Windsor Bridge – Windsor Castle loop from Maidenhead

Hiking trails & Routes

Windsor Bridge – Windsor Castle loop from Maidenhead

Hard

4.6

(15)

126

hikers

Windsor Bridge – Windsor Castle loop from Maidenhead

05:30

21.8km

40m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 2, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.64 km

Bray Lock

Highlight • River

Bray Lock, a nice lock with a pretty little lock-keepers cottage on the island.

Tip by

7.65 km

This is one of the most popular locks on the River Thames and was first built in 1838. It's much-photographed, partly because it's quite picturesque but also because it lies on a particularly busy part of the Thames. It was rebuilt 60 years after the initial construction, slightly closer to the bank.

Tip by

10.4 km

Windsor and Eton Bridge

Highlight • River

This bridge spans the River Thames and connects the towns of Windsor and Eton. From the bridge you can enjoy great views of the castle and surrounding areas. It's a Grade I listed structure and has an elegant design which is a mix of stone and iron.

Tip by

10.5 km

Windsor Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

Cote restaurant on Windsor Bridge has a fantastic Thameside location and serves good food, their 2&3 course doesn’t nee menu before 7pm is excellent value.

Tip by

10.9 km

Windsor Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Perhaps the most famous castle in the UK, Windsor Castle is known for its ties to the royal family and its stunning architecture.

Built in the 11th century, the castle has been used as a royal palace since its construction. It is often said to be the Queen's favourite royal residence.

The castle is open from 10am - 5pm (last admission is 4pm). Tickets cost £23.50. More information: rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

Tip by

10.9 km

Windsor Royal Station & Shopping Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

Shopping street

Showing Translation

Tip by

12.5 km

Younger Bridge Mural, Elizabeth Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Part of the Games Walk, an art trail created for the London 2012 Olympics, the Younger Bridge mural is an extraordinary work of art. Painted under Elizabeth Bridge by artist Cosmo Sarson, the faces are also interactive, talking through an app support by the Berkshire County Blind Society.

Tip by

21.3 km

The Sounding Arch (Maidenhead Railway Bridge)

Highlight • Monument

Maidenhead Railway Bridge, also known as Maidenhead Viaduct and The Sounding Arch, carries the Great Western Main Line (GWML) over the River Thames between Maidenhead and Taplow. Plaque on one of the arches gives the detail better than I can - "1838. The Sounding Arch. I.K. Brunel designed this bridge. The brick arches are the widest and flattest in the world - each span is 128 feet with a rise of only 24 feet." Wikipedia notes that at the time people didn't think it would stand, and left the building supports in place. Eventually a storm swept the supports away, but the bridge still stood. And still stands today.

Tip by

21.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types