Walk length 13miles/20km approx. Circular. A scenic largely flat walk exploring Virginia Water which is particularly picturesque during the Autumn. Virginia Water was created in 1753 and is part of the Great Windsor Park. For many years it was the largest man-made lake in the UK. It is surrounded by extensive woodland, some designated as sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) for woodland biodiversity. The Cascade was created in the 1780s when Virginia Water was extended by George the III. The south bank of the lake has the ruins of a Roman Temple (Leptis Magna), which were given as a gift by Bashaw of Tripoli in 1816 to the then Prince Regent (King George IV). It was originally intended for the ruins to be exhibited at the British Museum. The lake was drained during World War II so as not to be a target for nearby Windsor. Recently the lake has been used for filming of the Harry Potter films and the largest British catch of a pike at over 58lbs was recorded at the lake. Five Arch Bridge was built in 1827 and designed by the architect Sir Jeffry Wyattville who was also responsible for extensive alterations and designs at Windsor Castle. A newer addition to the lake is a 100ft Totem Pole given as a gift from the government of British Colombia. The walk route from Sunningdale Station to the lake is fairly long however it goes through a section of woodland and past some nice polo fields. Lunch and Finish: Please bring a packed lunch and water for the walk. The walk should finish at about 4.30pm and include a short pack lunch stop close to the visitor centre, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace. We will have a pub stop close at the end of the walk. Meeting: Meet outside Sunningdale Rail Station for the walk to start at 11.00am (after the train from London arrives). This is a circular walk and finishes back at Sunningdale Rail Station (very few facilities at Sunningdale station). Transport Car: Station Car Park at Sunn

Description supplied by the event organiser.