Runnymede via Windsor Great Park

Overview

This is a train-assisted ride. We start with an undulating ride over Windsor Great Park, before dropping down to the Thames to visit the lovely green space owned by the National Trust alongside the river at Runnymede https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/runnymede-and-ankerwycke . Famous as the site of the signing of the historic Magna Carta in 1215, there are several memorials and artworks to be explored (see the Photos tab), and we will also have our refreshment stop here. Then we ride on to Staines station where the ride ends.

The Ride

From Sunningdale, we have a short ride on country roads, to enter Windsor Great Park at Black Nest Gate. We can enjoy the views of the lake from the Five Arch Bridge, before climbing steadily to the Polo Grounds. We will have an invigorating ride on the almost traffic-free undulating roads of the Park, with some steady climbs and sweeping descents.

Leaving the Park, we ride through more country roads and past the Air Forces Memorial, to reach the top of Cooper’s Hill Lane. We will dismount and walk our bikes for approx. 800m down this steep stony track. From the bottom of the hill, we make our way onto the Thames Path, where lovely riverside views accompany us as we ride on to Runnymede.

The National Trust Magna Carta Tearooms offers warm drinks and a limited range of basic food. If you prefer to bring your own food, there are picnic tables outside. We will have a leisurely break, with plenty of time to explore the memorials.

From here, we have only 5km to ride to Staines station, using shared paths along the side of the main roads, and cycle paths to cross the river and make our way to the station.

Travel Arrangements

We will take the South West Trains service from Brentford Station at 09.53. We change at Feltham (arr. 10.08, dep. 10.16) to reach Sunningdale at 10.38.

The full standard fare from Brentford to Sunningdale is £10.50. Contactless payment and Oyster are valid as far as Feltham. Senior Railcard discounts apply.

We will return from Staines, where there are two trains per hour to Brentford and more frequent services to Richmond. Again, contactless payment and Oyster are valid from Feltham (one stop). At Richmond, you can connect to London Overground Mildmay Line services. All trains from Staines also go to Clapham Junction and Waterloo.

Train-assisted ride across Windsor Great Park, then down to the Thames to visit the Runnymede memorials. Return from Staines station.

Traffic free roads through Windsor Great Park. Quieter country roads. Some stretches on busier roads with cycle paths.

Time for refreshments and to visit the memorials at Runnymede.

Money/card for rail fares and for cafe. Lock for your bike.

First-timers welcome!