the machine before leaving the carpark. More details are available on the Rutland Water website.

When to get there

Check-in is between 10am and 12 noon. If you arrive after 12 noon, we can check you in for your challenge but you may not be back in time from your challenge to sign out and collect your finishers medal.

What happens at check-in

Check- in will take place at our marquee, which will be clearly signed. We will check the name and details of each member in your group and get you signed in. If you have young children with you, we will give them a wristband which will have the emergency contact number you provided when registering for the event.

When can I start my walk or cycle?

Walkers and cyclists can set off on the route as soon as they have checked in. We may ask you to wait a few minutes for photographs. There is a "starting gate" where you will be given a map and any directions you need. Each walking distance and cycling route will be clearly signposted throughout. The route is marshalled at key points

When does it finish?

When you finish your route, please ensure you return to the registration tent where you can collect your finishers medal and sign you out. The event village officially closes at 4pm, please plan your start time to ensure you will have sufficient time to complete your route and return to sign-out.

T-shirts

You can purchase a t-shirt when registering, this will be posted to you ahead of event day. There will be shirts available to purchase at Rutland – but this will be limited and we cannot promise to have all sizes available all day.

What refreshments are there?

There are kiosks at the main car parks where you can buy hot and cold snacks and we will be providing drinks and refreshments at each of our marshalling points (at Whitwell, Barnsdale, Sykes Lane and Normanton for walkers and also at other points around Rutland water for cyclists) to help keep you going. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bottles and we can refill them with water/squash. For specific diets please bring your own.

Entertainment

There will be plenty of entertainment to enjoy on the day! From Face painting, Music, Garden games, Picnic area, to an Awareness stand with publications and Merchandise Area!

Toilets

Accessible toilets are located in each centre and on each car park. All are unisex and have step free access and easy opening doors. The sinks in the accessible toilets on the Normanton, Whitwell, Sykes Lane and Barnsdale (These are the main points on the walk and cycle routes) car parks are adjustable in height. Rails are provided in each toilet. Whitwell & Normanton have recently added a "Changing Places" Toilet block: They are larger facilities that have the right equipment, including a changing bench and a hoist, designed to support those who need assistance.

Location 

Rutland Water, 2 Bull Brig Lane, Whitwell, Oakham, LE15 8BL

This event is hosted by Leicestershire & Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire Central Local Networks. 

Head to the Oakham Nub News What's On page for other local events, fundraisers and much more taking place across Rutland this year.