La Longue Marche - Windsor Great Park : Guide Complet et Carte

If you’re looking for a walk that combines open green space, historical landmarks, and impressive views, La longue marche de Windsor est un excellent choix. Commençant juste à l'extérieur des portes du château de Windsor, cet itinéraire offre une promenade facile mais gratifiante à travers l'une des régions les plus emblématiques de la campagne britannique. Dans ce guide, vous trouverez tout ce dont vous avez besoin pour planifier la journée parfaite.

In this blog post, we follow the route from the Deer Park to Windsor Castle, but the walk works just as well in reverse, with the added bonus of a great lunch spot waiting at the finish.

Logistics of the Long Walk

Map of the Long Walk

Do you want to do this walk? Download the GPS map for free by clicking on the button below. Learn how to upload it onto your navigation app by following my step-by-step guide ici.

Highlights of the Long Walk

The Long Walk & Deer Park

Now we covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!

Grand parc de Windsor

We start our walk in Windsor Great Park, at Bishop’s Gate. Tucked on the edge of the royal town of Windsor, the park covers over 4,800 acres of historic parkland, ancient woodland, gardens, and lakes. Once the private hunting ground of Norman kings, it now forms part of the Crown Estate and is open to the public—offering a rare blend of wild nature and royal heritage.

Several areas of the park are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their rich biodiversity and rare habitats. It holds one of the highest concentrations of ancient oak trees in northern Europe, some more than 1,000 years old. These veteran trees support countless species of insects, fungi, and birds, contributing to the park’s ecological importance. You’ll also find wetland areas, especially near Virginia Water and Obelisk Pond, where reed beds and open water attract wading birds, amphibians, and dragonflies.

As you enter the park, you’ll see an iron gate flanked by pink-walled gate lodges. The gate marks the entrance to a private section of the park. To reach the Deer Park, turn right just before the gate.

The Deer Park

Push through the gate in front of you and enter the Deer Park. This striking part of the landscape is a legacy of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who served as Ranger of the park for over 70 years. In 1979, he oversaw the reintroduction of red deer, which had been absent since the Second World War. To make space, hundreds of acres of unproductive farmland were turned into pasture, restoring natural habitats and supporting local wildlife.

The herd began with forty hinds and two stags brought from the Balmoral Estate, and has since grown to around 500 red deer. From a conservation perspective, the Deer Park plays a vital role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance. The deer control vegetation through grazing, which prevents overgrowth and helps preserve the park’s open, natural character.

You’ll likely spot the deer as you cross the rolling landscape. They’re used to visitors, but please keep a respectful distance.

Contenu connexe : Tamsin Trail in Richmond Park

Snow Hill

As you leave the Deer Park, a statue begins to appear in the distance. Perched high on Snow Hill stands the Copper Horse, a dramatic equestrian statue of King George III. His son, George IV, commissioned the statue, and Sir Richard Westmacott completed it in 1831. Despite the name, the statue is made of bronze. George III is shown as a Roman emperor, wearing a toga and laurel wreath, pointing toward Windsor Castle, his favourite royal residence.

The statue stands on a massive stone plinth designed by architect Jeffry Wyatville. At its base, a Latin inscription reads: “To George the Third, the best of fathers, King George [IV]”—a touching gesture, despite their well-known tensions.

Turn right in front of the statue to join the Long Walk toward Château de Windsor.

The Long Walk

The Long Walk is a perfectly straight, tree-lined avenue stretching 2.64 miles (4.25 km) between Windsor Castle and Snow Hill. It’s one of the park’s most recognisable features and steeped in royal history. While today it feels like a peaceful walking route, it was originally built to impress.

According to legend, Henry VIII once stood on Snow Hill awaiting news of Anne Boleyn’s execution. But it was King Charles II, after the Restoration in 1660, who formalised the avenue. Inspired by the grand designs of Versailles, where he lived during his exile, Charles acquired land to link Windsor Castle with the wider park. He ordered the planting of double rows of elm trees—more than 1,800 in total—to create the dramatic processional route.

Later, in 1710, Queen Anne replaced the central path with a road so royal carriages could use it. Today, it remains a favourite with both locals and visitors.

Château de Windsor

As you approach Windsor Castle, you’ll pass two distinct gate lodges: the first in red brick at Double Gate, and the second, white-painted, at Long Walk Gate. Near the castle, the path becomes busier, with visitors stopping to take photos by the entrance.

And for good reason: Windsor Castle isn’t just the largest inhabited castle in the world—it’s also the oldest, with more than 900 years of royal history. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it was strategically placed to guard the western approach to London. Since then, 40 monarchs have lived here.

The castle has evolved from a Norman fortress into the Gothic palace we see today. It’s been the site of royal weddings, endured sieges and fires, and continues to serve as an official residence for King Charles III. It’s also the final resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II.

And this is where our walk ends. From here, you can head to either of Windsor’s two train stations for your journey home. Or, if you started the walk at the castle—as I recommend—you’re just a short walk from The Fox and Hounds in Egham, a great spot for lunch before catching the bus back.

Happy Discovery!

FAQ

Final Thoughts on the Long Walk in Windsor

Whether you’re drawn by the royal history, the open views, or the chance to spot deer in the wild, La longue marche de Windsor offers a memorable and accessible day out. It’s a route that combines heritage with nature, and it’s easy to reach from London—making it a great option for a weekend walk. Whichever direction you choose to walk it, you’re in for a scenic, peaceful, and surprisingly grand experience.

Cette promenade vous plaît ? Épinglez-la !