WELCOME TO THE PALACE TO PALACE TEAM

Thank you so much for signing up and being part of #TeamPrincesTrust by taking on The Palace Walk.

Welcome to your digital walk guide. Please do read through all the information here to get a good understanding of what to expect on the day.

GETTING TO AND FROM THE PALACE WALK

By train

Windsor has two train stations – Windsor & Eton Riverside and Windsor & Eton Central. Trains to and from Windsor & Eton Riverside are operated by South West Trains and run from Waterloo via Staines and Richmond.

Trains to Windsor & Eton Central are operated by First Great Western. For trains from Paddington via Ealing you will need to change at Slough. Slough train station is just a few miles from Windsor.

Please double check your plans in advance and be prepared to make alternative arrangements in case of restrictions and/or disruptions.

By coach

The Palace Walk will start at 08.00 from Windsor Racecourse. If you’re travelling from London, you can book a spot on the event coach which leaves the Mall at 06.30 and drops you at Windsor Racecourse in plenty of time for the start.

Coach tickets are £15pp and spaces are limited so need to be booked in advance. You can book these tickets when you register or through your dashboard at a later date.

Participants will need to arrange their own return travel to London after the event.

By car

There will be car parking facilities at the Event Village so that your friends and family will be able to park close by and cheer you across the finish line. Parking is free but we do have a suggested donation of £5.

ABOUT THE START

It’s time to walk!

Here are the key things you need to know: 

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time. 
There’s no registration process on the day, so head straight to the start at Windsor Racecourse which will be clearly sign posted.  
Make sure you attach your bib number to the front of your top (don’t forget your safety pins) 
If you need to collect a replacement bib number on the day, please go to the information point. 
You will receive a key info card in your walk pack including feed station information and an emergency number. Bring this along and keep in a pocket. Please also add the emergency number to your mobile phone before you set off. 
Toilets are available at the start and finish line and at the two feed stations, our marshals will be able to direct you.

Emergency contact details 

Please write your emergency contact details on the reverse of your bib number before arriving. If this is not completed before arrival it could delay your start time. It is mandatory to complete these details.

Event timings 

07:30 – 7:45 Walkers arrive to the start line
08:00 Walkers set off from Windsor Racecourse
08:30 Festival Finish begins 
10:45 All walkers must arrive to the first rest stop (approx. 5.2 miles in)
11:30 First walkers complete the route and cross the finish line at Windsor
13:30 All walkers must arrive to the second rest stop (approx. 9.7 miles in)
17:00 Festival Finish closes 

Chip timing

The Palace Walk is not a race, however all walkers will have a timing chip in their bib number, and everyone will be given a finish time. This allows us to track your progress and ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. Your timing chip is within your bib number, please arrive at the start with this attached to the front of your t-shirt with the number facing forward.

Route signage 

The Palace Walk route is fully signed and marshalled. You’ll be briefed on the start line, but just follow the signs. 

A group of walkers along the River Thames.

BE PREPARED

The essential items

The Palace Walk isn’t a race, but it’s still a challenge so we’re sure you’ll reach the end feeling a little tired but incredibly proud of yourself.

Remember, don’t forget to bring these essential items with you on the day:

Bib number (attached to the front of your shirt). Your timing chip is in your bib number. 
Official Palace Walk t-shirt (if you opted in for one during registration)
Full water bottle or Camelback.

Packs containing your bib number and Palace Walk top will be posted to you. If you do not receive your pack by Wednesday 2 October, please email palace@princes-trust.org.uk. 

We also recommend bringing the following items:

Snacks such as flapjack, energy bars or gels
Money – cash and card
Charged mobile phone
Lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers (just in case)
Spare socks
Sunscreen (just in case)
Small first aid kit
Any medication you need

Walk support

An emergency number will be in the key information card included in your walk pack, for you to call on the day if you experience any difficulty. Relief vehicles will be available to pick up any retirees at either of the two rest stops for any participants struggling and unable to continue. If you require help, please identify yourself to the nearest marshal or call the emergency number on your key information card.

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 999 first and then notify us once the emergency services are on their way. Please stay with any casualties until the emergency services arrive.

THE ROUTE

There is a route map for the Palace Walk which can be viewed online. You can also watch our animation which highlights the key landmarks you will see on the walk.

Please note that the routes are subject to last minute change.

The Palace Walk route map >

BE SAFE

Look after yourself

You must wear your official bib number on the day, and it must be visible at all times.
Wear conspicuous clothing that is appropriate for walking.
All participants must be aged 14 or over on the date of the event. Any participant under 18 must take part with a parent or guardian over the age of 18.
Any walker with a medical condition, or who is unsure of their physical ability to take part are advised to seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event
Whatever the weather conditions, your body needs fluids whilst walking. Loss of fluid, especially from sweating will reduce your blood volume and mean that your heart will have to work harder. Therefore, replacing this fluid loss is essential to you completing the course. Stay hydrated by arriving with a full bottle/Camelback and topping up at the water stops on route
Walking will increase your energy needs, so aim to eat little and often. Bring snacks with you so you have something to keep your energy levels up along the route
Alcohol and walking are not a good mix, and we strongly recommend you do not indulge along the route
Please don’t use headphones, you need to be able to listen to what is going on around you
You must adhere to The Highway Code at all times (gov.uk/highway-code)

The course has been carefully chosen by WMP Creative, our event delivery partner, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, you are advised to adhere to road safety guidelines, and should you wish to do so, it is for you to take out personal accident insurance cover and material loss/damage cover in respect of your personal property and any loss or damage you may cause to a third party. By signing up to The Palace Walk you have agreed to our terms and conditions, which were available to view when you signed up. If you would like to see our terms and conditions, please email palace@princes-trust.org.uk.

THE FESTIVAL FINISH

Well done - you've done it!

Our festival finish is the perfect location to meet up with friends and family who have come to congratulate you. If you are taking part in a large team and have your own area in our marquees, please head to our partner village.

What else is at the festival finish?

The Palace-to-Palace festival finish is buzzing with activity, and we welcome your family and friends to come along and cheer you across the finish line. There’s fun for the whole family with arts and crafts activities, a bouncy castle, and lots more to get involved with. As a walker, enjoy a complimentary massage, provided by Elemis London, visit the bar for a well-deserved ice-cold drink and visit one of the different food stands available.