The Sunday ramble on 12 May 2013 was jointly led by Bridie Barry and Maureen Cahalane along the Thames from Windsor to Staines. Our most regular photographer, Sheila, provided the following photographs of the walk together with informative captions. Arriving at Windsor on a busy Sunday morning. No time wasted as the group embark on the walk to Datchet The Thames Path led to the lunch stop. A gentle strool A statuesque awaits unsuspecting fish A short ramble allows time to stop and chat in the Spring sunshine A rider prepares for the Windsor Horse Show Horseboxes and cars are allowed to park here. Shining carriages being prepared River cruising undisturbed by preparations for the show International flavour to the day Practising their paces May has brought abundant greenery Stunning views of "Old Father Thames" Windsor Castle hints at Royal involvement The river looks deep as the ramblers make their way on foot Eyeing up competition A detour by road is necessary to cross the river 22 members on the ramble with Bridie and Maureen at the helm - a welcome return to the experiences of the glory days of the club Dressage may be part of the day's events Well keot lawns Immaculately rubbish free along the entire way Looking back at majestic horses and smartly dressed rider Stone mason's proud plaque The attentive leader counts the group down wooden steps This river path is also a forest path All enjoying the company and the day Nutricious nettles in abundance Apparently the flowers mean these don't sting but also the if you have them near your cabbage patch you won't be plagued with caterpillars as butterflies prefer flowering nettles to cabbage for laying their eggs If you do get stung a remedy nearby in the shape of friendly dock leaves The other half!!! May brings colour to the woodlands ...And many houses Early arrival at Datchet allows time to sit and/or wander Interesting plaque on what is now the local tea shop - "The Bridge" Tea shop is open but...... So is the pub!!! One rambler gets an early pint Whilst another (the most important man in the club!) supps in the courtyard area And others found ice cream to relax with on the green A celtic cross adorns the village churchyard This building suggests several renovations and additions The parish of St Mary Church sign Charity shop tempts a return visit when open In case you want to move to a little flat near the station Three walkers chose Datchet's Italian restaurant for lunch A small and lovely garden A door which may be hundreds of years old and still functioning well Relaxing chatter while lunch is awaited Two happy rambling roses!! Lunch over it's time to move on towards Runnnymede May blossom showers the paths Many examples of wild flower and blossom are included The gorse bush flowers are fleeting Attention is drawn to two ramblers who need to catch up Captivating!! The path is varied and walker friendly And our group meanders along Remember butter cups? Pleasant walk River barges mooring up Warning: no swimming, no cycling, keep dogs on leads - walkers' ease Pause toperuse Walkers strool past the May blossom A variety of wildlife enjoying the water Wild daisies - another memory
Tea stop in view!! Tall and proud A very old signpost Steam boats can be hired All alone, a swan glides past Tea stop at Runnymede displays Magna Carta from 1215 The penultimate lock on the walk to Staines The walk can be as long or as short as you choose The morning sunshine gives way to afternoon chill and spottings of rain Onwards to Staines (on Thames) now Each at their own pace The light through the trees makes the sscenery even more striking Ancient trees overhang the path in places The leaves and branches embrace the river Exotic places to twin with but the railway station is a short walk away and 22 happy and satisfied ramblers make their way home
|