Rudyard is in Staffordshire, located north-west of the town of Leek.

Yes.  The lake is about 2.5 miles long and it’s about a 5.5 mile walk around the lake.  The east side of the lake is the old railway line and has a wide path.  The west side of the lake has narrower paths in places and not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs in certain places.

No – cycling only permitted on the Eastern shore (old railway track bed) the western shore is the Staffordshire Way through farmland, closed gates & stiles and cycling is Not permitted.

The Steam Train is operated by the RLSR, a separate company from Rudyard Lake Ltd.  For all information about when the train is running, please see their timetable here: http://www.rlsr.org/timetable.html

Swimming is not allowed at the lake.  There are by-laws against swimming in the lake and various other reasons why we cannot allow swimming.

• Rudyard Lake is an active reservoir, meaning there are underwater currents.
• There are lots of underwater obstructions and as the water level decreases these dangers are closer to the surface.
• Cold water shock / Cold shock response.

We would like to say yes but unfortunately each year we receive a lot of reports of incidents caused by irresponsible dog owners.  If your dog is well-behaved and not going to jump up or attack other dogs (or people!) then it should not be a problem, but please keep your dog close at all times and please follow the Countryside Code.

Yes, dogs on leads are allowed in the outside seating area, but please don’t bring dogs inside the cafe or the orangery.  Dogs in this public space must be on leads, please.

Please see above for all information regarding parking and how to get here.

There is no off-season for fishing at Rudyard. Angling is permitted from dawn until dusk and night fishing is only allowed by prior arrangement with the Ranger.

Yes.  Please buy a day ticket online prior to your visit.  This ticket will include parking at the Dam Head car park.

Yes. You can launch your own boat for the day or pay for annual mooring fees. (Subject to availability) Only electric motors are permitted and the craft must be no more than 22ft in length.

Both bank side moorings and lake swinging moorings (for larger craft) are available from time to time and a waiting list can be joined.

Please see the Launch and Mooring fees section for prices and more information.

The lakeside cafe is typically open from 10am – 4pm..

The old railway line down the east side of the lake is fairly level and the best option for disabled visitors, although there can often be puddles and small stones (e.g it is not tarmac).

The path down to the Dam from Lake Rd is quite steep and we don’t recommend wheelchairs or prams access the lake here.  The west side of the lake has narrower paths and more uneven ground which isn’t recommended for wheelchairs/prams.  There are also stiles & cattle grids.

Bream, Roach, Carp, Perch, Pike.

Yes, generally from 10.30am to 4pm each day, dependant on weather conditions, we also have a small number of electric boats for hire (subject to availability).

Yes public toilets & changing rooms are available at the Dam Head from 9am until 5pm each day.

Yes, that’s ok – but you do so at your own risk.

Yes, so long as it’s of decent quality and not a flotation toy.

Please wear a lifejacket (just ask a member of staff -usually found around the Rangers’ office).