Great Park Access

RSS
Email

0 Kudo

Author	Comment
Barney808	Great Park Access	Lead	[-]
Posts: 2 (04/10/08 01:23:35) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi all, We have lived in Windsor now for a couple of years but I am still struggling to find a definitive map/description of accesses to the Great Park. I am particularly interested in the access opposite Legoland which leads down to Prince Consort's Drive past Flemish Farm, there are clear 'no entry' signs at the access but on some walking/running/cycling websites some of the suggested routes seem to include this road?? I have contacted the Crown Estate and have been told that a key is available to gain access to the Windsor Forest/Cranbourne Chase area and they have sent me the maps they have but I am still continually encountering closed or restricted areas when out cycling/running/walking. Does anyone know of a definitive map in existance or can provide me with some clear rules on access?? Thanks
thamesweb	Access to the Great Park	#1	[-]
Posts: 962 (04/10/08 05:25:27) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I am not sure why you want to access restricted areas of the Park. There are vast areas that are open to all and I for one am happy that the public are discouraged from entering certain other areas as damage could be done to crops, woodland, birdlife, etc. As to maps, there used to be quite a good one on The Crown Estates Website, but I couldn't find it today and my original link from the RWWS no longer works. (How irritating it is that web pages, linked to from lots of websites, are deleted without anyone being told!!! It is actually quite easy to find out who is linking to a certain page on a site such as the Crown Estate's, and then the webmaster of the external site can be advised. Or, even easier, a redirect can be placed on the old page address automatically sending readers to the new page. There. Got that off my chest!!) If the tracks through these private areas have No Entry signs then I would abide by them. It is possible, probable even, that a number of pathways and bridleways, are open to riders and their horses, but not to walkers, runners or cyclists. I would be interested to hear what The Crown Estate management have to say. Last Edited By: thamesweb 04/11/08 00:55:35. Edited 1 times.
the jiffle king	Great Park access	#2	[-]
Posts: 72 (04/10/08 22:49:13) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	As a runner and a cyclist, I am sure these areas are out of bounds to us. If you want to go to areas of the park which are quiet and not overly well known, can I suggest, go down Dukes Lane (From the Jubilee horse) and then turn left which takes you to VW... A great route and quiet as well, although I did see a grass snake down there in December. Also Bears rail is not well used and you can go a little off the beaten track without seeing anyone at all. Not sure runners really ever use the entrance you talk about, there are so many other routes we use in the Park and around Windsor that there's no real need T-J-K I have a map of the park which I got from BBS in town and it outlines most tracks
Barney808		#3	[-]
Posts: 4 (04/11/08 05:04:10) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks for your posts. As I said above I am particularly interested in the path by Flemish Farm as we live just off St. Leonards Hill and this road would allow me a direct route to the park without having to run/cycle along busy roads (St. Leonard Road, Dedworth Road) to gain access. It would also allow me to run around 4-5 miles and have the majority of that in the park. Again as mentioned above a key is available for runners in Windsor Forest so I was just curious if there was a similar "rule" for the Flemish Farm road (and other areas) bearing in mind that the Windsor Forest access gates have a similar "no entry" sign but certain people can use it.
the jiffle king		#4	[-]
Posts: 73 (04/11/08 08:07:57) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I think the key is mainly used by horse riders who have a permit (My wife rides and she knows there are different permit types which enable you to go on these tracks. Not sure it applies to runners/cyclists though
thamesweb	Access to the Great Park	#5	[-]
Posts: 974 (04/11/08 11:39:15) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	How about a shot trot down St Leonards Road from the hill and turning right at Hermitage Lane. Then you are in the park in a trice!
cranbourne		#6	[-]
Posts: 13 (04/12/08 11:15:28) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The entrance opposite legoland (palatine gate), and the next entrance up the hill (to forest lodge) are both 'out of bounds', even for keyholders. The first gate takes you into the stables used by Guards polo Club and also into an area where gamebirds are reared - the keeper lives in the bungalow at the top of the hill. The second gate is access to a resident's home only. If you hold key 1A, (£20 pa from the Office) you can access through the next gate at the top of the hill (highstanding hill) and also through the next gate at the bottom of the hill (plain ride gate). Both of these will give you access to the Great Park via Forest Gate on the A332. The majority of Cranbourne is out of bounds, due to gamebird activities, especially to the north (to the left) of the metalled road leading in through Highstanding Hill gate. This also includes the extension of Plain Ride which leads from the road to Cranbourne Tower. Your best bet is to go in and speak to Beverley Walker in the Estate Office and clarify what routes you wish to take and match them to the maps which are supplied with the key. PS jiffleking - if you are talking about turning left off Dukes Lane and going over the top of Manor Hill to VW, then this too is out of bounds, due to gamebirds. Norfolk Farm, which is adjacent, is also out of bounds to Joe Public, including keyholders.
the jiffle king	Great Park access	#7	[-]
Posts: 74 (04/14/08 03:36:48) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	No I'm not talking about that area (Although it is open solely for Windsor Half marathon to go over in the opposite direction). I am on about the track which is about a mile long and is a track rather than a road. It is accessible just at the VW gates and leads out onto Dukes Lane. T-J-K
Barney808		#8	[-]
Posts: 5 (04/16/08 22:35:34) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	All, Thanks for the replies, I will visit the Crown Estate office through the week