Rudyard Lake
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rudyard Lake is a reservoir in Staffordshire constructed in 1797/8 to feed the Trent and Mersey Canal. A claim to fame is that John Lockwood Kipling and Alice Macdonald, parents of Rudyard Kipling met there and 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.
The lake is also home to Rudyard Lake Sailing Club and North Staffordshire Rowing Club. Fishing, walking and boat trips are popular attractions. 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. It is possible to walk round the lake or to walk part way and start/finish your journey by the steam train.
[edit] 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 sunk with hilarious consequences. 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, much to the annoyance of Richard and Jeremy.
