Travellers attending a meet on Saturday raced their horses and carts just yards from Windsor Castle, in clear breach of rules that ban such animals from the Long Walk. Families gathered for the Windsor Horse Drive in Berkshire, embarking on a 13-mile ride with planned pub stops, but some participants deviated onto the royal estate, approaching the castle and allowing their horses to graze on the grass bordering the iconic avenue.
Restricted Area Violated
The Long Walk is typically reserved for pedestrians only, with strict regulations prohibiting bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades. Horseriding on the Windsor estate is tightly controlled and not permitted on the castle approach. To ride a horse on the estate, one must hold an annual membership costing £395 and adhere to designated trails. However, on Saturday, horse-drawn carts encroached on both the main path and the well-maintained grass, catching bemused passersby off guard.
Busy Day at the Estate
The incident occurred on a busy day for the royal estate, as visitors took advantage of glorious weather. At least two carts entered the Long Walk before veering onto the grass, carrying up to three people at a time. Typically, only carts belonging to Windsor Great Park are permitted in the area. Visitors can book a regal carriage ride down the Long Walk drawn by two horses, which includes unique photos, a chance to meet the horses, and panoramic views of the castle.
A similar travellers' drive took place at Windsor last year, though no carts entered the park on that occasion.
