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.
Gloucester Walks & Walking Routes
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
One of my favourite options is to head to Alney Island over the footbridge near the lock. Then do a circular walk along the River Severn. This includes Lower Parting, where the river splits to create the island. This also is a great place to watch The Severn Bore.
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.
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.
Walking Guides
- Download & Print Walks in or near to Gloucester. walkinginengland.co.uk
- Gloucestershire County Council walking guide. Includes walk downloads and details of organised walks. Walk details.