1. Choose a venue

Rutland Water

Whitwell (North Shore) & Normanton (South Shore)

Rutland Water - a magical place for cycling

Rutland is a magical place for cycling. Since 1981 we have been introducing people of all ages to the delights to be found by bike around the water’s edge and beyond. Hire a bike from our Whitwell or Normanton centre and enjoy 23 miles of traffic-free waterside tracks – or take to the lanes and discover Rutland's hidden delights on two…More wheels.

As passionate cyclists, we don’t think there is a better way to explore the area. There is an incredible richness of flora and fauna to enjoy on your trip. A highlight for many is the Ospreys who reside here from April to September. 2001 saw the first Osprey chick to fledge in central England in 150 years and now there are several pairs at Rutland. Yet there is much more: a wide variety of hawks, waders, warblers and songbirds can be seen at all times of year. Can you spot a really rare beast though – will you see the fabled Rutland Pantherⓘ!

Around the Water’s edge is a variety of welcoming cafes, pubs and restaurants, many of which provide special offers to our cyclists. With a wealth of attractions nearby and comfortable places to stay, we are sure you will have a wonderful visit.

Rutland Water - Whitwell Centre

On Rutland Water's North shore, our flagship centre at Whitwell has the widest range of hire bikes in Europe.

Rutland Water - Normanton Centre (Giant-Rutland)

Discover the South shore of Rutland Water on a new-season Giant bike from Giant-Rutland at Normanton, the world's biggest Giant bikes concept store.

Grafham Water

Near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Grafham Water is Cambridgeshire’s prettiest and best-kept secret and there is no better way to explore it than by bike. Come and discover the tranquil waterscapes, varied wildlife and diverse habitats of this wonderful location, a Site of Special Scientific Interest which attracts around 170 species each year. Enjoy 10 miles of peaceful waterside pedalling, or adventure out onto…More local bridleways along the Three Shires Way.

The variety of wildlife and beautiful wild flowers means there is always something to see, whatever the season. On your cycling adventure you will doubtless see many other water users: fishermen after trout, sailors and windsurfers before the wind, and nature spotters revelling in this unique location. Grafham Water has also become one of the most important bird watching sites in Britain.

Whichever route you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a fantastic time on two wheels at Grafham.

Fineshade Wood

Near Corby, Northamptonshire

Looking for off-road adventureⓘ  Check out our buzzing new Forestry Commission trail centre at Fineshade Wood, now in its second year. Choose from the UK's best range of mountain bikes to hire, including hardtail, full suspension and 29ers. Trails range from short woodland routes for all the family, to our renowned Wakerley Red route – 6km of singletrack thrills!

Join us on our weekly night ride through the woods!

2. Select a bike

Our hire fleet is made up of new-season models from the biggest bike brands and includes bikes for everyone, regardless of age or ability. The whole fleet and equipment is regularly checked and maintained and is replaced every year. (We sell our ex-hire bikes at great prices, too.)

Choose from a huge range of 2013 bikes: mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, kid's bikes, tandems, trailer bikes, buggies - you name it, we hire it! We also hire helmets.

We offer three levels of hire bike: silver, gold and platinum. You can hire our bikes for 2 hours, or all day. We recommend that you call ahead to book your hire bikes, particularly at weekends and during the summer holidays.

Please note that for security purposes, you will need to pay for cycle hire with a credit or debit card.

Silver hire bikes:

Comfortable easy riding on great hybrid bikes. The prices are low, but we never compromise on quality.

Gold hire bikes:

Experience advanced handling, smooth gears and an incredible ride. Top quality and light weight mountain bikes worth up to £1,500.

Platinum hire bikes:

Experience cycling like never before! Ride the very best full suspension mountain or full carbon road bikes. These are the Ferraris of the bike world, ready for anyone to enjoy at great prices!

Please note that for security purposes, you will need to pay for cycle hire with a credit or debit card.

3. Book ahead

We recommend that you call ahead to book your hire bikes, particularly at weekends and during the summer holidays. Our friendly Hire Team is here to take your call 7 days a week, from 9am to 6pm. We will hold your reserved bikes until 10.30am. If you are booking bikes for a group (10 bikes or more), we can sometimes reserve bikes until later in the day – please call our Hire Team to discuss your needs.

When hiring from us you will need:

To pay with a credit or debit card - this is for security purposes

An adult to book if you are under 16

To be responsible for the bike and hire equipment

To wear appropriate clothing: we recommend breathable, loose fit clothing, a couple of layers and a light windproof/showerproof jacket. We don't recommend cycling in sandals or flip flops.

4. Arrive

You'll get a warm welcome from our Bicycle Hire Team, and will cycle safe in the knowledge that you could not be on a better bike. Each of our 4 venues has a workshop dedicated to carefully maintaining our cycle hire fleet. Indeed the entire bike rental fleet is replaced each year with new models!

Before you depart on your adventure we will adjust your bike for size and give you a full safety briefing. As members of the Association of Cycle Traders and Safe Bicycle Hire Scheme we follow a comprehensive code of practice.

Please note that for security purposes, you will need to pay for cycle hire with a credit or debit card.

5. Enjoy

As passionate cyclists, we don’t think there is a better way to explore our venues than on a bike. We have a range of carefully designed routes to suit all ages and abilities, and take in the best of the local area. Our expert Hire Team will advise you on the best route for you, and all our hire customers receive a free map (normally £1). So whether you’re looking for a family day out, romantic escape or off-road adventure, come and enjoy a day to remember!

6. Return

Take advantage of our regular offers and discover all our venues.

Special Hire Offers and Discounts

20% Off Early Bird Offer:

Save 20% off our 2 hour cycle hire when bikes are booked out by 10am latest. Download and print voucher >

20% Off Midweek Cycle Hire:

Save 20% off a full day’s cycle hire, Mon-Fri during term time. Download and print voucher >

Family Hire Offer:

2-hour cycle hire for £29.99 - 2 adults, 2 children (14 years or under). Save up to 50%! Valid every day, excluding Bank Holidays. Download and print voucher > 

Meal Offers: exclusive to our Rutland Cycling hire customers

20% off the bar menu at Barnsdale Hall Hotel

Free bottle of water with any baguette/meal at the Horse and Jockey at Manton

20% off weekend breakfasts before 12:00 at the Horse and Jockey at Manton

20% off when you buy any sandwich/wrap/baguette, Mon-Fri 12:00-15:00 at Normanton Park Hotel

Groups Of 10 Or More:

10% off 2 hours, 15% off all day. Advance bookings only.

Students/OAPs:

10% off 2 hours, 15% off all day. Students, please bring a valid NUS card.

Schools And Youth Groups:

We are a popular venue for school parties. Please call one of our centres or email us for a quote.