Slough to Eton circular walk, enjoying the countryside right on our doorstep

Let’s be honest, Slough does not have a good reputation. However, the city is changing quickly and has one big asset: a good number of large parks. Some of those green spaces are touching Eton and Windsor own natural areas, allowing for nice strolls across grasslands next to the Jubilee River, Eton playing fields and The Thames.
Slough to Eton circular walk is one of those we want to share with you. There are lots of opportunities to stop and take your time bathing in the sun while listening to the birds singing. Kids will have lots of space to have fun, run, fly a kite or play on a playground.

Description of the walk

The walk begins in Slough’s largest park with playgrounds and numerous benches. Head towards the new Recreation Ground Overbridge over the M4 and The Myrke. Leave the street at the Royal Mail mailbox on the left and pass Michael’s Bridge and the playing fields.

The Thames appears on your left after crossing Pococks Lane. Shortly after a small bridge, a fork leads you either to Eton College or back to The Thames with great views of Windsor Castle and the famous boarding school.

Leave the meadow and pursue on High Street. Antiques and book shops, tailors, and old buildings give to the street a village feel. You will also find several coffee takeaways to have a cup while enjoying Windsor Bridge and its typical panorama.

Staying on the Eton side, The Brocas, large grassland with boats floating on the nearby river, makes the perfect place to spread a picnic mat.

After this well-deserved break, continue along the track next to the brick railway viaduct linking Slough and Windsor, going through a large and usually quiet prairie up to the Jubilee River. Passing under the railway for the last time, a pleasant gravel path along the river gets you to Windsor road.

In the direction of Slough, Vale Grove gives access to Herschel Park. It is a natural reserve where adults can relax while kids are watching ducks, moorhen, geese and other birds living their best lives. This hidden gem, Grade II listed park, has been named after Sir William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus in 1781. Sir W. Herschel is buried in the nearby St-Laurence’s church.

A passage in the trees on the bottom edge of the park brings you to Datchet road. The last stretch following Upton Court Park direction brings you back to the starting point.

Have you been to Slough?

What do you think about this circular walk from Slough to Eton?
Do you have a favourite local walk you would recommend?

Please let us know in the comments so that we can add them on our to do list!