Windsor Bridge, River Thames, Eton Wick and Eton

The riverside path leads to Romney Lock, site of the famous annual 'swan upping' ceremony. The swans of the upper Thames are counted and marked by their owners - The Crown and the Dyers' and Vitners' Companies of the City of London.

From the lock, there is a good view of Eton College Chapel, which is an outstanding example of the 15th century perpendicular style of architecture. Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440 to train men to run the church and the state. Over the centuries it has supplied many prime ministers as well as numerous bishops. It was the king's wish to build a church of cathedral like proportions and the chapel was to have been the chancel of a larger church. When Henry VI was deposed, the plans were shelved.

Beyond the lock, a quiet stretch of the river has been developed as a fishery. Salmon were absent from the polluted Thames for 150 years, but now the river is cleaner, the salmon has returned. Salmon ladders have been built by the weirs to allow the fish to reach their breeding grounds in the tributaries of the river. The fields near here are particularly attractive to butterflies in summer. Herons and kingfishers may both be seen catching fish in the Thames here.

After passing beneath the railway, the route crosses the Home Park, which belongs to the castle. This and the adjoining Windsor Great Park measure six miles from north to South and comprise some 5,000 acres. This vast area was used by the king and his court for deer hunting.

The route crosses the Victoria Bridge, built in 1851. From here there is a superb view of the castle and its grounds. The path along the edge of Datchet golf course passes beside a quiet tree-shaded back water of the main river. The next field beyond the railway line contains many teasels which were once used widely for brushing and raising the nap of wool and cloth.

Next the path crosses the playing ields of Eton College. They are famous for the remark made by the Duke of Wellington that the Battle of Waterloo was one on them. The Iron Duke himself left Eton at the age of 15. The route continues towards the North Lodge cricket pavilion, with views of the bend in the river towards Eton Weir and the college buildings beyond.

The path enters other college fields, passing the college swimming pool and the now obsolete assault course. The willow lined common ditch flows across Eton Great Common, which is still used for cattle grazing. At Eton Wick, the Greyhound pub retains an old fashioned 10 pin skittle alley in a separate low building. A field path crosses South Field to the Thames. Windsor Racecourse is situated on the large island across the river.

Downstream towards the distant castle, a memorial stone on the bank marks the site of the Athens Bathing Place, a swimming spot once popular with boys from Eton College. Beyond the road bridge is a great iron girder railway bridge that has been restored. It was over this bridge that dignitaries were once transported by train to Windsor. The railway station and royal train have been restored and dozens of life sized wax models of guardsmen, together with the royal party headed by Queen Victoria, wait to greet modern visitors.

Just short of Eton College boathouse is a bank, often occupied by a flock of swans. From here, there is another impressive view of the castle, which towers above the town on its promontory. A lane leads past the ancient Waterman's Arms pub to Eton High Street and Windsor Bridge, where the walk began.