Rudyard Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Rudyard Lake
image_lake = Reflectionrudyard.jpg
caption_lake =
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location = Staffordshire
coords = coord|53|8|10|N|2|5|10|W|type:waterbody_region:GB|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow =
outflow = Caldon Canal
catchment =
basin_countries = United Kingdom
length =
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Rudyard Lake is a reservoir in Staffordshire constructed in 1797/8 to feed the Caldon Canal by the Trent and Mersey Canal company. On June 26 1846 the North Staffordshire Railway successfully took over the canal company and lake as part of one of its acts of parliament that resulted in the formation of the North Staffordshire Railway. A claim to fame is that John Lockwood Kipling and Alice Macdonald, parents of Rudyard Kipling, met there on a trip from Burslem. They liked the place so much they named their son after it.

The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway runs narrow gauge steam trains that operate up the East side of the lake on many days throughout the year. Look up their website for details.

The lake is also home to Rudyard Lake Sailing Club and North Staffordshire Rowing Club. Fishing, walking and boat trips are popular attractions. There are also moorings available and electric outboard powered craft are welcome. Kayaking is also popular with many clubs and individuals frequenting the lake each week. It has an excellent visitor centre, toilets and an activity centre. This can be hired for functions or conferences. A popular annual lake festival is held on a Sunday in August. Rudyard also hosts a firework display and organizations such as the Stoke-on-Trent MG classic car club have enjoyed many visits. For walkers it is possible to walk round the lake or to walk part way and start/finish your journey by the steam train. The walk is easy going and the attractions make for an excellent family outing.

Top Gear

It was here that the BBC's motoring show Top Gear held a test in 2006 to see which presenter had designed the best amphibious car. Both Richard Hammond's and Jeremy Clarkson's attempts sank. James May's Triumph Herald however, complete with sail and mast, performed well, despite the almost total absence of the wind. He was also able to drive it out of the water.

References

* http://www.thepotteries.org/did_you/002.htm

External links

* [http://www.rudyardlake.com/ Official Rudyard Lake website]
* [http://www.rudyardlakesc.org.uk/ Rudyard Lake Sailing Club]
* [http://www.nsrc.org.uk/ North Staffordshire Rowing Club]
* [http://www.rlsr.org/ Rudyard Lake Steam Railway website]