This latest (July 2025) addition to the network comes out of a trip to catch the Sawn Upping flotilla that rows upstream in mid-July from Sunbury to Abingdon over a five-day period. An ancient tradition dating back to the12th century, it is now a census for conservation purposes, but retains its colourful regalia and traditions. I caught them at their lunch spot, The Swan at Staines, having met them by chance at Penton Lock on Spoke 6-7 back in 2017.
I cycled on to explore the towpath upstream of Staines bridge - an ancient Roman crossing point - reflecting that all being well, this will make a useful link to connect up two major tourist destinations: Windsor Castle and the Runnymede of Magna Carta ("..did she die in vain?" A. Hancock). With reservations all is well, so to track back to Staines station:
Gresham Road leads direct to the towpath, Spoke 6-7 and NCN4. Follow the signs over Staines Bridge and turn sharp R 1.0 onto the towpath. A mixed surface until 1.7 a blocked bridge which involves a porterage through railings. Hopefully this is temporary. Thereafter, crossing under the M25, conditions improve to the Runnymede public park and then the official Runnymede National Trust meadows. Once on NT land 2.9 there is a wide metalled track to the teahouse and visitor centre 3.7. Care and courtesy.
Join the busy A308 here - but only briefly, because Old Windsor can be passed through on the quieter B3021 by turning 4.0 R and L. This B road is the better route into Windsor: cross the A308 5.6 at a large roundabout, and ride on a broad road over the Thames to Datchet, only to cross back 7.7 with the castle rearing up ahead. The route ends beside the castle in the arcade that leads to Windsor and Eton Central.