Overview

Join others as we connect and socialise out of London for a day walking to Windsor Castle

Come join me as we explore the Lake of Virginia Water Park, the Cascades, Valley Gardens (which overlooks it), Windsor Great Park (a forest and deer park), and the Long Walk to Windsor Castle.

Towards the north of the park, on a rise, is the copper horse statue. From there, the 4km Long Walk, an iconic tree lined path, slopes downhill to Windsor Castle, besides the Thames.

Virginia Water Lake was originally little more than a stream. During World War II, the lake was drained, as its obvious shape provided enemy guidance at night to Windsor and other important military targets in the area. It has been used by the crews for the Harry Potter films for lakeside scenes.

The Cascade, or Waterfall, is also notable. It was constructed from stones brought from Bagshot Heath. They are rumoured to be the remains from a Saxon settlement. From the Cascade a stream runs through a glen and ultimately enters the Thames at Chertsey. By the side of the Cascade, immense stones are arranged to form a cavern known as ‘The Robber’s Cave’.

Hike description

Distance: 17.08km (10.9 miles)

Grading: Easy no steep hills, flat path

Rating: 2 out of 10

Ascent: 189m

Hiking time: About 5.5 to 6.5 hours of actual hiking

There will be two or three 10 to 15 minutes break during our hike, as well as a lunch break where we can have a picnic on the grass. On our arrival to Windsor, you can opt to break up into small groups, a chance for some to visit the castle, this will cost extra to enter, there is a shopping centre, and several eatery joints, or some may wish to walk along the River Thames etc.

MEETING POINT

We will meet at Clapham Junction Train station at 9 am outside Marks and Spencer. We will leave the meeting point at 9:10am for the 09:19 am train.

Planned arrival time back into London of 7:00pm however this time is not guaranteed (we have a group train ticket and you are committed for the day until then).

Please note that this train ticket will allow you to leave from Windsor to London from Windsor and Eton riverside train station.

FOOD

We will stop during the hike for a snack lunch so please bring food and drink. We will visit a pub after the hike where we can get refreshments.

Non refundable

Tickets are non refundable unless the event is cancelled, please note Eventbrite booking fees are non refundable

What to Bring

• Suitable hiking clothes & hiking footwear (ideally hiking boots). Walking type trainers or boots with good grip

Waterproof jacket, trousers and footwear are recommended

• Water (at least 1 and ideally 2 litres)

• Packed lunch/picnic, snacks, Spare fleece or jumper, Small backpack

What’s Included

Return train tickets

A great day out with nature

Exercise

Meeting new people socialising and connecting

Safety

Please come with comfortable footwear and suitable clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers in case of rain

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