(Updated on 09/11/2022)
Our walks generally start and finish close to Slough and the pace is leisurely on good paths. The distance walked is between 4 and 5 miles. We generally follow good, level paths and we include a café or tea shop giving an opportunity to relax for a cuppa and a chat on the way. You can expect each walk – including a tea stop – to take about 2 hours.
We share our walks with the local Windsor & District Ramblers Group. Please check their website for the complete list of walks and for details of the Ramblers charity.
Anyone will be welcome to join us for a walk – you don’t need to be a member of the U3A or of the Ramblers. We’ll ask you to become a member if you want to come walking with us regularly.
For all walks, please check the weather forecast on the day, and wear suitable clothing. All walks are likely to be muddy, so walking shoes are recommended.
Our regular walking program comprises:
· Second Wednesday of each month – a short walk of between 2 and 4 miles starting from a location near Slough which varies each month.
· Third Wednesday of each month – a walk of about 5 miles starting in Datchet, which follows part of the Thames Path through Old Windsor and has a coffee break at the Windsor Farm Shop.
· Last Wednesday of each month – A 5 mile walk starting in Dorney which follows the Thames to Boveney and skirts the Rowing Lake on the return leg. At the end of the walk is an opportunity for a snack at the Dorney Garden Centre
Here are some of our walks from previous years:-
Eton Wick and Eton
Starting from the free playing fields car park on Haywards Mead in Eton Wick, near the village hall and shops. Postcode SL4 6LT. Grid Reference SU 947 784.
We walk along the Thames Path into Eton, where we enjoy a Costa stop and return past the church across fields. 4 miles. Could be muddy.
Runnymede in mid-summer. (Slough U3A)
Leisurely 3 to 4 miles. At Runnymede, park in the National Trust Car Park – NT members can park free, others pay and display. Meet outside the Visitor Centre.
This walk is mostly level, taking in a stretch of the Thames, Langham’s Pond which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Magna Carta Memorial and the Jurors. Some parts are likely to be muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear
The Thames at Datchet
Leisurely 4 miles (2 miles for short option).
Meet outside Datchet Library (8 Horton Rd, SL3 9ER). Nearby parking in the pay-and-display Horton Road Car Park is 20p for 2 hours. Grid reference SU988770 or if you’re using Google it’s FCMC+FV
We’ll walk through the picturesque village of Datchet and follow the Thames path approximately 2 miles as far as Windsor, where we’ll have a tea break. This walk coincides with the Windsor Horse Show so it should be interesting!
This is an uneven path which can be muddy, with some steps; we return on a more direct route.
There’s an alternative option to hop on a train for the return from Windsor to Datchet.
New Members’ Walk (Windsor & District Ramblers)
Leisurely 5 miles / 8.1 km Meet in the car park in Langley Country Park, Billet Lane, SL0 0LT (pay and display). Grid TQ016821, Google GFH7+V7.
A warm welcome to new members and friends, although everybody is welcome. A circular walk across both country parks, with refreshments in the cafe about half way round. The walk is fairly flat and no stiles.
Bluebells in Rowley Wood. (Slough U3A)
Leisurely 3 miles
Meet in the car park at Black Park (pay & display) for a walk to admire the bluebells in Rowley Wood, which should be on display at this time of year. We’ll walk for about 3 miles and return to Black Park where we can enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cafés.
The route is level on forest tracks which can sometimes be muddy, so please make sure that you are wearing reasonably robust shoes.
Daffodil Walk – Upton to Eton (Slough U3A)
Leisurely 4 miles. This walk starts in Upton Court Park; it passes through Herschel Park then down to Eton, where we take tea. The return route passes through grounds of Eton College, where there should be a good display of spring flowers.. The paths are mostly good and level.
Meet near the scout hut in Upton Court Car Park SL3 7LU– free parking.
Windsor Great Park, (Windsor & District Ramblers)
This regular walk takes place on the second Thursday of every month at 10:00
This is a leisurely walk of about 5 miles around Virginia Water on good paths. There are refreshments available in the café at the end of the walk
Meet by the café at the Virginia Water car park near the Wheatsheaf pub GU25 4QF off the A30. There are usually parking spaces along the A30 but if these are full the car park is £4.00 for 2 hours.
Grand Union Canal
Leisurely 4 miles
Starting from St Mary’s Church in St Marys Road Langley, Slough at 2pm (street parking or Red Lion car park). Post code SL3 7EN, grid reference TQ 004 795
Here is your chance to walk off some of the excesses of Christmas! We will walk to Langley Station along side streets and then along the canal to the Slough Basin in central Slough. We will return along the canal to the start point and take refreshment at The Red Lion Pub opposite the church at the end of the walk.
This is a leisurely walk on flat, level, mostly gravel paths although it may be a little muddy.
