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The Gloucestershire Way is a walk of over 160 kilometres (100 miles). It starts on the old bridge connecting England and Wales in Chepstow, and runs north through the Forest of Dean before turning east towards Gloucester. It skirts the city, following the Severn for a while, and then crosses to Crickley Hill before traversing the Cotswolds to Stow. There it turns back west, and finishes at Tewkesbury.
The original guidebook, by Gerry Stewart, last updated by Gerry Stewart in 2022, can be obtained from some specialist shops. However, this has now been superseded by the Cicerone Guide, written by Daniel Hughes, and published in September 2026. This can be obtained here: Walking the Gloucestershire Way | Chepstow to… | Cicerone Press
There is a page devoted to the walk on the Long Distance Walkers’ Association Website.
The Gloucestershire branch of the Ramblers’ Association also has information.
Following the publication of the Cicerone guide, this site has been updated to support that publication.
A consortium of Gloucestershire walkers, Eleven Rivers, has engaged with various local agencies to promote the walk better and to ensure this fine route is properly celebrated and lasts into the future.
September 2026 notes:
- By-and-large the route follows that described in the Cicerone (and Gerry Stewart’s) guidebook and the line shown on OS maps (see below for GPX).
- The quality of the route has stood the test of time. The landscape varies from Forest to Vale to Cotswold Hill. It is a rich and rewarding walk.
- The walk is overwhelmingly along footpaths and bridlepaths, with some use of access land, particularly in the Forest of Dean. There are a few short sections of road-walking which connect the footpaths, and one longer section on quiet roads between Stow-on-the-Wold and Condicote.
- The only significant area of blockage isthe section which follows the River Severn around Gloucester from SO 82448 19046 (end of foot bridge crossing Severn into Gloucester) to SO 82866 20875 (the point where the path emerges onto Sandhurst Lane – just past the former pub building). A GPX file for the suggested deviation is available below. At this time the deviation is recommended over the original route.
- There are well marked diversions around the A417 road-building project. The GW walker need only follow the Cotswold Way diversion to the point where the GW is rejoined (see Cicerone site for details)
Route guide
Disclaimer: The route descriptions and associated GPX are provided in good-faith after considerable checking and review. However, they are a guide only, and any walker needs to check the route for him or herself using appropriate maps. The walker also needs to assess and manage for him/herself the hazards that this kind of route presents.
Direction Chepstow – Tewkesbury
Introduction
The ancient boarder town of Chepstow, with its castle and strategic position on the River Wye provides an excellent backdrop for the start of this walk. This section climbs from the tidal reaches of the Wye through lush farmland and into the Forest of Dean. Some of the smaller coppices and woodlands on the way still feel mysterious and magical, and the homesteads and farms are dispersed and sometimes isolated. But the evidence of human activity and its influence on the landscape is everywhere. As height is gained, there are spectacular views of the Severn from its estuary to the meandering loops higher up in Gloucestershire.
Chepstow has all the amenities of a small town. En route, a diversion into Bream will add little distance, and here there are food shops and pubs. There are no amenities at the end of the stage, although Parkend village is about 1500m away, where there is a shop and pubs.
Chepstow has a railway station and a transport hub. Buses pass through Bream and with planning the walker may be able to return to Chepstow or Lydney stations via buses from Bream or Coleford. There is a steam train with stations at Parkend, Bream and Lydney, but research and planning should be undertaken beforehand.
This section of the route requires the OS map of the 1:25000 series:
- OL14 – Wye Valley & Forest of Dean
Wye
England to the left of me, Wales to the right ….
Wye
Old gate
Autumn evening shadows
Jubilee Stone
Downloads
Introduction
This section traverses the glorious Forest of Dean. These are ancient and wonderful woodlands where there has been some effort at preservation for centuries. But this area also has a rich industrial heritage, and this too is evident through the walk. In particular the Forest is criss-crossed with old tram and railway lines, many of which are now repurposed for recreation. The walker is in for a treat.
