Routes

Windsor Great Park

Suit: All ages (lots of opportunity for longer rides for older children)

Terrain: Primarily flat, traffic free, tarmac surface.

Getting There: From Windsor travel on the A308 towards Staines. Go through Old Windsor following signs for “Saville Gardens”. As you pass the Sun pub the entrance to Saville Gardens is in a 1⁄4 mile.

Parking: There is limited free parking for approximately 20 cars on the side of the road just before the main car park. Otherwise the main Saville garden car park is free for the first 90 minutes then £1.50 for the next hour.

Turn right at the entrance to the Saville gardens building. Follow path through the Rhododendron bushes, then as it bears left. At Cumberland gate turn left and follow alongside “Smiths Lawns” and the polo ground. Continue straight on down through the trees.

Keep straight on as the path goes over the bridge in between the two lakes.

There is a small incline now as you head towards the pink gate house at Black Nest Gate. Pedal over the bridge then after 100 yards take the left hand tarmac path which will lead you alongside Virginia Water.

You will be following this path alongside the water for almost 2 miles. There are several picnic spots and places to enjoy the view. Look out for the “leptis Magna” ruins, and just after that the Cascade waterfall which offers an excellent photo opportunity.

Continue following the lake until you reach the Totem Pole. Pass the Pole as the path goes gently uphill through more Rhododendron bushes. At the crossroads follow signs to Saville Gardens. There are again many picnic opportunities at the top by the Obelisk as well as a childs playground. Continue on to return to the car parks.