Oakham Castle & Vale Walk

Route Overview

The Oakham Castle and Vale Walk is a gentle 2.5-mile stroll that combines Rutland's county town heritage with the quiet charm of the surrounding countryside. Beginning at Oakham Castle - home to the Great Hall, one of the finest examples of Romanesque domestic architecture in England, with its remarkable collection of horseshoes gifted by visiting royalty and peers - the route winds through the historic town centre before heading out along field paths and country lanes into the peaceful Vale of Catmose.

Leaving the castle grounds, you pass through Cutts Close park, a well-maintained green space popular with families and dog walkers, before following waymarked paths south-west through gently rolling fields. The country lanes are quiet and lined with mature hedgerows that burst with hawthorn blossom in spring and sloe berries in autumn. Stone walls and ironstone cottages give the landscape an unmistakable Rutland character, and the gentle undulations reveal new views with every rise.

The terrain is flat to gently undulating throughout, making this a genuinely easy walk that suits all ages and fitness levels. The return leg brings you back through the western edge of Oakham, passing the church of All Saints with its impressive broach spire - a fine example of Early English Gothic architecture - before re-entering the town centre via the marketplace. The entire route is well connected and never feels remote, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed morning or afternoon outing.

Oakham itself is a delightful market town with independent shops, a weekly Wednesday market, a renowned public school founded in 1584, and a friendly atmosphere that has earned it a reputation as one of the finest small towns in England. The combination of history, countryside, and town amenities makes this walk particularly versatile - you can easily extend it with a browse around the shops or a leisurely meal at one of the town's dog-friendly establishments.

Dog-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome in the castle grounds and Cutts Close park, where there is ample space for off-lead exercise on the open grassed areas. The playing fields are well maintained and provide excellent visibility, so you can keep an eye on your dog while they enjoy a run. The field paths beyond the town also allow off-lead walking in most sections, though some fields may contain livestock during the grazing season from April through to October - always check before unclipping the lead.

The country lanes are quiet with minimal traffic, and there are no significant hazards along the route. A shallow stream crossing on the outward leg provides drinking water and a chance for dogs to cool their paws, though carrying your own water supply is always advisable. Dog waste bins are provided in the parks and at several points along the town sections of the route.

The walk is short enough and gentle enough for elderly dogs, those recovering from injury, or puppies building up their stamina. The mix of surfaces - grass, gravel, and quiet tarmac - is kind on paws, and the variety of scents from the hedgerows, fields, and parkland keeps dogs mentally stimulated throughout.

Getting There & Parking

Oakham has several public car parks within easy reach of the castle. The best option is the Oakham town centre car park off Catmose Street (LE15 6HW), which has spaces for approximately 80 vehicles and is a two-minute walk from the castle. Charges are modest and there is no time limit on most bays, making it ideal for combining the walk with time in town.

Oakham railway station is served by trains from Birmingham, Peterborough, and Stansted Airport, making this walk accessible by public transport. The station is a 10-minute walk from the castle. Several bus services also connect Oakham with Uppingham, Melton Mowbray, and Stamford, making it well connected for a small market town.

Seasonal Tips

This is a walk that works beautifully throughout the year. Spring brings blossom to the hedgerows and lambs to the surrounding fields - keep dogs on leads near livestock. Summer offers long warm evenings ideal for a post-work stroll, with the castle grounds providing a lovely spot to sit and rest afterwards. Autumn colour is attractive along the lanes, with golden leaves and ripe berries adding warmth to the landscape. Winter walks through the crisp Rutland countryside are invigorating without being demanding, and the short distance means you can be back in a warm pub within the hour.

The field paths can become muddy after rain, particularly through the winter months from November to April, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The country lanes and park paths remain firm and passable in all weather conditions.

Nearby Facilities

Oakham town centre has everything you could need for a day out. There are public toilets in the marketplace, numerous cafes and bakeries on the high street, and several dog-friendly pubs including The Wheatsheaf and The Lord Nelson. The castle grounds are free to enter and the Great Hall, with its extraordinary horseshoe collection, is open to visitors during the day.

There is a veterinary surgery in Oakham, a pet shop on the high street, and a Tesco supermarket on the edge of town for supplies. For a longer outing, the walk can easily be combined with a visit to Rutland County Museum, which is housed in the former indoor riding school of the Rutland Fencibles cavalry regiment.