The start of this section is on the cycleway that links the township of Coleford with Parkend village. Coleford has large shops and accommodation options, whereas Parkend has just a single shop and two pubs. There are limited refreshment options en route, although mobile food outlets may pop up on busier days. Speech House Hotel is an option towards the start of the day. It is not difficult to contrive a deviation into the large town of Cinderford, where there are shops, accommodation and public transport options. As noted in the text, using the Wysis Way alternative takes the walker into Mitcheldean, another small town with all amenities. Just before the ascent to May Hill, a small deviation into Longhope allows a visit to the Yew Tree Inn, the bakery (check opening times) or the village store (cash preferred).
There is a train station at Lydney (unfortunately on the wrong side of town). For a stylish start, it may be possible to arrive at Parkend on a steam train. Stagecoach buses (23) run regularly from Gloucester to Coleford via Lydney and Parkend. There is a transport hub at Cinderford, with buses (24) running along the A4151 and A40 to Gloucester. A bus (33) runs from Gloucester to Ross along the A40, with a detour into Mitcheldean.
This section of the route requires the OS map of the 1:25000 series:
- OL14 – Wye Valley & Forest of Dean
Mary Rose Young gallery
New role for old track
Gorgeous Forest
Owner
Industrial Heritage
Young woods
Alternatives
A glance at the map will show myriad alternative routes through the Forest of Dean. The Gloucestershire Way tends to avoid the hard-surfaced former railway lines, preferring to leave these for the pleasure of the innumerable cyclists who utilize this amenity. But in muddier periods, these alternatives may be easier.
The walker could deviate along the Wysis Way between Plump Hill and May Hill. This takes one through Mitcheldean where there are shops and transport options.
Downloads
Introduction
This section starts on top of May Hill. The summit here drops away on all sides, so the views in every direction are simply splendid. There follows a lovely walk through woods, which form the finale of the Forest of Dean. The route then passes through attractive farmland before arriving at the River Severn which leads to Gloucester, and its grand buildings and amenities. (If you can get a picture of the cathedral without pylons in the foreground – let me know!)
There are occasional opportunities for refreshments. Soon after leaving May Hill, a diversion along the Wysis Way will find the Glass House Inn. Crossing the A40, the Leaf garden centre nearby has a cafe. For other options, it is possible to divert into Huntley, and rejoin the route without adding much distance. After this, there is nothing until the final approach into Gloucester along the A40, at Over Farm or the neaby Toby Inn. Gloucester of course has everything.
Buses run regularly along both the A40 and the A48, connecting Gloucester and Cinderford. There is a train station at Gloucester, but the first stop on the line running along the Severn is at Lydney, which is not much help for this stage.
This section of the route requires the OS map of the 1:25000 series:
- Explorer179 – Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud
- OL14 – Wye Valley & Forest of Dean
May Hill views: Rain over Lord Hereford’s Knob (really!)
May Hill views: Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny
May Hill views: Herefordshire
May Hill views: Gloucester
Alternatives
Walkers will note that the Gloucestershire Way runs coincident with the Geopark Way for much of this section. At the point where the Gloucestershire Way turns away from the Severn (past Minsterworth) the option is there to stay by the river all the way to Over Bridge, which is the route taken by the Geopark Way.
Downloads
Introduction
This stage wanders across the Severn vale from Gloucester to the top of the Cotswold escarpment. A walker undertaking the whole Way might choose to detour into Gloucester, to visit the exceptional cathedral and other delights of the city. The route finds quiet paths to cross the flat-lands; although a number of busy roads are encountered, they are swiftly left behind. The reward at the end of the day is the fabulous panoramic view from the top of Crickley Hill, which (along with the preceding steep climb!) is truly breath-taking.
There are plenty of amenities in Gloucester, and minor deviations from the route will take the walker into the ity centre or alternatively there is a large retail park on the suggested alternative route (along the A417).
