Rudyard Lake Navy of manned warships

THE RUDYARD LAKE NAVY

Rudyard lake is unusual in that it has its own navy which can be seen regularly on patrol. Current strength is a frigate, a battleship and hunter killer submarine.

These unusual and very realistic ships are the work of a Macclesfield boat builder- Kittiwake Boats. Click here to go to the boat builders website for more information

With a crew of one or two hidden inside they can sometimes be seen when on their patrols up the lake.

Battleship King George V has a crew of 2

Battleship King George V on patrol

The submarine in particular can seem very spooky as it silently makes its way up and down the lake.

Hunter Killer Submarine

Hunter Killer Submarine heads up the lake

The submarine has a crew of one who lies flat to sail the vessel. It has a flap at the front which allows the owners dog to exit the inside and sail up the lake at the bow.

This submarine can also fire rockets and has the distinction of scoring a direct hit on the radar array of a real Russian warship whilst attending a naval display at Portsmouth.

Battleship King George V

The battleship is a model of King George V a second world war battleship which saw action in many theatres of the war. The model is about 24 feet long and has a crew of 2. the crew sit back to back and can see out through gauze covered slits. The model is powered by an electric motor with forward and reverse speeds.

The guns can fire and rockets can be launched. Its great fun to sail in and really looks the part. A particular treat is to silently steal up on unsuspecting rowing boats on the lake.

Batlleship passes the railway signal box

King George V at sea passing Lakeside Loop signal box and the view inside of the crew quarters

HMS Plymouth

This is a model on the Leander class frigate which saw service in the Falklands War. Its about the same size as the battleship and also has a crew of up to 2.

All the boats are powered by electric motors and 12 volt batteries.

CURRENT LAKE ATTRACTIONS

The lake has a trip boat - Honey

Rowing boats

Wildlife abounds

Visitor Centre

Activity Centre

Picnic areas

Cafe's

Boat launching facilities

Fishing

Santa special steam trains run at the lake on Sundays in December

Rudyard lake has become a centre of excellence for sailing for those with disabilities. Sailability is a registered charity. Their attempts to build a boat house to house their boats have been very controversial and debate is still going on about the size and location of the proposed facilities.The lake was the location for an episode of Top Gear where the presenters had to convert cars in to amphibious vehicles. With substantial assistance from the sailing club Captain Slow( James May) triumphed with his sail powered Triumph Herald after both other motor powered craft sank.

Lake History & contacts

Rudyard lake was built in 1797 to provide water for the canal system and is in fact a reservoir rather than a lake. The lake still is a major source of water for the canal system and is owned by British Waterways and managed by the Rudyard Lake Trust.

The ideal way to see the lake is to take a trip on the steam railway which runs along the East shore before terminating alongside the lake at Hunthouse Wood. The main car park for the lake is at Rudyard station and is free.

Ring Pay Perry on 01538 306280 or email the lake at info@rudyardlake.com