The Long Walk

A Royal Avenue Through Time

The Long Walk stands as one of Britain's most celebrated ceremonial pathways, a magnificent tree-lined avenue stretching 2.65 miles through the heart of Windsor Great Park. Created during the reign of King Charles II in the 1680s as part of grand landscaping improvements to the royal estate, this iconic route was designed to connect Windsor town centre directly to Windsor Castle, serving both as a processional way and a recreational landscape. The avenue is lined with mature trees that create a natural cathedral of greenery, particularly striking in spring when new foliage emerges and in autumn when the canopy transforms into shades of gold and crimson.

Walking Through the Deer Park

As you traverse The Long Walk, you pass through the historic Deer Park, a landscape feature that has existed for over a thousand years. This ancient hunting ground, once favoured by Saxon kings, remains home to a population of fallow and muntjac deer that roam freely across the open grasslands. The deer add an element of wild beauty to the experience, though visitors should maintain a respectful distance. The park's open vistas alternate with wooded sections, creating a dynamic landscape that reveals different perspectives of Windsor Castle as you progress along the route. The Copper Horse, an equestrian statue of King George III, stands prominently at the midpoint, serving as both a landmark and a testament to the royal connections that define this landscape.

Legends and Mystique

Windsor Great Park, through which The Long Walk passes, is shrouded in mystery and legend. For over a thousand years, the story of Herne the Hunter has captivated imaginations—a ghostly figure said to appear wearing the antlers of a stag, riding a phantom black stallion at the head of a pack of black hounds. According to local lore, Herne's apparition gallops through the park to warn of times of trouble, only to vanish into thin air. These tales add a layer of intrigue to your walk, particularly during twilight hours when the ancient forest takes on an atmospheric quality.

A Landscape for All Seasons

The Long Walk offers distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring brings bluebells and fresh growth, summer provides cool shade beneath the mature trees, autumn delivers spectacular colour, and winter reveals the skeletal beauty of the woodland structure and distant castle views. The route is well-maintained and accessible, with the main path clearly marked and suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The terrain is generally flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible to visitors of varying fitness levels, though the full 2.65-mile walk requires a reasonable level of stamina.

Gateway to Windsor Castle

While The Long Walk itself is free to access, it serves as the primary pedestrian gateway to Windsor Castle, one of the world's most iconic royal residences. Many visitors use the walk as an approach to the castle, enjoying the gradual reveal of this magnificent structure as they progress along the avenue. The castle views from various points along The Long Walk are particularly striking, with the Bishopsgate entrance providing some of the most photogenic perspectives. The walk can be completed in approximately 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace, though many visitors spend considerably longer, pausing to appreciate the landscape and wildlife.

Integration with Windsor Great Park

The Long Walk forms a crucial part of the broader Windsor Great Park experience, which encompasses 1,942 hectares of historic landscapes, gardens, and recreational facilities. The park itself is free to enter, though certain attractions such as The Savill Garden and Adventure Play carry separate admission fees. Throughout Windsor Great Park, visitors will find cafés, gift shops, and visitor facilities, with the main park open daily from 7 am to sunset. The Long Walk connects seamlessly to other park features, allowing visitors to extend their experience beyond the avenue itself and explore the wider estate.