Virginia Water & Runnymede – 23km/14miles, moderate pace

Starting at Virginia Water station, we walk through the pretty village, which in 2013 became the first and only town in the country with an average house price of more than £1m. On our way to the beautiful scenic lake, we pass many impressive houses, some owned by popular celebrities.

After about 2 miles we reach Virginia Water Lake, recently used by the crews for the Harry Potter films for lakeside scenes. The lake was first dammed and flooded in 1753 under Duke of Cumberland. We make a brief stop at the visitor centre (toilets, coffee, ice cream anyone?), and then continue walking west around the lake, passing a waterfall and Roman ruins brought to the UK in 1818, taking in the glittering waters and spotting a wide variety of birdlife and a great display of dog breeds – the park is very popular among dog walkers. Still continuing around the lake, we walk along the southern edge of Windsor Great Park, and arrive at a 100ft tall Canadian totem pole, and then at the Obelisk Pond, where we make good use of picnic tables and nearby toilets and stop for lunch.

After lunch we continue walking north-east until we reach Runnymede Magna Carta Monument, commemorating a charter of rights agreed to by King John of England on 15 June 1215, and the JF Kennedy Memorial – a piece of American land on British soil. We then make our way back to Virginia Water, walking through the commuter town of Egham, and then following the rail line which takes us back to the station.

MEETING POINT: 9:10am at Waterloo station, underneath the main clock

TRAINS: We will be taking the 9:39 from London Waterloo, arriving at Virginia Water at 10:24. You can also join this train at Clapham Junction at 9:48. Train tickets are not included, but can be bought on the day – please arrive prompt and bring the correct cash if you want to be included in group tickets. You’ll need to buy a day return ticket to Virginia Water, which costs £13.60 per person, or £9 with a Group Save (3-9 people travelling together).

COST: £8 payable on RSVP

GRADE: Beginner/Intermediate – 23km/14 miles, 220m ascent gain. The walk is mainly flat, but there are 2 hills. 5 hours walking time + lunch + a couple of shorter stops. Estimated finish time is 16:30-17:00.

There is an option to finish the hike early in Egham, after about 20km. Day return ticket to Virginia Water also covers your return journey from Egham, as it is one station before our final destination.

START: 10:30, Virginia Water station

ESTIMATED FINISH: 16:30 – 17:00, but depends on the pace of the group

What to bring: lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear. Click here-
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