4.8
(100)
1,431
hikers
Virginia Water loop
01:53
7.33km
30m
Hiking
The Virginia Water loop offers a picturesque hiking experience, blending natural beauty with historical landmarks. This moderate 4.6-mile (7.3 km) hike, with only 99 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. As you hike, you'll enjoy expansive lakeside views of Virginia Water Lake, often with swans, and wind through enchanting woodlands. Keep an eye out for the impressive Cascade Waterfall, an 18th-century ornamental feature. The paths are generally well-maintained, making for an accessible walk.
The trail is generally accessible for most fitness levels, including families with pushchairs and individuals using wheelchairs, thanks to its largely well-maintained paths. These paths consist of compacted gravel, asphalt, natural surfaces, and some grassy areas. While you can enjoy the loop year-round, spring offers a particularly vibrant experience with extraordinary displays of daffodils, azaleas, magnolias, and cherry blossoms in the Valley Gardens. Plan your visit to allow extra time to explore the various sights along the way.
What truly sets this route apart is its rich blend of natural splendor and historical significance. You'll encounter unique features like the Leptis Magna Roman Ruins, authentic fragments gifted in 1816, and the striking 100-foot (30.5-meter) Totem Pole, a gift to Queen Elizabeth II. The trail is steeped in history, originally envisioned as a royal pleasure ground in the 18th century as part of Windsor Great Park. Its combination of accessible paths, diverse scenery, and significant historical attractions makes it a rewarding experience.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.
After 3.24 km for 71 m
After 3.96 km for 92 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
990 m
Totem Pole in Windsor Great Park
Highlight • Monument
A gift to HM the Queen from the people of Canada in 1958, this 100 foot Totem Pole was carved by master craftsman Chief Mungo Martin of the Kwakiutl Federation.
thamesweb.co.uk/windsor/info/totem.html
Tip by
4.66 km
Five Arch Bridge, Virginia Water Lake
Highlight • Bridge
virginiawater.org.uk/scr/histlist.php?locid=&bid=15
Tip by
6.25 km
Leptis Magna Ruins at Virginia Water
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
6.78 km
The Cascade Waterfall, Windsor Great Park
Highlight • Waterfall
Just a little bit further along the trail are the Leptis Magna Ruins, which were built from masonry recovered from an ancient Roman city that existed in what is today Libya.
Tip by
7.19 km
Virginia Water Lake Pavilion
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
7.33 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.62 km
382 m
181 m
136 m
Surfaces
3.88 km
2.51 km
626 m
256 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 6 May
16°C
3°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
It's a beautiful walk around the lake of, what was once, a Royal pleasure garden. Very easy and unchallenging as all flat and on solid, dry paths and roads. As you'd expect from a royal park / garden it's all very well landscaped and beautifully put together. You do have to pay for parking though, which was about £9.5 for the 4 hours i was there. Overall I really enjoyed the place and would go back again.
Mostly flat amble around the lake on paths suitable for rugged pushchairs. Okay for trainers & shorts, as there are no overhanging nasties. £6.30 for 2 hours' parking though - the Northerner in me was weeping.
Another lovely walk with the Adventure Queens Surrey Group. We even had our first picnic of the season too 🧺