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Walking in the Stroud District

If you like your walks to hold your interest, then you have come to the right place. You only have to look around to realise that the Stroud valleys obviously are anything but flat! No apologies on that front. After all, that is what makes this part of the Cotswolds what it is.

Randwick Woods

Ramblers with a zest for steep slopes, whether it's going up or down, may find that their muscles ache after a few miles... but the scenery is worth the effort.

"The roads and paths are quieter and what could be better than sitting by an open fire in a cosy teashop scoffing crumpets that you can enjoy with a clear conscience, due to the brisk walk to get them."

Cranham Woods

Cranham to Sheepscombe is a six mile woodland walk encompassing these two delightful villages - each with popular local pubs and attractive cricket grounds - surrounded by sheep pastures and conserved woodland.

Another area of interest is the 102 mile Cotswold Way which passes through the Stroud District between Alderley and Birdlip. The trail was recently awarded National Trail status. The Cotswold Way passes through a significant landscape of national importance and it provides a quality walking experience that offers pleasure to visitors from near and far. Transport publications linking walks along the Cotswold Way and other Cotswold villages to bus routes are available.

Slad Valley

Slad Valley

Perhaps one of the most famous of these lonely hollows is the Slad valley. Secluded, yet not forgotten. The village has now lost its most popular and most famous resident, Laurie Lee, who will be sadly missed. He spent his whole life in this delightful part of Stroud and many a school boy and girl from all over the world studies his childhood through his widely acclaimed book Cider with Rosie.

Walking around Slad is fairly strenuous but rewarding, walking up and down hidden combes offering breathtaking views. Venture on this rewarding walk and you will see what inspired Laurie Lee to capture in words the delights of nature, hidden until sought out.

"But the mole sleeps, and the hedgehog lies curled in a womb of leaves, the bean and the wheat-seed hug their germs in the earth and the stream moves under the ice."

Frocester Hill

Together with Selsey Common, these stretches of common land provide an ideal open space for walking, horse-riding, kite and model plane flying, or simply relaxing while listening to the soaring song of the skylark.
Across the valley you can see the slow stately movement of the wind-turbine at Nymsfield, the very first one in the Cotswolds Area Of Outstanding Beauty.

Winstone's home-made local ice cream is irrestible on warm sunny days, especially when served directly from their shop-front on Rodborough Common!

Haresfield Beacon

The views from Coaley Peak Picnic Site are truly magnificent but, for many, the countryside around Cam Peak and Cam Long Down, cannot be beaten. Or, why not leave the car and discover the Site of Special Scientific Interest at Stinchcombe Hill. Here, you can enjoy the views and also admire the conservation projects which are reclaiming large areas of limestone and grassland for protected flora and butterflies, as well as the threatened skylark.
The South Cotswolds epitomises all that is best about an unspoiled English landscape – listen to the birdsong, enjoy the butterflies, delight in the rare orchids … and escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Ordnance Survey Maps

You will need an Ordnance Survey Explorer Map for general navigation. Relevant maps for the Stroud District area are 168 and 179 of the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map series.

Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps - More Information

Circular Walks

There is also a helpful series of 44 circular walks created by Stroud District Council. This series of 44 walks will guide you through the steep wooded valleys of the Cotswolds escarpment, the rolling farmland on top of the scarp and down to the lush green meadows of the Severn Vale. All the walks are on designated rights of way and are clearly way marked.

Circular Walk Collection

Pick up a pack at the Stroud Tourist Information Centre or download each walk seperately on our website.

Arlingham Circular Walks

Arlingham Circular Walks

There are also 4 circular walks around the Arlingham Peninsula suitable for all the family to enjoy. Each circular walk is approximately 4.5 to 5 miles long, so allow about 2.5 hours for each one.

The Arlingham Walks leaflet is available for download.

Dursley Programme of Organised Walks (5th August 09 - 30th October 09)

PDF Dursley Programme of Organised Walks August to October 2009

Guided Walks

For those people interested in quided walks across the district. A number of walks can be found at Strolling in Stroud Website. Walks take place through out the year and are organised by a range of different organisations including:

Walks on Wheels

15 short routes have been devised by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens for anyone on a mobility scooter, in a wheelchair, or pushing a child's buggy. They will help you explore quiet country paths, villages and market towns and to enjoy the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Walks on Wheels packs are available from Stroud Tourist Information Centre or they can be downloaded.

Dursley Sculpture and Play Trail

From Darkness to Light

A sculpture and play trail in Twinberrow Woods near Dursley, created by the community for the community. The trail is always changing with new sculptures being added as more community groups get involved.

PDF Dursley Sculpture Trail Leaflet

PDF Dursley Sculpture Trail Activity Sheet

Stroud Walking Festival (4 - 20 September 2009)

Now in its third year, the Stroud Walking Festival is getting bigger and better! Spread over 17 days, there’s something for all tastes and abilities.Try a gentle stroll around the Museum in the Park, or a 26 mile marathon to Miserden and back.

There are around 40 different walks on offer, highlighting the wonderful countryside around Stroud. All walks are guided and most are free. The most popular ones require tickets with all monies going to Teckels Animal Sanctuary at Whitminster.

Walk through the beautiful countryside around Stroud

Stroud Walking Festival - For further information on all the walks on offer