On Saturday 20th January we tried an experiment - a joint cycle ride and walk. Not a new form of biathlon, but a choice of riding or walking, giving the cyclists in our group a chance to show off their machinery. Despite the persistent rain and very low temperature, we had eleven walkers and five cyclists meeting up at the Rangers Gate car park at Windsor Great Park.
I led the walkers on a ten mile walk within the park, while Sue and Colin led the cyclists on a much longer route that included the park and the surrounding area.
We (the walkers) set off first as one of the cyclists was doing an emergency repair, but they soon overtook us and we didn't see them again until lunch time. Their route passed through the park and then off to Ascot, before returning to the park by Virginia Water and stopping at the Cumberland Obelisk.
We headed south, past the Village and along Duke's Lane through the park until we reached Virginia Water. First following the southern bank of the lake, near China Island, we then crossed the bridge and walked through the heathland of Temple Bungalow. Crossing another bridge, we followed the lakeside path between the Valley Gardens and the northern bank of Virginia Lake until we reached the Canadian Totem Pole.
Here we stopped to take a look at this 100 foot tall carved wooden structure. Some of us had a quick snack or a coffee from a flask. Leaving the lakeside, we made our way north, through woodland and rhododendrons, to Obelisk Pond. Skirting around the pond, we reached the picnic area by the Cumberland Obelisk, where the cyclists were waiting for us.
After comparing notes, we had our picnic lunches and then went our separate ways. The cyclists rode off towards Old Windsor and Eton before heading up through Windsor, past the castle.
We headed off toward Snow Hill and the Copper Horse statue, via Cumberland Lodge. Looking down the Long Walk from Snow Hill, we couldn't see Windsor Castle at all. The drizzly, misty weather totally obscured the view. We returned to the car park via the Village and the Ranger's Lodge. Just as we were in sight of the car park, we saw the cyclists returning. What incredible timing!
Soaking wet, but quite pleased with ourselves, we changed out of our muddy boots and waterproofs while chatting about our first joint walk and cycle ride. It seemed to have gone well, despite the weather. Perhaps we'll do another one later in the year. See our walking route and our cycle route.
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