After completing my Queen Elizabeth II memorial walking challenge; 96k (60 miles) by virtually walking from Sonning Common to London, I retraced my steps on the virtual route from London back to Windsor (just under 29 miles). I concluded my challenge with a ‘real’ walk along the 2.64 miles ‘Long Walk’ from the Windsor Castle Cambridge gate entrance to the Copper Horse statue of King George III.
We enjoyed the views and seeing the deer herd as we got closer to the large statue of King George III that is at the far end of the walk. I enjoyed the sense of achievement and reflected on Queen Elizabeth II as I took in the view from the elevated location before walking the pathway back to Windsor.
My medal didn’t arrive in time for it to be presented at the end of The LongWalk . When it arrived I had it presented in one of my favourite local places, Hodnet Hall Gardens which also has lovely tree lined walks.
All the proceeds of medal purchases were equally donated between selected Queen’s Animal Charities. I have made additional donations to two of them; RSPB and the Dogs Trust. I have also made a donation to The Queens Green Canopy which was an initiative to plant trees to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The initiative has now been extended so that trees can be planted in memoriam to honour Her Majesty.
My birth name (Ayala) means “deer” in English. Unbiasedly I think deers are the most gentle, intelligent animal on earth
Aww! that is lovely
Go Cherie – you did it! (Well, of course you did!)
I think the timing of your Windsor visit worked out the way it was supposed to
Wonderful shots of the deer, Cherie! Mine from last weekend pale in comparison. I was able to get the little doe that came close on video (and Brookie was so good, she just sat down and quietly observed her, in her “shepherdess” position), but I wasn’t quick enough for the buck (or stag as they’re called there, I think). He was just a young thing, though, with smaller antlers, not nearly as majestic and regal, especially the last shot – appropriate for the Windsor crest
By the way, to “Hels” above – what a beautiful name, “Ayala,” and it’s meaning – I love that
It was special seeing the deer heard so close. The stag in the first photo had his beady eye on me and another couple who were close by. He was making sure we were not a threat. He decided we weren’t and put his head down to forage.
Your deer looks cute
Congratulations Cherie and well done. You certainly deserved the medal. A moving place to complete the walk too.
Thank you
I think I would very much enjoy that long walk.
You should visit and walk it for yourself. There are some great restaurants in Windsor for you to review
Oh the rutting season in Windsor looks a bit different to the one I saw in Richmond Park. Over there, the bucks would decorate their antlers with leaves.
So I guess Richmond does are pickier.
The Windsor bucks had that casual chase me air about them… It worked, as soon as they moved the does came running