Ascot to Windsor, around Reading

An interesting walk on good paths following the route of the royal procession from Ascot through Windsor Great Park and offering a 'surprise' view of Windsor Castle.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Around Reading

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.23 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 3h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 80 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 107 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 84 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 28 m

Description de la randonnée

Start : Ascot Train Station (SL5 9EG) Grid ref. SU 922 682

(S) From the station subway, go South (in opposite direction to the footpath to the Racecourse) and follow the road as it bears left (East) to reach main A330.

(1) Turn right and immediately left to cross into Oliver Road. At St George's Lane turn left (North) under the railway bridge and at a bye-way junction keep ahead on the rising ground to join a road (Wells Lane). Carry straight along the lane to cross the busy A329 with care to the A330.

(2) As Ascot race course comes into view ahead on the left, turn right into an enclosed footpath alongside the old straight mile.

After 840m or so, turn left at junction and pass the Golden Gates with the royal crest, formerly used by the Queen's procession during the Royal Ascot Race Meeting in June. The more modest white-painted gates currently used are soon to be seen on the left.

(3) At the road junction bear left into Watersplash Lane.

Or, for refreshment, keep right along road to the 400 year old Thatched Tavern, just past Green Lane. To re-join walk go up Green lane and re-Join Watersplash Lane. Turn right.

(4) On reaching the B383 turn left (North) and cross road to enter Windsor Great Park by the Ascot gate. Bear right on the main drive through Prince Consort's Gate into Duke's Lane, lined with ancient oak trees. After a mile keep ahead over the cross track.

(5) Soon bear right at the next crossing track. Keep right at next junction and reach complicated junction by the Chaplain's Lodge.

(6) Here turn sharp left on the less obvious path leading downhill through trees. Pass to the right of ox pond and emerge from trees, with the Royal Lodge soon coming into view on the right. This was a favourite residence of the late queen mother. Cross the ride and pass through the deer fence into a wide mown strip leading to the Copper Horse.

(7) This imposing statue, which marks the highest point in the park on Snow Hill, was commissioned by George IV in memory of his father, George III. Enjoy the magnificent vista before sweeping down towards Ascot Windsor Castle on The Long Walk between the double rows of London planes and horse chestnuts, particularly lovely in late May when the chesnuts trees are in bloom.

(8) Pass through the deer fence and carefully cross the A308, continuing to the castle itself before turning out of the Park through Park St Gate.

(9) Go up Park St to enter the historic town of Windsor with its many attractions and Windsor Castle entrance. (E)

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 65 m - Ascot Train Station
  2. 1 : km 0.34 - alt. 62 m - Main A330
  3. 2 : km 1.56 - alt. 79 m - Enclosed footpath
  4. 3 : km 2.98 - alt. 69 m - Road junction - Watersplash Lane
  5. 4 : km 3.8 - alt. 58 m - B383
  6. 5 : km 6.12 - alt. 65 m - Path junction
  7. 6 : km 6.87 - alt. 84 m - Chaplain's Lodge - Sharp turn
  8. 7 : km 7.91 - alt. 78 m - Snow Hill
  9. 8 : km 10.68 - alt. 28 m - Deer fence - A308
  10. 9 : km 11.83 - alt. 32 m - Park St
  11. E : km 12.23 - alt. 38 m - Windsor Castle entrance

Practical information

Start : Ascot Train Station (SL5 9EG) Grid ref. SU 922 682

Train to return to the start : From the Castle entrance, follow the signs to the stations. Go to Central Station for trains to Reading and Paddington via Slough or to Riverside Station for trains to Reading and Waterloo via Staines.

Map: Map OS Explorer 160

Find more information and walks at Round Reading Walks website here.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.