Facts and Questions
about
Westie Walks
Where do the walks take place?
Our walks take place in Windsor Great Park. Our first ten walks started and ended at Savill Garden Visitor Centre where there are toilet facilities, parking, and food. Future walks will take place in the park at similar locations, such as the Virginia Water entrance. To receive information regarding the upcoming walk, fill out the registration information and the location details will be sent to you.
What time do the walks begin?
Each walk begins promptly at 10 a.m.
Are the walks accessible to everyone?
Everyone is encouraged to join the walk. The route followed is one that will accommodate mobility scooters and individuals with mobility concerns. When the group has assembled, a route is chosen which will best suit the needs of each member so everyone will have an enjoyable time.
Are dogs of any breed welcome to join the walk?
Yes, any breed is welcome. Our group is made up of mostly Westies, but many sibling pups of other breeds. We welcome anyone to the walk whether they have a Westie or not. All are welcome.
Are dogs allowed to be off lead in the park?
Within the park there are specific areas where dogs are required to be on lead. However, throughout most of the park your dog may be off lead as long as they are under control. Areas like Valley Gardens and the children's play area up near Savill Gardens are areas where leads are required. If you have questions as to whether we are walking through a required lead-on area, please feel free to ask anyone in the group.
my dog tends to be anxious in large groups, what is your advice about joining a westie walk?
We have a few dogs who grow a bit anxious waiting for the walk to begin. It is encouraged to walk your dog away from where the group is waiting to lessen the stress. Once the group is moving, feel free to join in. Just keep an eye on us! We don't want to leave anyone behind.
Can I bring my westie if she is in season?
We highly discourage owners from bringing their dogs on the walk if they are in season. For the safety of all the dogs, it is best to wait until another time to join one of our walks.
The following information is taken from the Crown Estate's guide to walking dogs in windsor great park.
This information highlights our dog walking policy and is aimed at making a visit to Windsor Great Park an enjoyable experience for all our visitors. It informs you about the opportunities for dogs and their owners to enjoy thousands of acres of open parkland, and also about areas where there are some restrictions on dog walking.
Where can i walk my dog?
Dogs are welcome in any area of Windsor Great Park where the public are admitted. The one exception is The Savill Garden, although dogs on leads are welcome in the shop and on the restaurant terrace only. Assistance dogs are permitted in the garden. If walking along any of the roads or paths within the Park, please be aware that this is a working estate, and estate vehicles could be operating in any area.
Does my dog need to be on a lead?
In many parts of the Great Park, dogs are welcome off the lead, although they must always be under control.
Please be especially aware of the affect that your dog may have on other Park users, both human and canine. Some people can feel uncomfortable if even the friendliest pet approaches them. Please help people see the best in your dog by;
Please be especially aware of the affect that your dog may have on other Park users, both human and canine. Some people can feel uncomfortable if even the friendliest pet approaches them. Please help people see the best in your dog by;
- looking out for horse riders, cyclists and joggers. They can startle your dog - or your dog can startle them - and cause an injury or accident.
- not letting your dog approach other people or their dogs, unless you are sure they are happy about this.
The Valley Gardens - dogs must be on a lead
The Valley Gardens, despite their natural appearance, are an intensively managed and sensitive, man-made horticultural landscape. In order to protect and preserve the plantings and wildlife within The Valley Gardens, dogs must be kept on leads at all times whilst walking in or through The Valley Gardens. The entrances and exits to The Valley Gardens are clearly marked, indicating where dogs should be put on leads.
The deer park - dogs must be on a lead
To protect our deer herd, dogs must be kept on leads at all times whilst in the Deer Park. Entry to the Deer Park is through clearly marked gates and entrance points.
dog waste bins
The Crown Estate has provided dog bins across the Great Park for your convenience. Please use these bins for your bagged dog waste. Please do not leave the bags on the ground or hanging in bushes and trees. Local authority advice is that bagged dog waste may be disposed of in domestic bins at home, or as a last resort may be disposed of in public litter bins. The best option is to use the dog waste bins provided across the Great Park. Please help us to keep Windsor Great Park both clean and safe for all our visitors to enjoy.
Please note
All Crown Estate staff are tasked with working with dog owners to make sure that this request is adhered to. Please help them by keeping your dogs on leads in these two areas. The Crown Estate will not tolerate either verbal or any other form of abuse towards its staff whilst they are engaged in their duties, and will deal firmly with visitors to the Park who do not respect its employees and their reasonable requests.
