The Gloucestershire Way

The Gloucestershire Way is a 100 mile (160km) long-distance national trail which crosses almost the full width of Gloucestershire from its westerly border with the Welsh town of Chepstow to Tewkesbury in the north on the River Severn.

A route of considerable variety and interest, in the words of its authors Gerry and Kate Stewart of the Ramblers Association, it was conceived on the theme of 'Forest and Vale and High Blue Hill' - words taken from the poem "A Song of Gloucestershire" by F. W. Harvey of the Forest of Dean.

The route can easily be tackled in short sections, or circular routes devised to incorporate parts of it. It can be broked down into three distinct sections; the first through the centre of the ancient Forest of Dean; the second across the Severn Vale and Gloucester; and the third across the Cotswolds.

It can also be broken down into eight shorter stages of about 19km each, being Chepstow - Parkend - May Hill - Gloucester - Crickley - Salperton - Stow on the Wold - Winchcombe - Tewkesbury.

The section through the Forest of Dean covers many beautiful and varied landscapes. It begins in the historic town of Chepstow along the banks of the Wye before a hill climb taking in glorious views over the River Severn to the south, Clanna Ponds, Bream and Parkend, a section of the RSPB Nagshead Nature Reserve, Cannop Ponds, The Speech House Hotel and a section of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Woorgreens Nature Reserve, May Hill with views over seven counties before a decline down to the banks of the River Severn and a walk east towards the city of Gloucester. Many sections of the walk are through ancient woodland, so if you are looking for a well-laid walking path to explore the Forest of Dean you won't go wrong choosing the Gloucestershire Way!

More information:

The Long Distance Walkers Association website has details of the walk here.