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 gorgeous lakes and picture postcard flower gardens.
We have a Spring version of this hike when the flowers are out, this is a modified but largely the same route for Autumn to see the changing colours of the trees if you come in October or November. In December and January instead you can see the leaf scattered paths and winter colours, we have also extended this hike to visit Virginia Water
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, tranquil rivers, several lakes and ponds and of course the enchanting Valley Gardens.
Please note, this is less rural than our usual hikes and is based entirely within a landscaped Royal Park, much of it on tarmac tracks.
HIGHLIGHTS
• See the mighty and ancient Windsor Castle from outside
• 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
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 on towards Virginia Water - a stunning lake originally created as a Royal pleasure ground. It is here that we discover the magnificent Valley Gardens - a landscaped serious of valleys covered in flowers and a simply breath taking sight.
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 stop to admire the spectacular mile long tree lined avenue into the distance towards Windsor Castle before heading back in town.
MEETING POINT
Paddington station 8:10am, leave at 8:30am for the 8:48am train. Meet at the entrance of the main ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 5:59pm (you are committed until then)
GUIDE - GRAHAM 07796 098487 (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 (24km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 280m
Hiking time: 6 to 6.5 hours
Convenience Breaks (WC): Mid hike, pub at end or train back
COST & PAYMENT
£31 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Check out” to join.
Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
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
Instagram 📸
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Facebook page & Photos group
TERMS AND CONDITIONS - By signing up or attending you agree to these
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2025 E & OE
