Berkshire Mummies' autumn and winter walk recommendations
If you don't yet follow the Berkshire Mummies blog, then you should! I love their tips for things to do around our county, from the best parks to soft plays and recommendations for free days out. I know lots of the families that follow me are very outdoorsy, and a bit of a chill in the air is not going to stop you getting out and about over the coming months. I asked Berkshire Mummies to share their favourite walks if you need a bit of inspiration this winter...
"We are fortunate to live in a very picturesque county and we like nothing more than to explore everything our surrounding area has to offer – from bustling parks to peaceful walks, Berkshire Mummies has so many recommendations of places to visit this autumn and winer if you are looking for stunning scenery (and some great photo opportunities too!).
Windsor is one of our favourite places to visit. Alexandra Gardens is a beautiful green open space sitting next to the Thames with views of Windsor Castle. You might also want to visit the Diamond Jubilee fountain and children will have fun walking round the Brick Maze at Goswell Park.
Windsor is also well known for the Long Walk. We enjoy walking down here, away from the Castle towards the Copper Horse. Here, the views of the Long Walk and Windsor Castle are just spectacular and the colours of the trees in the Great Park all look so beautiful in the Autumn. (If you think that little legs won't manage the distance, then Windsor Carriages offer a great way to explore - check out my recent interview with them on my blog - Abi).
Ray Mill Island in Maidenhead is another firm favourite of ours as there is so much for the children to see here. We usually watch the boats for a while at Boulters Lock and then cross over the bridge to the island. Here, we feed the ducks and swans and visit the guinea pig enclosure. At the far end of the island is Boulters Weir which makes an impressive site to watch as the water cascades back into the Thames. We always love being by the river as it is so beautiul at any time of year.
Swinley Forest stretches over 2,600 acres between Bracknell and Crowthorne. We tend to use the Look Out as a base when we go walking here. There are lots of places to build dens along the way and a vast number of trees to admire which all look incredible during the Autumn months.
Venturing just over the Berkshire border into Surrey, you will find the National Trust site of Ankerwyke.
We have had some lovely walks here in all seasons (it can get a little muddy across the fields as the weather turns but that just adds to the fun when you’re kicking through the leaves - just don't forget your wellies!). You can also find the National Trust’s oldest tree here which is 2,500 years old!
For even more inspiration of things to do and places to visit this autumn and winter please follow Berkshire Mummies on Facebook and Instagram as well as checking out the blog on our website. Happy Exploring!"