Windsor Great Park provides 4800 acres to explore, with an endless combination of routes that offer level running, uphill gradients and woodland tracks.
Whether you’re a beginner who needs inspiration to dust off your old trainers, or a regular runner that’s looking to experience a different challenge and a fresh experience with every visit – you’ll find a run that’s perfectly suited to you within Windsor Great Park. Here are just a couple of our recommended routes:
The avenue of the Long Walk offers just over 2.5 miles (4.2km) of tarmac path to run along, from Windsor Castle - the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world - to the top of Snow Hill. Set your pace and enjoy a gentle incline that gradually climbs higher towards the Copper Horse, where a final push to the statue itself will reward you with exhilarating views. As you stop for a break, look out across the tree canopies and Windsor rooftops, where you can also see Eton College and the arch at Wembley stadium in the distance.
If you’re looking for a mid-length workout along an even woodland terrain, a 4.5 mile (7 km) run round Virginia Water could be perfect. Begin at Virginia Water Pavilion and then decide whether you’d like to venture left past the Leptis Magna Ruins, or right past the wild forests and flowerbeds of The Valley Gardens. The path around Virginia Water is an exhilarating running route, giving you a chance to take in the impressive heights of the Cascade and the ancient Leptis Magna ruins. And however far you decide to run at Virginia Water, the Pavilion will always be ready and waiting to greet you with a welcome drink and a snack afterwards.
If you feel inspired to test your endurance on an even longer run, why not think about entering the Windsor Half Marathon which takes place in September each year? See our Events page for more information, or please visit the Run Windsor website for more information.
Visit our Opening Times and Parking pages for specific details about each of these locations. Or for a wider explanation about each one, and other practical information, visit the relevant pages in our Explore section - using the links within each Recommended Run description above.
Please note that as you run, you will see a few areas clearly marked 'Private'. Unfortunately, these are not open to the public, but there is still plenty for you to see!
Whether you're a keen runner looking for challenging and varied routes, a dog owner who wants an unrivalled variety of short and longer walks, or a family looking for a place to enjoy nature and history there is a membership type to suit you.
Useful information to help make your visit informative and enjoyable.
