FREE HIKE 24K | Windsor Great Park Circular

Step into history and nature on a relaxed yet rewarding circular hike through Windsor Great Park, one of England’s most iconic royal landscapes.

Stretching across nearly 2,000 hectares of ancient woodland, rolling meadows and tranquil lakes, this breathtaking park was once the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle and today is beautifully cared for by the Crown Estate.

This route is rated easy to moderate, ideal for beginners and intermediate hikers. Paths are mostly flat and well kept, while the distance still offers a satisfying challenge.

We begin in Windsor on the Long Walk, a majestic 2.5-mile avenue with Windsor Castle rising in the distance. Our first landmark is the Copper Horse, the imposing statue of King George III atop Snow Hill, with panoramic views across the park.

Next we wind through shaded trails in The Plantations and along the quiet edges of Obelisk Pond. In autumn the park glows with golden oaks, fiery chestnuts and russet beeches. Continuing south, we glimpse the Valley Gardens, a spectacle of colour throughout the year.

At Virginia Water Lake, we loop the shoreline and visit:

• The Ruins of Leptis Magna, fragments from a Roman city in modern-day Libya
• The Cascade, an ornamental waterfall, picturesque even when dry
• The Totem Pole, a towering gift from Canada carved with intricate detail

After a refreshing stop at the Virginia Water Café, we return via peaceful Cow Pond. Once reshaped in the 18th century by architect William Kent, this ornamental water was designed to mirror the trees and sky and remains a tranquil highlight today.

Finally we retrace the Long Walk, with Windsor Castle dramatically framed ahead, a perfect finale to a day immersed in history and nature.

We finish at Windsor & Eton Central where you can explore the town, relax in a local pub or catch a train home.

🌅 Sunset on 1 November is at 16:30, with civil twilight ending at 17:06, so please bring a head torch in case the group is a little slower than expected.

✅ WHO CAN JOIN:

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Adults aged 21 and over
• 👶 No children
• 🐾 No pets (allergies and phobias)

📅 RSVP POLICY:

• Please RSVP only if you plan to attend and update your response if your plans change. If you need to cancel, try to do so at least 24 hours in advance so others can join.
• Frequent no-shows or late cancellations may lead to being waitlisted for future events.
• We will check in attendees on the day, and those who don’t attend will be marked as no-shows.
• Regular attendees who end up on the waitlist can contact the event host or organiser for priority.
• Thanks for helping keep things fair and running smoothly for everyone! 🌿

🚆 TRAIN COSTS FROM LONDON PADDINGTON:

• Buy a return from London Paddington to Windsor & Eaton Central
• Option 1: £11.05 with a Network Railcard discount
• Option 2: £16.60 (standard adult fare, no discount)
• Option 3: Arrange your own transport.

🚗🅿️💰BY CAR:

• Parking can be expensive and busy (🔺the parking prices in Windsor are increased sharply and unfairly). The Castle Car Park near the station is around 🔺£26.00 for 8 hours (approx). Check current prices here before you set off.

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1:

• 08:30 - Meet at the London Paddington ticket office
• 08:50 - Leave the meeting point and board the train
• 09:08 - Depart London Paddington
• 09:23 - Change at Slough
• Move fast, less than 5 minutes to reach the next platform and board the train!
• 09:30 - Board the train to Windsor & Eton Central
• 09:36 - Arrive at Windsor & Eton Central

📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2:

• 09:40 - Meet at Windsor & Eton Central railway station ticket office

🚶WALK STARTS:

• 09:45 - from Windsor & Eton Central railway station ticket office
• Please don’t be late, we won’t ask a large group to wait for latecomers and will begin the walk without you.

🏁 WALK FINISHES:

• Approximately 16:30 at Windsor & Eton Central railway station

🍔 FOOD:

• Packed lunch after about 3.5 hours of walking, around 15 km (9 miles).

🌳 TOILETS:

• Discreet nature stops if needed before lunch
• Virginia Water Café
• The Savill Garden Shop

👣 STAYING TOGETHER:
Keep others in sight. If you are at the front, pause at junctions; if you are at the back, make sure you can see someone ahead. Depending on pace, it may be dark near the end; bring a head torch.

🎒WHAT TO BRING:

• Packed lunch and snacks
• Water (at least 2 L)
• Sturdy footwear
• Layers and waterproofs
• Sun protection
• Medication and small first aid (Compeed blister plasters)
• Optional walking poles
• Fully charged phone and a small power bank

🚂 RETURN TRAINS:

• 16:49 - Depart Windsor & Eton Central
• 16:55 - Change at Slough
• 17:03 - Train to London Paddington
• 17:20 - Arrive London Paddington

⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:

• Distance: ~24 km (15 miles)
• Walking time: ~5.5 hours
• Total duration: ~6.5 hours (including breaks)
• Ascent/Descent: 274 m / 272 m
• Elevation: max 86 m, min 23 m
• Pace: steady to moderate (5 km/h)
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Terrain: Mostly firm parkland paths, some wide concrete tracks, gravel and woodland trails, with short grassy and sandy sections that may be soft in places.

🥾 Footwear guidance

• ✖️ Heavy boots can be less comfortable on long concrete sections.
• ✔️ Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots suitable for mixed terrain.

📞 CONTACT:

• Message the event host directly via Meetup with any questions.

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⚠️DISCLAIMER:
By joining, you confirm you’ve read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

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CREDITS:
Some images courtesy of Saeideh Babashahi [https://www.pexels.com/@saeideh-babashahi-155343566/gallery/]