
Throughout the pandemic walking has been at the forefront of guidance for bettering our health and mental well-being. Did you know a brisk walk for just ten to thirty minutes a day (at roughly 3mph) can help reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis?
Through various lockdowns and tier restrictions over the past year, walking was one of a select few forms of exercise the nation were allowed to do, with a quick stroll and breath of fresh air becoming our sanity slot. For many, including the team at Fine & Country Stamford, walking will continue forming a part of our daily routines – something our four legged friends are not complaining about!
Rutland is a particular favourite of ours when it comes to exploring local countryside. The County has just two towns and numerous tiny villages down unknown tracks and lanes, meaning refreshing respite from a local pub, farm shop or café run by the community post office is never far away. (Our kind of walking if you ask us!)
Another popular one for us includes walking along the Welland River which provides superb views and a great opportunity for bird watching with regular sightings of red kites and kingfishers amongst others.
With National Walking Month falling in May, now seemed a fitting time to showcase some of our best properties close to footpaths and bridleways which walkers of all abilities can enjoy… Look out for a Fun Fact along the way!
The Long Barn – Rutland Water, Rutland

This exquisite Grade II listed stone barn conversion is the perfect base for walking, with plenty of exploring to be done from its doorstep. Options include a sixteen mile loop of the reservoir or a shorter circular walk can be found at Hambleton Peninsula. You can then refuel with a barbecue on the wonderful south-facing terrace at your new home. Read more
Fun Fact: When Rutland Water construction started in 1971, it was the largest man-made lake in Europe. Construction came to an end in 1975, and filling the lake took another four years – tuck that one into the back of your brain for the local pub quiz once they start up again!
Welland House – Tixover, Rutland

The Jurassic Way crosses over the River Welland at numerous points, and this four-bedroom award winning house is located right on the footpath, providing the perfect base for passionate or even budding walkers. One to certainly try is the Harringworth Circular. At 4.4miles, one could easily follow the Jurassic Way down to the start of the Harringworth Circular to make this an enjoyable walk from home. Read more
The Old Rectory – Creeton, South Lincolnshire

The Old Rectory was built in circa 1750, with the Victorian front being added in 1850. Further extended in the 20thCentury it now makes for a rather impressive seven-bedroom home. This home is the perfect base for a more rural life filled with great walks. For example, you can walk from the village along the River Glen south to Little Bytham where you can then head into the Grimsthorpe Estate. There are also plenty of local woods to explore. Read more
Polbrook House – Polbrook, East Northamptonshire

Polbrook house offers some superb local walks, to include this one – a six mile circular trip involving stiles, a gentle climb and pretty fields. To re-fuel, you may like to pop into The King’s Arms or The Montagu Arms as you pass them, or once back to your elegant stone property, you can rest your weary muscles in the outdoor pool. Read more
Spotted something you would like to see physically or via a video tour? Contact Jan or Ildi on 01780 750 200 – we would be delighted to arrange a visit for you. Alternatively visit our website for more homes just like these. We would love to help you find your perfect base for walking.