Thames Path, autumn leaves & Windsor ~ 22Km/12 miles

Do this walk because - it takes in historic landmarks, autumn colours along the Thames and Virginia Water, and finishes with stunning views of Windsor Castle and a grand arrival via the Long Walk.

Walk facts
Distance: Approximately 19 km / 12 miles
Duration: Walking time circa 5.5 hours.
Grade: Moderate. We will maintain a steady pace over varied surfaces.
Donation to GOSH: £5 cash on the day
What to take: A packed lunch and plenty of water.
Also, we're not insured, so please have your own insurance for this type of activity.

Walk description
From the station we'll follow the scenic Thames Path to the historic site of Runnymede. Leaving the Thames Path we'll head for Virginia Water where we'll take a break for lunch. Toilets & café are available here.

After lunch, we'll continue our walk through Virginia Water to admire the autumn colours and enjoy a magnificent view of Windsor Castle from the bronze statue, often referred to as The Copper Horse

From the statue, we'll follow the iconic 'Long Walk' all the way into Windsor, where we can relax with a well-earned drink. From here, its a short walk to one of the two nearby railway stations.

Meeting at
Datchet railway station. We'll be outside the station exit holding a GOSH banner, please see the photo below.
Meeting time: 10.25 am. We'll leave at 10.30 am.

TRAVEL
by train
The day starts at Datchet station and finishes in Windsor.
Buy a day Return to Windsor & Eton Riverside station. It will cost £17.80 but with Groupsave or a Network Railcard, it's £11.85 (as of 19/8/25).
From London: catch the 9.33 am from London Waterloo arriving Datchet at 10.24 am.
Coming back: there are 2 trains an hour going back to London from
Windsor.

Plan your route: TFL and The Trainline

If you're driving there is a car park at Datchet railway station & also near Windsor & Eton Riverside railway station. A train between these stations runs at 30 minute intervals with a journey time under 5 minutes.

Limited spaces will be available in a car traveling from Reading to Datchet. Message Carl R for information.

KEY INFORMATION
YOU MUST READ THE THREE SECTIONS BELOW - if you join this trip, you're confirming that you have.

1. The perilous bit
2. Our FAQs, including an explanation of Group save tickets which will save you money.
3. See here for what to wear and take. Specifically make sure you bring good hiking boots and that you are ready for muddy conditions . Please - no trainers, they are not suitable for walking in the wintry muddy conditions.

AND FINALLY

• We're raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

We’ll deduct Meetup fees but all the profits will go to GOSH. After each hike, we’ll let you know exactly how much we’ve all raised. And if you’d like to join us and raise money by leading some hikes, please get in touch – the more the merrier 😊