Rutland Water

Rutland Water is a scenic artificial lake and drinking water reservoir in the centre of the English county of Rutland, near to the county town Oakham. It officially opened in 1976, when it became Europe's largest artificial lake, the surface area of which is likened to Lake Windermere. It remains the largest reservoir in England by surface area, though not by capacity. The lake is situated amid wide open countryside, and is surrounded by a 25-mile circular track for walkers and cyclists, for which cycle hire is available. Large areas of wetland and woodland around the lake are part of a nature reserve, which is managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, and which provides essential over-wintering habitat for several species of bird, which makes it an idea bird-watching location.