Historic Runnymede, Great Windsor Park and Castle, River Thames, 19km

Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
(Meetup charges me to maintain this group!)

Transport (train):
The 8.54am train from London Victoria reaches Datchet at 9:52am. The journey takes 58min with 1 change at Clapham Junction.
The 9:08 train from London Paddington reaches Datchet at 9:56am. The journey takes 48min with 3 changes at Slough, Windsor & Eton Central, and Windsor & Eton Riverside.
As of 10 December 2025, an Off-Peak Day Return costs £17.40 (please do your own research). You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.

Transport (car share): I'll be driving from Ealing, West London and have space for 4 passengers. Please contact me directly if you'd like to car share.

Hike description:
Enjoy a tranquil hike along the River Thames to historic Runnymede, the birthplace of democracy. This is where one of the most important events in British history took place - the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, the first constitutional document in the world.

Runnymede has several historic sites dominated by American monuments - we'll see the Memorial to Magna Carta from the American Bar Association, and the John F Kennedy Memorial which was opened by the Queen in 1965 (this acre of land was given to the United States by the people of Britain). Runnymede was chosen due to its connection with freedom, justice and human liberty and links to the American constitution.

As we leave Runnymede behind, we enter Great Windsor Park, a Royal Park with 5,000 acres of parkland, including a Deer Park. Soak up the iconic view of the Long Walk from the famous Copper Horse statue of King George III – we'll walk this path to Windsor Castle which you'll see straight ahead in the distance.

Browse around Windsor, where we have the option to grab some refreshments before making our way back along the river to complete the loop.

Start time: 10:00am

Start location: Datchet train station

End time: approx 4:30pm

End location: Datchet train station

Length: 19km

Ascent: 140m

Time: approx 6.5 hrs walking time. It’s not possible to be specific as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.

Pace: a reasonable moderate pace; we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun, friendly day. The hike does not have too much ascent and it's along good paths.

What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.