Gloucester Walks & Walking Routes

There are many options for walks in and near to Gloucester City Centre. These include many urban walks or in the nearby countryside. One of the more challenging and steep walks is up to the top of Robinswood Hill. An ideal place to view the city from above. For those that like urban walking routes, the city’s historical sites make up a great route.

From the centre of Gloucester, you can enjoy a walk around the historic Gloucester docks. From then on you can either walk along the River Severn or The Gloucester-Sharpness Canal.

Gloucester-Sharpness Canal

The canal stretches from the city centre towards Sharpness for 16.5 miles. This has a towpath along the bank, so is a great place to walk from the city. The canal has some historical buildings towards the city end, including Llanthony Secunda Priory and some old historical warehouses. The canal is great for nature spotting, including viewing many species of birds.

Alney Island & River Severn Walks

A nice place for walking outside of the flood season in Gloucester is Alney Island. Alney Island is a short walk from Gloucester city centre and has lots of trails to walk including alongside the river. A good place to walk to is Lower Parting, where the river spits into two. This also is a great place to watch The Severn Bore. Also on the island, you can wander through Richard’s wood and lots of fields where cattle graze. There is a circular route to follow on the AllTrails website.

The Island is mainly farmland and used for grazing, so expect to see cows on your walk. Because it’s low-lying, the area is prone to flooding, especially in the spring. There is an area in the centre called Richards Wood. This is a small wood and is a great place to sit in the shade on a warm summer’s day.

Robinswood Hill Country Park Circular Walks

The country park at Robinswood Hill has a variety of marked circular routes around and to the top of the hill. Robinswood Hill has some fantastic views as it looks down on the city of Gloucester. There is a cafe, a nature centre, cliffs and loads of wildlife to spot.

One of the best things to do in Gloucester, if you enjoy walking, is to visit Robinswood Hill. The hill is on the outskirts of the city and it has many options for trails including to the top. Robinswood Hill is 650 feet high and the views from the peak are wonderful. Walking on the hill takes you through woodland and some pretty meadows. One of my favourite areas is near the cliffs, which you can walk near the top or at the bottom. You can download a handy leaflet with a map and further information about the hill.

Westgate Bridge

Another Quick walk from the city centre is crossing past the shops on Westgate Island. Then at Westgate Bridge, head upstream on the River Severn into a park with a boating lake. The lake is a nice place to enjoy lunch or you could venture under the railway viaduct into some very nice meadowland.

Barnwood Arboretum & Park

The Barnwood Arboretum is a pleasant location for a stroll in the Barnwood area of the city. However, it is great to watch out for the diverse wildlife living here. The park has a church in the centre that they currently use as a gym.

Glevum Way Hiking Route

The Glevum Way is a long distance walking route around the outskirts of Gloucester. This is a 23.6 mile long circular walk that starts and finishes at Castlemeads near to the docks. Gloucester Ramblers created the route and they split it into 5 sections that end at bus stops.

Churchdown Hill

The Woodland Trust and the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust manage parts of the Churchdown Hill. The hill is open free to the public to roam along the many paths. This place is a steep walk, but it will reward you with some stunning views. Churchdown Hill Walk…

Walking Guides

Download & Print Walks in or near to Gloucester. walkinginengland.co.uk