On the A38, to the south there is the Queen’s Head pub. To the north is a petrol station with convenience store. On the B4063, to the west is the Hare and Hounds pub; further west is Churchdown where there are shops. On the A46, close by the route is Dawn Nurseries, which has a cafe; the Greenway Spa Hotel and The Cheese Rollers pub are also options. There is a Post Office in Shurdington village, which is a little further away. On the top of Crickley Hill, a little to the east of the Gloucestershire Way is a small cafe. The Air Balloon pub has closed.
There are plenty of public transport options to reach Gloucester. There are regular bus services along the A38, the B4063 and the A46. From any of the crossing points it is easy to reach either Cheltenham or Gloucester. There is no service at Crickley Hill.
This section of the route requires the OS map of the 1:25000 series:
- Explorer179 – Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud
An alternative in Crickley Hill park is to turn left on the Cotswold Way, and walk up hill to the high viewing point and cafe, and then find one of the many alternative routes to the Air Balloon roundabout.
Downloads
Introduction
The section of the Gloucestershire Way from Crickley to Salperton includes a series of quiet and beautiful Cotswold hamlets and traverses a series of ridges. The start at the Air Balloon roundabout is, however, noisy and hazardous, and considerable care needs to be taken crossing the roads. The task is to get to the eastern side of the A417 as it goes up the hill towards Swindon. The safest route may be to turn left down the A436 to a point past the roundabout cross there, and then proceed up the hill on the eastern side.
After years of delay, the A417 at this point is having a major upgrade and work has now started on the site. The Air Balloon pub is now closed. The walker may need to be prepared for some diversions to the route. Information about the development and disruptions can be found here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a417-missing-link/. PROW information here: Temporary closures – Highways (gloucestershire.gov.uk)
There are no shops on the route. With modest deviations from the route, the walker could reach: The Seven Springs is currently shut. The Cowley Manor Hotel (Cowley); The Green Dragon Inn (Cockleford) lie to the west of the A435 Cheltenham-Cirencester Road, near Coberley. The Kilkenny Inn, is currently shut. The Frogmill Inn lies directly on the route just before reaching Shipton.
Public transport options are limited. There are no services to Crickley Hill. An energetic walker might consider starting 3.5km earlier on the route, at the A46 Shurdington Road, where there are regular Stagecoach bus services from Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud. Pullmans operates service 801 that passes near Shipton. At the time of writing, the Stagecoach 51 Cheltenham-Cirencester route has been diverted, and passes near Shipton. But with or without diversion, this bus passes near Coberley on the A435. Check before setting out. From Salperton, the nearest bus stops are on the A436, again the Pullmans 801 between Cheltenham and Moreton-in-Marsh.
This section of the route requires the OS maps of the 1:25000 series:
- Explorer179 – Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud
- OL45 – The Cotswolds
GPX downloads
Introduction
This is a wonderful Cotswold section, with grand airy vistas, picturesque villages and magical closed footpaths. Most of the way is easily navigated.
There are opportunities for refreshment at The Hub, in Notgrove; the Plough Inn, in Cold Aston and the The Slaughters Country Inn, in Lower Slaughter. There is also a wide range of shops, food retailers and accommodation at Stow-on-the-Wold.
Stow is reasonably well served by buses, but reaching Salperton by public transport is not possible. An option might be to start walking from the A40 near Shipton, making a longer day of it if going all the way to Stow, or alternatively breaking at Notgrove or at the A436 near Bourton. Check options at Traveline or Pulham Coaches.
This section of the route requires the OS map of the 1:25000 series:
- OL45 – The Cotswolds
360 degree views all around here.
Alternatives
Stow is an interesting Cotswold town (although it would be much improved by eliminating parking in the town square area) with all amenities. However, if the walker is minded to crack on, then there are many options to by-pass the town. Gerry Stewart suggests turning at Hyde Mill, and taking footpaths to first Lower Swell and from there to Upper Swell, where the main route is rejoined. A GPX for this route is available below.
GPX downloads
This section joins the two picturesque towns of Stow-on-the-Wold and Winchcombe, crossing splendid upland country. There are some sections at the start which involve road-walking, although mostly this is on quieter roads. There are fine views, firstly of the big Cotswold skies, and then, coming into Winchcombe, of the surrounding hills and vales.