Winter Warmer in Eton (Slough U3A)
Meet in the Meadow Lane pay-and-display car park in Eton (£2.70 for 2 hours). Grid reference SU965774, postcode SL4 6BS.
This will be a leisurely 2 miles tour of the back streets of Eton on level paths, including part of the college gardens and playing fields. At the end of the walk we’ll pop in to one of the many local cafes for hot chocolate!
Burnham Beeches – Autumn Colour (Slough U3A)
Meet at the cafeteria in the centre of the Beeches – pay-and-display car parking.
Grid reference SU954850; no postcode.
Distance probably 2 or 3 miles, depending on how people feel! Pace moderate, generally level ground but muddy in places so walking shoes are recommended. Expect some spectacular autumn hues as we walk through the estate.
Ditton Park
Meet in the free Upton Court Car Park, near the scout hut.
A circular walk passing Slough Rugby Club and Cricket Club and then through historic Ditton Park. We return along Marlborough Road to Upton Court Park. The paths are mostly good and level. A joint walk with Slough U3A walking group.
Langley Park and Arboretum (Slough U3A)
We meet in the Car Park, in Billet Lane SL0 0LS; this is a pay and display car park £3.70 for 3 hours.
Langley Park has pleasant views over the Thames Valley as well as a rhododendron garden, an arboretum and a lake. The walk will be about 3 miles. The route is mostly level and the paths are good.
Walking stories of Slough
Start time: 10:00 Meet in Upton Court Park car park, Upton Court Road, near the scout hut. Free parking.
A walking trail developed by Slough Museum volunteers. We’ll first walk via Herschel Park to the Curve where the story trail starts.
Stoke Poges and the Memorial Gardens (Slough U3A)
Meet at the free car park opposite Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, Church Lane, SL2 4NZ. Arrive at 1:30 if you wish to explore the Memorial Gardens and the ancient church.
The car park is gated – four or five cars can park if the gates are closed. If more cars are expected, we can ask in the Memorial Gardens office for the gates to be opened.
Distance 3-4 miles, pace moderate, level. Some gates, and road crossings. We’ll have a tea break half way at Wexham Golf Club
Eton Wick and Dorney Common (Slough U3A)
Meet outside Eton Wick Village Hall (SL4 6LT). There’s plenty of parking near the shops or outside the hall.
The route is entirely level although it may be a little muddy. Starting from Eton Wick we may choose either the Thames or the Jubilee River so the walk may include Boveney Lock, Dorney Common, or the Dorney Wetlands.
Chalvey and Cippenham (Slough U3A)
Meet at Chalvey Community Centre, The Green, Chalvey, SL1 2SP. Parking is free.
Part urban, part rural – this route follows the railway to cross the Jubilee River, which we then follow until we cross back into Cippenham near the ancient site of Henry III’s royal palace. Distance is 3.4 miles
Denham Country Park (Slough U3A)
Meet and park at the Visitor Centre which is accessed by road off the A40 – follow tourist information signs for Denham Country Park. Pay & Display.
There are a number of walk options. One is 1.5 miles and “accessible”; a longer option would take us along the canal and through the conservation area in picturesque Denham village. We’ll decide on the day.
Langley to George Green (Slough U3A)
Leisurely 3 miles, with some stiles.
Starting from St Mary’s Church, St Marys Road Langley, Slough SL3 7EN at 2pm (street parking or Red Lion car park).
A pleasant walk across farmland and parkland near Langley. The walk starts from the old centre of Langley formed by the Church, almshouses, public houses and cottages. It could be muddy after a lot of rain. Refreshments at the Red Lion opposite the church at the end of the walk.
Savill Garden (Slough U3A) – meet at 1:30 in Upton Park for car sharing
Leisurely 2 miles (Wheelchair friendly)
Entry to the Savill Garden is free during winter months – but you have to pay for car parking £2.50 per hour.
We meet outside the scout hut SL3 7LU at Upton Court Park at 1:30 pm for car sharing; with the walk starting at Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Green TW20 0UU at 14:00.
The Savill Garden has excellent paths which are undulating with a few gentle ups and downs; it’s wheelchair friendly. Expect to see a good display of early colour – the dogwood beds are spectacular – and flowers such as snowdrops, crocus and hellebores.
Winter Warmer at Wraysbury (Slough U3A)
A Midwinter’s Day walk! We’ll meet at the George Inn, Windsor Rd, Wraysbury, TW19 5DE. Park at the far end of the pub’s car park. Distance probably 2 or 3 miles; we’ll aim to reach the 2,500 year old Anckerwycke Yew, , then return to the George for a warming cup of tea (alternatives are available).
Walking shoes recommended, and please check the weather forecast for appropriate clothing
Slough U3A 