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
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