The green corridor is divided into 10 sections

 

Section 1: Former Oakham Canal wharf

 

The original Oakham Canal wharf now lies entirely within the grounds of Oakham School. The former canal warehouse is now the Queen Elizabeth theatre. The original wharf entrance still forms the main entrance to the school. The “water garden” in the school grounds is the southernmost surviving remnant of the canal. Please note that there is no public access to the canal here.

 

Section 2: Former canal line to the rear of properties to Springfield Way/Schofield Road

 

A narrow strip of land, once the route of the canal, runs south from Oakfield to the rear of gardens between Springfield Way and Schofield Road. This tapers at the southern end, where the course of the canal has been removed by modern housing at Barmstedt Drive. The route of the canal is clearly distinguished by the large trees that once lined the banks.​

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Section 3: Springfield estate

 

The southernmost accessible in-water section of the canal lies to the south of the A606 Burley Park Way, forming part of the Springfield housing estate. The canal can be accessed at the southern end from Griffiths Close or Oakfield, in the centre from Ashfield, and at the northern end from the A606 Burley Park Way. A permissive footpath to the eastern bank of the canal provides an accessible route along the entire section.

 

The canal here is shallow and significantly silted from the trees and other vegetation, but nonetheless provides a significant wildlife habitat, particularly for water-fowl. The area is enjoyed by walkers, and those who bring their children to feed the ducks and other birds. We are working with Rutland County Council, who own the canal at this point, and Persimmon homes, who own the permissive footpath, to improve the footpath and develop a long- term maintenance strategy to improve the wildlife habitats and water quality.

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Section 4:  North of A606 Burley Park Way to the field boundary

 

The former canal line continues immediately to the north of the A606 Burley Park Way. The canal here is largely derelict.

We have entered into a permissive path agreement with the landowner and laid a new hard surface path along the field edge. We are continuing discussions with the landowner to secure access to the canal and adjacent woodland. If we are successful, informal routes would be created though an improved and maintained woodland and, where possible and practical, boardwalks installed to create an accessible wetland habitat with the potential for pond dipping.

 

You may have spotted our milepost and information sign installed along the bypass. Th milepost was kindly donated by Jenny Laidler of Cottesmore who recovered it with her father from Edmondthorpe.

 

Section 5:  Field boundary to the Spillway Bridge

 

Here the canal is largely infilled with a large hedgerow to the former western bank. We are continuing discussions with the landowner to improve the path at this location.

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Section 6: Spillway Bridge to the dam

 

The canal here is shallow and reeded, providing an ideal habitat for water voles. Rutland County Council improved the footpath here some years ago and the Project will continue to monitor and maintain it.

 

Section 7: Dam to Burley Road

 

Here the canal is preserved much in its original condition, with a wide body of water and a public right of way along the original towpath close to the water’s edge. ​​This section was formerly leased to the Oakham Angling Society who maintained it for many years. The Society ceased in 2024. We have further improved the footpath over the last few years and will continue to monitor and maintain it.

 

We plan to create a further walk along the upper banks of this section.

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Section 8: Burley Road to Ashwell Road/Kimball Close

 

This section, previously neglected, found the towpath in a treacherous state and difficult to negotiate. Following discussions with Rutland County Council and the landowner, we have installed new steps and gates, levelled the footpath and supplied a new hard surface path. During the work, we also installed a new bridge over the "cattle drink“ and added four seating benches.

 

At Kimball close the layby is part of the public highway. Working with local residents we have begun looking at options for the future of this piece of land with a desire to return it to nature.

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Section 9: Western banks north

 

This section provides an attractive walk through woodland planted some 60 years ago. We have entered into a permissive path agreement with the landowner and improved the footpaths by laying bark chippings. We recently installed new fencing and gates at either end of the path. Please note there is no public access to the woodland.

 

Section 10: Western banks south

 

South of Burley Road the area has been somewhat overtaken by hawthorn and blackthorn but nonetheless provides a continuation of the woodland walk. Our permissive path agreement continues through this section and we have again improved the path with the addition of bark chippings. Please note there is no public access to the woodland.

 

At the end of this section we have constructed a new footbridge across the dam which leads you back to section 6 and forms a circular route.