Windsor Castle deer spotted in stunning fairytale scene

With scores of deer gathered in picturesque parkland at dawn as a September mist shrouds Windsor Castle in the distance, this striking image looks straight out of a fairytale. 

Stags, hinds and fawns can be seen making the most of the early morning peace on the magnificent Long Walk at Windsor Great Park, which runs for more than two and a half miles. 

Without the usual crowds of tourists, the normally shy creatures are free to roam across the dewy grass, emerging from low mist and the lines of horse chestnut and London plane trees into the morning light along the famous ascent to the castle. 

Without the usual crowds of tourists, the normally shy creatures are free to roam across the dewy grass, emerging from low mist and the lines of horse chestnut and London plane trees into the morning light along the famous ascent to the castle

The amateur photographer who captured the scene so perfectly is Colin Roberts, who has enjoyed walking in Windsor Great Park for more than three years and managed to get the shot after rising before daybreak at a time when no other humans are around to startle the red deer.

The animals, introduced to the 5,000-acre park south of Windsor by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1979, now form a 500-strong herd that ranges freely — and Mr Roberts, 37, says he always keeps an eye on the weather at this time of year, as a damp early autumn night is sure to produce an atmospheric mist the following morning, creating an ideal backdrop for the deer.

Mr Roberts, from Riseley, Berkshire, said: ‘I checked the weather forecast so I knew there was going to be mist and got up very early.

‘But this is the best [photograph] I have got so far.’  

The animals, introduced to the 5,000-acre park south of Windsor by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1979, now form a 500-strong herd that ranges freely