There are few amenities along the way, with the exception being the Plough Inn at Ford.
Travelling by public transport between the start and end is not easy, and necessitates a visit to Cheltenham, but buses do run in both directions throughout the day. See Traveline for more information. The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway runs close by the route, and this option might be explored.
This section of the route requires the OS map of the 1:25000 series:
- OL45 – The Cotswolds
Fine Cotswold views of rolling hills with the occasional farm or homestead. Big skies and big colours: yellow, green and brown fields, blue skies.
GPX downloads
This final stretch of the Gloucestershire Way links the small town of Winchcombe in the Cotswolds with the larger urban centre of Tewkesbury, and its magnificent Abbey. There is fine walking to Oxenton with Splendid panoramic views. Thereafter the route passes back into the flatlands of the Severn and Avon, although these are not without merit. The walker has the option to skip this last section, and instead head down the Cotswold escarpment over Nottingham Hill, Cleeve Hill and beyond. However, that would mean missing out on the sense of accomplishment of completing the route, and the attractions of Tewkesbury.
The route does not pass by any amenities, although the walker could divert into Gotherington, where there is a shop, a pub and a regular bus service.
Travelling by public transport between the start and end is not easy, and necessitates a visit to Cheltenham, but buses do run in both directions throughout the day. See Traveline for more information. The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway runs close by to the route, and this option might be explored.
Somewhat annoyingly, this section of the route requires three OS maps of the 1:25000 series:
- OL45 – The Cotswolds
- Explorer179 – Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud
- Explorer190 – Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill
Of the variant route options, only the minor one between Dixton and Oxenton is recommended, thereby avoiding ploughed in fields.
GPX downloads
Direction Tewkesbury – Chepstow
Downloads:
Click on highlighted section to download file.
Notes on the way
Signage
The signage along the route is variable, with the yellow confirmation markers being more prolific in some parts than others.
Gloucestershire Way finger posts were installed at the road-sides when the route was first designed. Most of these remain, being sturdy cast-metal affairs. However, there is no signage that directs the walker along the road, that is, the footpath may be signed, but on reaching a road, usually the direction is not indicated.
Some other Recreational Paths in the area have been very heavily signed, with stickers affixed to any street furniture, gate, stile or pre-existing local-authority sign. A walker of the Gloucestershire Way should not expect this level of hand-holding. The expectation is that you have a route guide, and the signs will aid you use this. Generally the rule is, if there isn’t a marker, you carry straight-on. But even more importantly, you use your common sense.
Severn River
A this time a deviation is recommended (see downloads, above) from the section which follows the River Severn around Gloucester from SO 82448 19046 (end of foot bridge crossing Severn into Gloucester) to SO 82866 20875 (the point where the path emerges onto Sandhurst Lane – just past the former pub building). The path is heavily overgrown.
This section is also prone to flooding, and can be impassable at times of heavy rainfall and/or high-tides.
The Severn Bore is a spectacular phenomenon, which is at its greatest at the high-tides close to the equinoxes. There are plenty of web-sites that advise on times and places to witness this. You don’t want to be observing (or participating in!) a bore from this location!
A417 Birdlip Roundabout
After years of delay, spades are now in the ground to upgrade the A417 at Birdlip. The current advice is to follow the diversion for the Cotswold Way (which is well marked) and shortly rejoins the route of the Gloucestershire Way. In due course two bridges will be available to walkers that will mean the walker is completely separated from traffic at this busy point.
Lower Slaughter – Stow-on-the-Wold – Condicote
The section of the path that leads into Stow is shared with several other Recreational Routes. Some of these have been very heavily signed, possibly to facilitate multi-participant walks. The walker of the Gloucestershire Way should anticipate fewer signs more judiciously placed.
The road walking between Stow-on-the-Wold and Condicote is not well signed, but is straight forward, and easily followed on a map.