Windsor Great Park (and the Long Walk)

Windsor castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle on earth, overlooking the River Thames. Walk through Great Park to see ancient oak trees and herds of red deer. The Long Walk, a straight path lined with trees leading to the castle, offers some of the best views in the county.

Dogs must be well-trained and kept under control, and away from resident deer and other wildlife. There have been recent reports of blue-green algae on Obelisk Ponds, so the council says to keep dogs away (and don’t let dogs drink the water either) until further notice. 

There are many horse tracks here (identified by orange/red sand) so stay off these and keep dogs on lead, if not good on recall. Read this guide for dog guardians and horse riders to safely share space.

Controversy Over Dog Walking Exclusions

For many years, Windsor residents have happily walked their dogs here. Although they can still do so, there is now a huge exclusion zone of over 2 miles, to protect the privacy of new residents at Windsor Great Park, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Obviously they need privacy, but when they could have chosen many other homes, the exclusion zone has meant that many people now have to change their routes, which is difficult for some without cars. One local said:

Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years. We pay annually towards the upkeep of a park but we are no longer going to be allowed to use part of it.

They’ve only given us a few days’ notice to say this section of forest is closing for ever. Now I’ll need to get in my car to drive further afield to take my dog for a walk.

What is surprising is that Prince William is known to adore dogs, yet now people locally can’t walk their dogs on favourite routes, due to the six-mile exclusion zone.