A wheels-friendly walk around Rutland Water on Sunday (6 Oct) is being hosted by The Outdoor Guide (TOG), co-founded by Rutlander and television presenter Julia Bradbury.

Suitable for all types of wheels - whether pushchairs, wheelchairs, prams, buggies or bikes - the walk celebrates Ordnance Survey's National GetOutside Day and sets off from Normanton Car Park on the south shore at 10am.

The six-mile easy-wheeling route around the banks of the reservoir passes Rutland's iconic partly-submerged Normanton Church before heading off towards the dam at the reservoir's eastern end.

After crossing the dam the route then turns west, towards Whitwell and Barnsdale.

RSPCA experts will also be joining the walk to share their knowledge of the local wildlife.

After a refuelling stop for soup and a sandwich at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, those walkers who back-track to Normanton under their own foot or wheel power will be rewarded with a free half pint at The Wheatsheaf in Edith Weston.

Accessible toilet and changing facilities are being provided by Mobiloo at the lunch stop which, along with accessible facilities at the start/finish point, make this walk a fully-inclusive outdoor activity for all the family.

Julia, who will not be joining the walk, said: "OS maps are the crown jewels in any walker's rucksack.

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"I never leave home without mine and am thrilled that TOG has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to create this wheels-friendly walk around my home county in celebration of National GetOutside Day.

"This walk brings back memories of happy childhood days around Rutland Water learning about the birds and other wildlife that call this magical place home."

The walk will be led by Debbie North, Ambassador of TOG's accessibility arm AccessTOG.

She said: "I'm really excited to be leading this walk. It's a particular favourite of mine.

"Rutland Water is a stunning gem and what could be nicer than a group walk in the lovely early autumn fresh air, enjoying the gorgeous tranquil views and getting to meet new friends, young and old of all abilities, and maybe their canine companions too?"

TOG is an online resource set up by Julia and her sister Gina which aims to bring together information for walks all around the UK and encourage 'sharing stories, outdoor intelligence and knowledge'.

The Ordnance Survey GetOutside initiative aims to help more people to get outside more often - from family strolls to extreme challenges - to find new places, create lasting memories and discover the best of the British countryside.

Anyone wanting to join the all-ability Rutland Water walk must sign-up online and the registration page - plus more information - can be found by clicking the red button below.

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