Walks around Egham
Are you ever restless, cooped up on campus and needing an escape from the grind of university life? Step outside the familiarity of the Royal Holloway campus and discover the scenic (and free!!) treasures that expand on the charm of the town. Whether you need a memorable place to take visiting family members, in dire need of a catch-up with friends, or desperate to unwind from the pressures of assignments, the walks around Egham, and its surrounding areas, can provide the vital breathing space your mental health needs.
If you have a love for walking, but perhaps don’t want to venture out alone, the ‘Walk and Talk’ (Instagram: @rhul_walkandtalk_society) society at Royal Holloway can offer you that relaxed opportunity for a small fee of £5.00 a term. This is an ideal opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals wanting to experience guided walks in a welcoming and relaxed social environment.
For those in need of some inspiration of where to go, here are some walks that are accessible right from Royal Holloway’s doorstep!
Virginia Water Lake Trail
- Distance: 5.25 miles, approximately (circular)
- Waypoints: The Cascade, the Leptis Magna Ruins, the Totem Pole and Savill Garden.
A local, and my, favourite is the trail around Virginia Water Lake. Covering around 5.25 miles, Virginia Water Lake is a popular destination. Whilst being perfect to get your daily steps in, the walk also offers some Instagram-able moments such as The Cascade waterfall and The Leptis Magna Ruins.
The route I tend to follow starts at Royal Holloway. Here, head left from campus and cross at the traffic lights to head along London Road. Continue straight until you reach Wick Road, where a small gate leads you to a woodland path. I prefer this route, for the walk through the woods is more enjoyable than the hustle of the main road. Follow the path to your left, through the trees and emerge onto a meadow near the lake. Follow the path through the meadow, and arrive by the lakeside.
Once at the lake, you are given the choice to take a left or right to begin the circular route. I typically venture right, passing by an ice-cream van and the Totem Pole. I follow the path directly around the lake, passing the Valley Gardens and Five-Arch Bridge – a perfect spot for a shot of the lake! After crossing the bridge, you’ll arrive at Blacknest Gate where you can grab a quiet coffee to enjoy by the lakeside.
Continuing round, your path will lead you to the Leptis Magna Ruins. The accessible green in front of this site is the perfect place to throw down a blanket for a picnic, or even an outdoor study session. Continuing on the trail, you’ll shortly arrive at the Cascades. A photo opportunity you truly don’t want to miss! It’s not everyday you see a waterfall. Its calming quality makes it an enjoyable place to rest for a moment.
Coming to the end of your walk, you may want to stop by the Virginia Water Pavillion. This spot offers a place to order some food or get a drink to enjoy by the lakeside. It also has a gift shop to pick up a souvenir. To return, retrace your steps back to Wick Road and back to the university.
The Long Walk to Windsor Castle.
- Distance: 3.8 miles, approximately.
- Waypoints: The Deer Park, the Copper Horse Statue, and Windsor Castle.
Another notable walk around Egham, still a part of Windsor Great Park, is the walk to Windsor Castle. The Long Walk at Windsor Castle is around 2.6 miles long, not including the walk it takes to get there which can bring it to a worthwhile 3.8 miles!
To get to The Long Walk, I start at the university and cross at the traffic lights to head towards the Englefield Green Cemetery. You’ll want to take a right at the cemetery and follow that road of shops to the Englefield Green cricket ground. Continue until Bishopsgate Road, and follow the stretch until you reach the Deer Park. Should you be lucky enough, you may be able to see a herd of deer roaming around the meadows as you walk. It’s a sight to behold!
After entering the park, follow the path past the stone wall, soaking up the scenery that leads the way to the Copper Horse statue on Snow Hill. For any history lovers reading this, the statue is of George III riding a horse, constructed by the artist Richard Westmacott. The statue, in all its glory, points you to the Long Walk. On a foggy day, you can just about see the castle through the fog – a picture I luckily caught on my camera!
This is your starting point to Windsor Castle. Following the walk, lined by trees, you’ll eventually arrive at the castle gates. Now in Windsor, this could be the perfect opportunity to take a left into Windsor town to explore for the afternoon or evening. Otherwise, retrace your steps back to Bishopgate Road, through Englefield Green and back to the university.
Runnymede Memorial Trail and Cooper’s Hill
- Distance: 3 miles, approximately (circular)
- Waypoints: Magna Carta Memorial, the Queen Elizabeth II Statue, the Air Forces Memorial, Writ in Water and The Jurors.
Another unmissable visit in the heart of Egham is the Runnymede Memorial Trail and Cooper’s Hill. This walk is rich with history. This circular walk is a popular area for hiking, taking you through various historical sites, meadows and woodlands.
The historical aspect of this walk, a change of focus to the others listed, includes the Air Forces Memorial, the Magna Carta Memorial, and the Queen Elizabeth II Statue. It also includes the architectural artwork, Writ in Water, which has a labyrinth-esque entrance leading to a pool at the center. Don’t miss The Jurors, an artwork by Hew Locke, commissioned for the 2015 celebrations to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta.
Start in Englefield Green or in Egham.
Egham to Staines Thames Path
- Distance: 3 miles, approximately
- A tranquil riverside trail that is flat and easy to follow.
Another shorter, but no less enjoyable walk, is the National Trail leading from Egham to Staines by the Thames side. The linear flat-walk along the Thames Path takes you from Egham to Staines via a scenic route.
This riverside walk offers you a free alternative to catching the train, that also allows you to get into nature for a while and unwind. Similarly, the trail is perfect for anyone wanting a tranquil option for exercise, particularly jogging due to its flat path.
It may be worth attempting this route on the 1st Saturday of the month, allowing you to visit the Egham High Street Market (10am-4pm) and the Staines Market (8:30am-5:30pm) all in one day!
Tips for walkers!
Should you wish to attempt any of these walks, there are a few tips you may want to keep in mind!
- Wear comfortable shoes! This is a must, especially as some of the trails have uneven terrain.
- Bring water and snacks! If you’re attempting one of the longer walks, particularly around Windsor Great Park, it is essential you bring water with you to keep hydrated or snacks for a boost of energy.
- Remember to check the weather before you set off! And in turn, dress appropriately for it!
- Capture the moment! Many of these spots are Instagram-able views, you wouldn’t want to miss documenting the scenic beauty.
But, overall – remember to have fun! These walks are essential for exploring the natural and historically rich beauty that Egham has to offer; whilst also giving yourself a healthy escape from the chaos of university life. We all need some space sometimes, and Egham has an abundance of it which everyone should reap the benefits of.