19 May 2012 Windsor Great Park Inspire Short Walk:


This page shows details of the 19 May 2012 free public taster walk from Windsor Great Park, The Village Post Office. There is a change to the location of the town bus stop detailed below if using the White Bus. Other walks are listed here.

19 May 2012, Saturday. Windsor Great Park. 8 miles.  Start 11.10am in Windsor Great Park, The Village Post Office (stores), GR SU953723. Use White Bus service from stop B, Charles Street (formerly stop was in Peascod Street), Windsor departing at 10.55am. No return bus but possible car share or walk back to Windsor. Drivers use official free car park at Cranbourne Gate, off the A322 (SU947728) and walk to The Village. Route includes The Long Walk, Copper Horse, Valley Gardens, Totem Pole. Just before the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and with Valley Gardens floral displays. The Great Park was used for the 1948 Olympic Road Cycle Race route, part of which is included. Bring your own picnic lunch. Leader: Linda Ashwell, 07776 12666.

Walk description:  In the 1948 Olympics the Road Cycle Race route was in Windsor Great Park, some of which is included. In May, just before the Royal Diamond Jubilee weekend, the Valley Gardens should be almost at their best, with floral fireworks from the rhododendrons and azaleas. The walk includes the Totem Pole and Copper Horse statue at the end of the Long Walk, with views all the way to Windsor Castle gates. Surfaces are mostly hard or sandy tracks, but some steps and grass in the Valley Gardens. The are very few road crossings.

London 2012 Games sites/Olympic links: The 1948 Olympic Road Cycle Race was held within Windsor Great Park and parts of this route are included.

Promoted walking routes used (LDPs): The Three Castles Path uses the Long Walk and passes Ox Pond before turning west near Cumberland Lodge.

Distance and elevation: 8 miles, some mostly gentle ascents and descents.

Duration (approximate): about 5-6 hours based on 2mph plus stops and commentary.

Assembly area: Meet outside the Village Post Office stores and cafe (toilets) at GR SU953723. Use White Bus service from stop B in Charles Street (formerly stop was in Peascod Street), Windsor departing at 10.55am, see below for walking route from Central Station to bus stop. No return bus but possible car share or walk back to Windsor. Drivers use official free car park at Cranbourne Gate, off the A322 (SU947728) and walk to The Village - about 900m.

Facilities: Toilet at Village Post Office, and some picnic food available here - please carry your own picnic lunch. Toilets also within the Valley Gardens.

Public transport: Windsor is served by trains to both Central (via Slough) and Riverside stations from London, and by coach and bus services. At Central station toilets in station shop area. Once in Windsor the White Bus service No 1 leaves from stop B Charles Street (formerly stop was in Peascod Street). To walk to this bus stop from the Queen Victoria statue opposite Windsor Central station, walk west down Peascod Street (directly opposite the statue) about 300m, turn right along Oxford Road East about 50m and turn left into Charles Street. The stop is called Stop B, Windsor Town Centre, Charles Street and is marked on google maps. The GR of the bus stop is SU964766. Allow about 10mins from Central and 15mins from Riverside stations - from Riverside to Central station walk up the hill to the main Castle entrance opposite Central station (Castle on left)..


Route Gallery:


Page version information: Updated for change to White Bus stop location.