Runnymede: Kennedy Memorial, Cooper’s Hill and Magna Carta

Start at the path entrance in the National Trust Memorials car park, on the same side of Windsor Road as the Magna Carta tea-room. This roughly 2.4 km circuit follows the landowner’s purple Views Route through memorials, hillside woods and open meadow. Allow around 1½ hours for the steep sections and time to read the memorial inscriptions.

Follow the broad memorials path south, with The Jurors bronze chairs nearby. Turn right through the Kennedy Memorial gate and climb the Fifty State Steps. From the Kennedy Memorial, continue west to the junction, then turn south onto the path through Cooper’s Hill Woods. Follow the purple route down the hillside, across its wooden bridges and boardwalks, then turn north onto the stepped return path. Pass Writ in Water, take the short paved spur to the Magna Carta Memorial and return along the main path to the car park. Use the mapped forks and coloured waymarks in the woodland.

This is a moderate walk despite its short distance. Expect steep slopes, roots, many steps and some narrow paths. Cobbles, grass and wooden planks can be slippery after rain. Wear footwear with grip, walk in daylight and postpone the walk if paths are flooded or woodland conditions are poor. Keep dogs on short leads around memorials and in any cattle-grazed meadow; give livestock plenty of space.

Countryside entry is free. Parking is charged for non-members and free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders under the posted rules. The Memorials car park has limited spaces and seasonal closing times, so check the signs and leave enough time to return. The adjacent tea-room and toilets are useful when open.

Route reference: National Trust Runnymede and Ankerwycke map, purple Views Route: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/runnymede-and-ankerwycke