my Rave Run Reservoir! (Draycote Waters (Rubgy))

Member Name: pania22

Product:	Draycote Waters (Rubgy)
Date:	23/06/09 (107 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: suitable for all, gorgeous location, suitable for any visit for any purpose

Disadvantages: can get busy. Just be careful if you visit after hours

Draycote water is lovely. No two ways about it it just is.

Situated approximately 5 miles outside of Rugby town centre and a very handy 7 miles running distance from my friends house, the reservoir is, understandably a massive attraction for people for all sports, including a very large watersports centre also.

One evening, very close to New year I drove over to Draycote as I really fancied a run there. Now, Draycote is exactly 5 miles in circumferance and a good mixture of hilly and flat for running purposes. The long dam walls are extremely psychologically zapping as you never seem to get any closer to the end!! I started out during the late afternoon when the sun was starting to set and the scene was like one from a film. The frost was showing from my breath infront of me as my feet left traces on the icy path. The glittering lights from the cafe were reflected in the surface of the water as a slow fog formed and the night rolled in.
In short it was the nicest run I have ever done, and the reason why i am rating Draycote water today.

Draycote is easily accesible via the A426 and is not far at all from the major trunk roads of the M6, A5 and to some extent the M1. it would also be an excellent location to unwind after a hard days shopping in Coventry or Rugby itself.

I have found myself wanting to write a review here detailing opening hours and car parking etc. but my overwhelming enthusiasm for the place has been saying "no no NO! angela. write about what it has to offer as a fun, nice place for people to go! talk about the wildlife, talk about the scenery!" and hence 2 attempts at a paragraph have been deleted before i wrote this one.

Walking around the perimeter of the lake you can see how widely the reservoir is. Families with children on tiny sweet bikes with little streamers coming out the ends. Couples walking hand in hand, cyclists shooting past, runners, erm... running and fishermen in the water. well, in boats in the water anyway. It really i

s the ideal location for anyone of any age and ability to enjoy,. The pathways are predominantly tarmac and therefore suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs so long as they are stable and not flimsy. Just take someone strong with you for the pushes up the hills!!
The Fishing boats are available for hire and no fishing licence or your own kit is required. All kit is available to hire and fishing is permitted until an hour after dusk. Perfect for those solitary contemplative moments or when you need to get beyond shouting distance of the other half!

The reservoir has a very good visitors centre that sells some very unusual cards and gifts and until recently had a very high standard if costly cafeteria. This has sadly closed down but another should be opening soon I believe.

The wildlife that can be seen from the perimeter walk frequently astounds me. I have seen egrets, all manner of water fowl, falcons and on one astounding occasion a black swan on the surface of the water. It is exceptionally educational for children and I would love to take my niece to point various different things out to her. sadly though it is far to far to take her.
Dogs are not allowed around the perimeter of the lake, which initially i was incredibly disappointed in, but thinking about it it actually makes sense. The amount of life, both wild and human (and occasionally wildly human) would put the dogs at too much risk of complaints re duck chasing and pooping by irresponsible owners allowing them to do such things.
Outside of the perimeter track though is a rather large country park, perfect for picnics, frisbee, and letting fido have a massive jolly with a ball. Just please please, sensible dooyooer people, don't take the woofbark to the country park then go for a long walk leaving him in the car.

So, to conclude. Draycote is a must visit for all, anytime of the year, whenever the fancy takes you. My fancy takes me mainly on still and crisp autmn or winter mornings when the abundance of colour in the surroundings is simply breathtaking in its natural beauty. Running the 5 miles around the perimeter is sheer enjoyable Angela time. walking it could be sheer enjoyable family time.

(ok, technical bit coming up here now)
There is a massive amount of car parking available at the site at a cost of £1.50 for an unlimited stay. the visitors centre is open from 10-6 between april and october
All other details can be found on http://www.moretoexperience.co.uk/server.php?show= nav.6004

Summary: very well worth a visit even if it is a bit of a drive away