As nature wakes up after winter, why not watch the daffodils in bloom in the beautiful parks or head to one of Berkshire’s many bluebell woods, towards the end of April. Get outside and joy the early signs of spring with the trees coming into leaf around Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
Walking can be such a tonic for so many of us, whatever your age, and especially when you are older. Besides the physical benefits of exercise, fresh air and valuable vitamin D exposure can lift your spirits and improve overall well being. Make an effort with family and friends and try somewhere new. Enjoy nature as it shakes off its winter coat!
Bray Lake, MaidenheadA walk so easy, you can whip around without breaking a sweat. What this gentle 1.5mile stroll around the edge of Bray Lake lacks in length, it makes up for in views. One of the prettiest spots in Berkshire, the path hugs the edge of the tree-lined water, home to Bray Lake Watersports. There is a cafe, The Monkey Bar where you can buy hot and old drinks and food, then sit by the lake and take in the view. Wellbeing in a cup. |
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Long Walk, WindsorThe world’s largest occupied castle as a backdrop, stonking parkland and the impressive statue of mad King George III on horseback. It’s an easy stroll that follows in the footsteps of Kings and Queens. There is a straight 2-3 hour leisurely stroll down the tree-lined drive and back again, do as little or as much as you like. What it lacks in map-reading it makes up for in regal splendour. It’s a 5-mile round trip from Windsor Castle’s Cambridge Gate up to the Copper Horse and back again (you can dip out anytime). No bikes, no cars, just people ambling around and lots of deer. |
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Dinton Pastures, HurstA 400-acre site, that has something for everyone. There are easy trails that take in the lake, a children’s park and green spaces that are perfectly suited to families and its wheel-chair friendly. Do a little or a lot with many beautiful spots to sit, ponder and soak up a little vitamin D. |
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Pope’s Meadow, BracknellPope’s Meadow, named after Binfield’s most famous resident – the 18th-century poet and philosopher Alexander Pope, is a Green Flag Award-winning site and has a small wooded copse full of bluebells. You never know, it might even inspire you to write poetry too. At Binfield Road in Bracknell are The Three Copses (Temple Copse, Tinker’s Copse and Jock’s Copse), hazel coppice woodlands full of bluebells with a handy circular walk through them. |
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Bisham WoodThis was Kenneth Grahame’s inspiration for the Wild Wood in Wind In The Willows. Here there are 400 acres to explore and many great circular routes. |
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Finchampstead Ridges, WokinghamFinchampstead Ridges, nestled in southern Berkshire, has been in the National Trust family for over 100 years. Head to Simon’s Wood and walk the avenue of redwood Sequoia trees (also known as Wellingtonia trees), planted in 1863, see if you can spot the second century Roman Road, nicknamed the Devil’s Highway and Heat’s Pond is a pretty spot at this time of the year. |
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Maidenhead ThicketA couple of miles west of Maidenhead’s urban sprawl is Maidenhead Thicket. The Thicket offers varied walking routes throughout the seasons with wildflowers popping up in spring. There are around 5 miles of footpaths through broadleaf woodland, rides and tree-lined avenues. It is a great place for families to run wild, den-build and bug hunt. |
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Savill Garden, Windsor.Since its creation in the 1930s, The Savill Garden has been an inspiration for all. This natural haven of beautifully designed gardens and woodland can be enjoyed by everyone, from dedicated horticulturists to those who just want to spend a relaxing day out with family or friends. Its superb seasonal planting and many rare plants from around the world is an absolute treat. This stroll through the park passes the pretty bright flowers before moving onto the ancient woodland found in the Valley Gardens. |
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Rushall Farm, Stanford DingleyEvery year Rushell Farm opens up its woodland for beautiful bluebell walks in aid of the Reading MS Society. The spring strolls start from the impressive Rushall Manor and take you on a variety of walks on ‘permitted paths’ that vary in length from a dedicated 5 miles down to a short, ‘wheelchair friendly’ circuit. |
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Warburg Nature Reserve, HenleyIf you live near to Warburg Nature Reserve in Henley, you’re in for a treat. The reserve is carpeted in bluebells and wildflowers towards the end of April, the perfect antidote to lockdown. |
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Sulham Wood loop, Nr PangbourneAn easy to moderate trail that’s perfect for hiking, walking, trail running and crawling around in the undergrowth for buds and bugs. The wildflowers of Sulham Woods – between Pangbourne and Englefield – are what make this 3.9km woodland loop an absolute gem. |
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Images used on this article are, unless stated specifically below; owned exclusively by TrustonTap, licence free (no attribution required), or licensed from Adobe Stock under a Standard Licence.
Title: The long Walk #2
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Title: Pond at Pope’s Meadow
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Title: Bray Lake Watersports
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Title: Dinton Pastures
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Title: Bisham Woods
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Title: Maidenhead Thicket
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Title: Savill Gardens 16-05-2014
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Title: Bridleway leading from Warburg Nature Reserve
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Title: Path at Finchampstead
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Title: Through a carpet of blue
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