HIKE 23km Windsor Great Park - Castle, Lakes, Flowers, Gardens and Deer Park

This hike is based mainly within the Royal Windsor Great Park and is a gorgeous hike with some history too plus we get to admire Windsor Castle - the largest inhabited castle in the world dating back nearly 1000 years. We explore the King's park surrounding the castle and its stunning 5,000 acres - home to more than 500 deer, some dreamy lakes and picture postcard flower gardens.

We hike along one of the most well known images of the royal grounds - the iconic view down the tree lined Long Walk towards Windsor Castle. Add to this sweeping deer lawns, ancient oak trees, far reaching hill views (you can see central London), tranquil rivers, several lakes and ponds and of course the enchanting flower gardens.

This is a hike we ONLY host in late April/early May - either month can be great for seeing Spring in and the stunning colours of the blossom and flowers.

Please note, this is less rural than our usual hikes and is based entirely within a landscaped Royal Park, often on tarmac tracks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pass the mighty and ancient Windsor Castle
• Explore the exquisite Windsor Great Park home to magnificent ponds, lakes and a deer park
• Discover the spectacular 17th century architecture of Cumberland Lodge
• See the picturesque Virginia Waters Lake - designed to serve as a royal pleasure ground
• Experience the iconic views of “the Long Walk” towards Windsor Castle, where the funeral procession carriage entered Windsor Castle

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Our royal exploration begins in the town of Windsor as we hike right past the spectacular Windsor Castle. We then head along the tree lined 'Long Walk' in the Royal Estate's Windsor Great Park towards the 17th century Cumberland Lodge. The park is full of ancient houses and mansions which act as Grace and Favour homes for members of the family or loyal supporters.

A stroll through a forest then takes us to Obelisk Pond and Wick Pond and and on towards Virginia Water - a stunning lake originally created as a Royal pleasure ground. It is here that we discover the magnificent flowers and blossom of Spring.

Our way back takes us through the deer park and back onto the suitably named “Long Walk” offering truly iconic views towards the castle. We hike along the spectacular mile long tree lined avenue back to Windsor Castle.

MEETING POINT

Paddington station 8:10am, leave at 8:25am for the 8:38am train. Meet at the entrance of the main ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 5:50pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - CORINA 07591 945281 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 15 miles (23km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 230m
Hiking time: 6.0 to 6.5 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£32 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.

Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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