Rudyard Lake

Rudyard Lake was built in 1797 to provide water for the Caldon Canal. For over 100 years, it has been a popular leisure site for walking, sailing, rowing, fishing, or just sitting and admiring the view over the reservoir and its surrounding beautiful steeply wooded valley. Rudyard Kipling's parents were so taken with the locality that they named their newborn son after it!

Attractions include a new visitor centre (at the dam head); Rudyard Sailing Club (01538 306200); and Rudyard Lake Steam Railway (Sundays & Bank Holidays March/October, 01995 672280), a three-mile miniature gauge live steam railway which runs along the eastern shoreline. The steam boatThe Lady Alice operates trips along the lake (Sundays, summer only). Hotel Rudyard and The Galleon offer refreshment and accommodation.

Sailing boats and electrically-powered craft are permitted on the lake: boaters must obtain a Rudyard Lake licence first.

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