One of England’s most historic courses
Whether you’re running, jogging or walking the Windsor Trail Run, let us take you through a guided tour of some of the best landmarks that have made Royal Berkshire and surrounding areas so famous.
Follow the route from start to finish and discover the history and stunning views that you will pass along the course.
The Story Of The Half Marathon Course
The course begins along the River Thames, at the foot of Windsor Castle. Originally constructed in the 12th century by William the Conqueror, the castle has been lived in by reigning monarchs ever since, and provides one of the most spectacular, iconic and historic backdrops in England.
The trail run then meanders its way upstream along the River Thames taking in some of the most scenic parts of the Thames Valley. It passes the Royal Windsor Racecourse, where in 2012 Richard Hughes became the second jockey ever to achieve 7 wins in one day at a UK meet.
Continuing upstream you reach the quintessential Boveney Lock. Known to date back to an old fishery in 1201, Boveney is one of the busiest and most photographed locks on the River Thames.
A little further upstream Boveney meets the 12th century chapel of St Mary Magdalene. Sitting in splendid isolation, just a few yards from the towpath, the church originally served the wharf workers from the thriving Windsor Forest timber trade. Now it offers a few services throughout the year including Christmas Carols by Candlelight, although visits are available on request via the Boveney Lock Keeper.
Next you pass the Oakley Court Hotel, one of England’s finest country houses, an unrivalled place to stay, relax and watch the Thames-side world go by.
Keeping on upstream, is the 18th century Down Place, later converted into the Bray Film Studios, famous for over 100 productions including blockbusters such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dracula: Prince of Darkness.
From British Hollywood to London 2012 the next section of the course passes Dorney Lake, the summer Olympic venue for rowing and kayaking. Still providing training and racing facilities to international teams, feel inspired as you race in the wake of some of the world’s most talented athletes and gold medal winners.
About 5 miles into the run you may have worked up an appetite! Fortunately, you have reached the charming 15th century village of Bray. Renowned for its Michelin Star dining with Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and Hind’s Head, and the Roux Brothers’ Waterside Inn, Bray holds a formidable culinary reputation, famous throughout the world of gastronomy.
Getting into your stride and approaching the furtherest point on the course you will start to get a view of the famous Sounding Arch. The Maidenhead Railway Bridge was designed by the Great Western’s engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and was completed in 1838. At the time the bridge had the largest and flattest brick spanning arches in the world. It was nicknamed Sounding Arch due to its great echoes.
At about 6.5 miles into the course you will start to head back towards Windsor, passing over a small bridge opening out onto the Jubilee River. The Jubilee is traffic free, and was built to prevent flooding in the area at a cost of £110m and is Europe’s second largest man-made river project. With protected nature reserves providing habitat to many species of birds within minutes you can feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.
In the final miles, with only a couple of roads to cross over, you will start to get a glimpse of your final destination and Windsor Castle sitting high on the hill in the background.
On reaching mile 11 you will start to see the spires and buildings of Eton College, where many of Great Britain’s Prime Ministers and successful entrepreneurs have been schooled.
You will head upstream again for a few hundred metres before crossing the River over the main bridge. Following the final stretch of the course you will pass the Sydney Camm Memorial featuring a full-size replica model of a Hawker Hurricane World War II aircraft! The replica Hurricane was unveiled in late spring 2012 as a tribute to Windsor resident Sir Sydney Camm who designed the Hawker Hurricane aircraft, which played a significant part in the Battle of Britain in 1940.
In the final dash to the finish, the castle gets closer and closer. Fortunately, the finish line is 500m before the castle gates so you do not have to run up the steep hill through the Centre of Windsor for your finishers medal!
Congratulations you have completed the Windsor Trail Run!
