The best walks and hikes in Windsor and Maidenhead

Yes, the area is very welcoming to dogs. Many trails, especially in open spaces like Windsor Great Park and along the River Thames, are perfect for walking with your canine companion. Parks such as Sutherland Grange are local favorites for dog walkers. Just be mindful of local signage, especially concerning nesting birds or livestock, for instance at Cock Marsh.

There are plenty of options for families. For a walk that combines history and scenery, the Eton & Windsor loop via Eton College is an easy and relatively flat option. For a day out, Windsor Great Park features an adventure playground near The Savill Garden, and the National Trust's Cliveden estate has a maze and family-friendly trails.

Absolutely. The region is great for walks that include a pub stop. For a challenging walk with a rewarding pub visit, consider The Dew Drop Inn pub & Ashley Hill loop. This moderate route takes you through scenic woodlands before finishing near the pub.

While the region is mostly gentle, you can find some more challenging terrain. For a route with more elevation, try the Winter Hill, Bisham Woods & Cookham Dean loop. It incorporates some of the area's notable hills and offers rewarding views over the Thames Valley.

For those looking to cover more ground, the Pinkeys Green, Bisham Woods, Cookham Dean & The Old Brick Works loop is a great choice, offering a 10-mile (16.5 km) journey through varied landscapes. The Thames Path National Trail also passes through the borough, allowing for extended point-to-point hikes.

There are over 400 hiking routes to explore in Windsor and Maidenhead on komoot. They range from short, easy strolls like the Windsor Guildhall – View of Windsor Castle loop from Windsor to more demanding all-day hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The trails in Windsor and Maidenhead are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful riverside scenery along the Thames, the well-maintained paths in Windsor Great Park, and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodlands like Bisham Woods.

Yes, many of the best walks in the area are loops. A great example is the Hurley, Hambledon Weir & River Thames loop. This moderate circular route offers a fantastic mix of riverside paths and quiet country lanes, starting and finishing in the charming village of Hurley.

The area has several beautiful woodland walks. Bisham Woods, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a highlight. The Bisham Woods loop from Bisham is a moderate hike that takes you through the heart of this ancient forest, which is especially stunning when the bluebells are in bloom in spring.

Many trails pass by notable local spots. The Long Walk is a famous, tree-lined avenue offering iconic views of Windsor Castle and is a very popular spot for a stroll. For riverside scenery, the Windsor Riverside Walk is a highly-regarded path. Nature lovers often enjoy exploring Cock Marsh, a large open area by the Thames with footpaths and ancient burial mounds.

Many of the riverside paths and trails within Windsor Great Park are flat and well-surfaced, making them suitable for a wider range of abilities. The Windsor Riverside Walk is a popular, gentle option. Always check the specific route details for surface and gradient information to ensure it meets your needs.