Dog Walks in Oakham

Dog Walking in Oakham

Oakham is the county town of Rutland, England's smallest county, and everything about it reflects that intimate scale. A compact, handsome market town centred on a Norman castle and a cobbled market square, Oakham punches well above its weight for dog owners. The town sits at the heart of Rutland, within easy reach of Rutland Water to the east and the rolling countryside of the Catmose Vale to the north and west. It is the natural base for exploring the county on foot, and the quality of walking on its doorstep is outstanding.

Key Walks and Green Spaces

• Rutland Water South Shore - The reservoir is just two miles east of Oakham, and the path along the southern shore from Whitwell to Normanton offers some of the finest lakeside walking in the East Midlands. Dogs can swim at several access points and are off lead on many stretches. The views across the water are superb.
• Oakham Canal - The restored canal towpath provides a flat, easy walk heading east from the town towards Barnsdale. It is an excellent option for a gentle morning walk and connects to the wider Rutland Water path network.
• Burley on the Hill - The parkland around this grand country house, a short walk north of Oakham, offers open grassland and mature trees with sweeping views. Footpaths cross the park, making circular walks possible.
• Cutts Close - A well-kept park in the centre of Oakham, useful for a quick off-lead run when time is short.
• The Viking Way - This long-distance path passes through the Oakham area, linking the town to walks heading north into Leicestershire and south towards the Welland Valley.

Dog-Friendly Venues

Oakham has an excellent selection of dog-friendly pubs and cafes relative to its size. The independent cafes around the market square welcome dogs, and several pubs in the town centre - notably the traditional coaching inns - are well accustomed to hosting walkers and their dogs. Water bowls appear outside doorways as a matter of course. The town has a genuinely warm, community atmosphere that naturally extends to visitors with dogs.

Practical Information

Oakham has a railway station with services to Leicester, Peterborough, and Birmingham, making it accessible without a car. Town-centre parking is available in several car parks with modest charges. For Rutland Water, the main car parks at Whitwell and Barnsdale are pay-and-display, managed by Anglian Water. The terrain throughout the area is gentle, with no significant climbs, making it suitable for dogs of all ages and fitness levels. The paths around Rutland Water can be busy on fine weekends, so early morning or weekday visits are recommended for a quieter experience.