On Sunday 4th December, eight of us (including one newcomer) turned up in sunny Windsor for an eleven-mile walk. This was the day after our Christmas party and I reckon some of us woke up slightly worse for wear and didn't make it to the walk. I was in two minds about going when I woke up but I soon felt better once I got out there in the fresh air and sunshine.
This was a repeat of a walk that Greg had led for us a couple of years ago, and it started from the car park at the railway end of Alma Road. We skirted past Alexandra Gardens and made our way to Windsor Castle, where we joined The Long Walk, which we followed all the way to the Copper Horse (a statue of George III on horseback) on Snow Hill.
Last time we did this walk, we were passed by Her Majesty the Queen, driving a car along The Long Walk. No such brush with royalty this time.
Turning left at the statue, we headed out of Windsor Great Park via Bishopsgate and headed east towards Runnymede. On our way, we stopped of to look at the John F Kennedy memorial, which was jointly dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II and Jacqueline Kennedy in May 1965.
Following the 50 long steps down to Runnymede itself, some of us wandered over to look at the Magna Carta Monument while others examined the Juror's Chairs. An art installation of twelve bronze chairs commissioned last year to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta.
Making our way down to the Thames Path we headed north-west, past the Runnymede Boathouse and stopped to eat our packed lunches at some convenient benches by the Thames.
After lunch, we popped in to the Bells of Ouzeley for a warming drink before continuing the walk. The remainder of the walk followed the Thames Path for several miles back to Windsor. The path swaps from one side of the river to the other at various bridges, and leaves the riverside altogether to pass through Datchet.
Good views of Eton College and Windsor Castle were seen as we crossed The Home Park. Passing Romney Lock, the Thames Path led us back into Windsor as the sun was setting.
It was about 4 O'clock and the fun fair on Alexandra Park was heaving with activity. Our newcomer said goodbye to us to wander round and look for a present for his son. A few of us couldn't resist the temptation to have a go on the dodgem cars. It was great fun!
After our little diversion, we were soon back at the car park where we'd started. See our route on Google Maps.
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