Windsor & Eton circular
Saturday 27 September – it so happened that on this very day the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final between the English ‘Red Roses’ and the Canadian team was taking place at the Twickenham stadium. Although the match wasn’t due to kick off until 4pm, the Rugby fever was already very palpable while travelling on an early morning train from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside via Twickenham. The carriages were packed with excited fans; some were in fancy dress and many had rose-decorated headgears, worn by both women and men – that set the scene.
But I must not digress further, after all, I had other plans for the day, namely an eight-mile circular walk from Windsor & Eton Riverside station. So, on this bright, sunny morning fifteen of us started by crossing Windsor Bridge from where one could spot a flock of the ‘Royal Mute Swans’ huddling together by the Promenade, seeking attention from passers-by. We made our way towards Eton College along the High Street, which is lined with attractive houses, quaint cottages and small shops. Eton seems to have stood still in time which adds to its charm.
From Eton College we branched off through narrow lanes towards fields leading us to and beyond the Windsor Railway Viaduct and to Eton Wick village from where a path took us through paddocks to the Jubilee River. This river, ca. 12km long, has been constructed in the late 1990s as a flood-relief Channel to prevent flooding of several nearby towns. Besides its specific purpose it has also been cultivated into a Wetland area. The lower-level paths offer various access points (viewing positions) by the river bank for spotting a variety of birds and water fowl. By the Weir one may be lucky to spot cormorants, geese and swans amongst other species.
Because the shrubs and trees that were planted as saplings many years ago have now grown tall and quite dense, therefore obliterating much of the views across the river, I chose to go up a gentle mount to walk along the top which afforded us better views.
Lunch time – picnickers made use of a couple of picnic tables near the river at Dorney before joining the rest of us at the Palmer Arms pub. After lunch three walkers left our group while the rest of us continued along Court Lane, past the driveway leading up to Dorney Court*. Shortly before reaching the 2.2km long Dorney Lake (it was the venue for the 2012 Olympic & Para-Olympic rowing events) we turned left to follow a cycle path through woods, taking us past a fenced-in site of archaeological interest, with remains of iron bridges dating back to the Bronze age (#). Alas, this site is generally not open to the public to wander around.
When we reached the ‘Friendless Church of St. Mary Magdalene’ I was pleased to see it open. This small 12th century church was threatened with demolition in the early 1980s but was saved and is now maintained by the Friends of Friendless Churches**
Friendless Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Bovney
From there we joined the Thames Path to Bovney Lock, a perfect spot for a short rest and water stop. While we were there a boat was being shunted through, always interesting to watch. The remaining walk continued along the Thames, crossing several small bridges over water inlets. By the time we walked underneath the tunnel of the noisy A332 our final destination was not too far away. But before reaching Windsor & Eton town, the path led us across a large meadow with the majestic Windsor Castle visible first in the distance before rising up in front of our eyes***
Spot the pooch on deck
A332 tunnel art
Back on Windsor Bridge our group split up; some of my walking companions travelled home straight away while a handful joined me for a tea/cake break in a nearby café. Just for the record, by the time most of us had reached our respective homes, the ‘Red Roses’ were crowned champions and had lifted the trophy – a good ending of what was an enjoyable day for me and I hope also for everyone else who’d come with me. Thank you and keep walking!
Sigrid – with thanks to Christine M and Robert for additional photos
*[history of Dorney and Dorney Court https://dorneycourt.co.uk/about/history/]
**[info about St. Mary Magadalene’s ‘Friendless’ Church, Bovney https://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/church/st-mary-magdalene-boveney-buckinghamshire/]
***[info to visit Windsor Castle https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle]
(#) info from a Google search.
