River Thames walks – Windsor to Staines

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The stretch of the River Thames between Windsor and Staines, through Runnymede, offers some of the most quietly scenic walking in the region. Easily accessed from stops along the route, these riverside paths provide long, flat walks with open views across the water, passing moored boats, old bridges and pockets of riverside woodland.

This section of the Thames feels distinctly unhurried. Unlike busier central London stretches, the river here retains a softer, more pastoral character. Swans and waterfowl are a constant presence, and the rhythm of boats moving downstream gives the walk a calming pace. Benches and grassy edges make it easy to stop and watch the water.

For those breaking up the journey, this riverside walk works well as a mid-morning or post-lunch activity. You don’t need to commit to a long hike; even a short wander provides a strong sense of place. The river has shaped settlements here for centuries, and traces of that history remain visible in bridge designs, riverside buildings and old towpaths.

This stretch complements the bus journey perfectly, offering contrast between travel and stillness.