On Sunday 7th February, we attracted 18 walkers including Ann and myself [Kathy] plus 1 Labrador - pretty good considering the unsettled weather the day before. We were able to enjoy a dry day, some sunshine and only one short track with mud.
From Cranbourne Gate on tarmac paths we headed round the back of the village, past Prince Consort Workshops then turned up Dukes Lane adjacent to Queen Anne's Walk. At the top were excellent views down to Windsor Castle.
From there, taking a bridal path through woods and lakeside, negotiating muddy tracks we emerged into Virginia Waters, and on good paths to Smith's Lawn passing the Polo Ground and Prince Consort's statue.
We arrived shortly after at Savill Gardens for extended lunch-stop allowing time for refreshment at the café, visit the shop, WC facilities and walk round the gardens, which are free until end of February with much to see with some striking colour bushes and early spring blooms.
Following our break we walked on to Bishopsgate and the deer park. Nearby the gates we were rewarded by a number of majestic stags who posed happily for us.
We then passed the Copper Horse statue which also affords the best views down the Long Walk to the Castle and also saw some more deer and a large hare racing along the adjacent field.
Our last stop was back in the village where at the Royal Post Office several of us enjoyed a welcome warm drink (whilst Greg & Ann had ice-creams!) in the garden before returning back to the car park.
Thank you to Kathy for providing this write-up and the photos.
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