The Reboot :Segment 5: Shepperton to Windsor

What is this?

The re-boot fifth-leg of the 180 mile walk to the source of the Thames, for people who started these walks this year.

This leg finally takes us out of the Greater London area (within the M25). The highlight of this walk is of course the chance of bumping into the Queen (and her dogs) when she is taking them out on a stroll in the Windsor park. A large stretch of the walk is along the Windsor parkwith the Windsor Castle visible at the far distance.

Meeting time and Meeting-point.

Meeting time is 11:00 am at the Shepperton Station, Outside the station in the Car Park, look out for a large group of people.

This time has been chosen to coincide with the arrival time of the 9:48 am train from Waterloo to Shepperton. The Train will arrive Shepperton at 10:57 am.

The Walk and Route

The walk is not intended to be a guided walk, everyone is free to walk at their own pace, and the job of the designated group leaders is to make sure the group loosely hangs around together in smaller clusters.

The path, is all along the river, it criss-crosses the river. Half the way is along the south side and the other half on the north. Starting from Shepperton we walk along the north side until Staines then cross over to the other side to runnymeade, just before the Windsor park we cross again to the north and walk on the other side of the park, cross again to walk inside the park and keep on the south side until we reach Windsor town. .

Pit Stops and Lunch

There will be one major lunch stop, at the Slug and Lettuce in Staines. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/f/3/event_47397331.jpeg

The Slug and Lettuce

Unit 3/4 Thames Edge, 15-18 Clarence Street, Staines, TW18 4SU

Tel: 01784 456914

For the benefit of some who may need these here is a list of public toilets along the way, of course we will still find many pubs along the way, where you can also do the needful.

· Eton Court car park

· Windsor

· Romney Lock

· Old Windsor Lock

· Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

· Staines

· Penton Hook Lock

· Laleham Park, Thameside

Apres Walk drinks

The walk finishes at

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/1/6/f/event_47397711.jpeg

Royal Oak

Datchet Road, Old Windsor, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1PD 01753 865179 ()

The pub is next to one of the Windsor & Eton Riverside Stations.

How far is it and when will I get there.
The total distance is 14 Miles

Note this is a longer route than the previous 4 segments.

Shepperton Station to the Shepperton Lock = 1 Mile

Shepperton Lock to Staines = 5.5 miles

Staines to Runnymead = 2.0 miles

Runnymead to Windsor = 5.0 miles

Expect to reach there between 4:00 pm and 5:00pm

Getting Home

There are frequent trains from Windsor Riverside and Windsor Central to Paddington and to Waterloo. We can again group together in 4s to take advantage of the 4 for 2 offer.

FAQ

What do I need to bring?
Suitable footware and clothing. Hiking boots are still not required, although they always help. The walk will go ahead even if the weather is horrible. Drinks, chocolate to share, something for lunch. Money for a pint at the end

What if I cant make it?
Please change your RSVP to "no" as soon as you decide you can’t make it.

What if I am late?
Last group will be leaving the meeting point at 10:45. If you are delayed beyond that, you will be on your own, but you can try and catch up with along the route.

Can I do only part of the walk?
Yes. You can quit however there is only one place along the way where you can quite, this is at Staines , after that getting transport will be more difficult. .

Can I join the walk at half way say at mid-day ?
This will be logistically quite difficult, but you can always try. The best place to meet us will be at the Lunch stop, Slug and Lettuce in Staines

What if I get lost?
You can text the group leader, and if finding the group proves to be too disruptive and painful, head for the nearest train station go home. The best places to find your way back is at Staines.

What if it rains or the weather is bad?
The walk will be on rain or shine, make sure you get enough waterproof clothing.