Experience the varied landscapes of Gloucestershire on the Gloucestershire Way, a 152km (94 mile) long-distance trail from Chepstow on the England-Wales border to the historic town of Tewkesbury. From the ancient streets of Chepstow and the tranquil valleys of the Severn to the majestic panoramas of May Hill and the rolling Cotswold countryside, this trail combines scenic beauty, industrial heritage, and honey-coloured villages along its route. 

Ideal for walkers of all abilities, this guidebook presents the Gloucestershire Way in eight manageable stages, offering suggested itineraries from five to ten days. Walk through the Forest of Dean’s historic woodlands, follow riverbanks and quiet lanes, and explore towns steeped in centuries of history, all framed by expansive skies and breathtaking views.

• Eight stage-by-stage route descriptions covering the Gloucestershire Way from Chepstow to Tewkesbury, plus clear step-by-step directions for every stage, supported by 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping for accurate navigation across woodland, river valleys, and Cotswold hills.
• Each stage includes distance, estimated walking time, ascent, terrain notes, and information on key places such as Chepstow, the Forest of Dean, May Hill, Gloucester, Stow-on-the-Wold, Winchcombe, and Tewkesbury.
• Comprehensive planning information with advice on accommodation, transport, seasonal considerations, and points of interest along the route, plus suggested itineraries from five to ten days.
• Downloadable GPX files make it easy to follow the Gloucestershire Way using GPS devices or smartphone apps.
• Historical and natural highlights described throughout, including industrial heritage in the Forest of Dean, riverside paths along the Severn, and traditional Cotswold villages with ancient churches and dry-stone walls.

Plan your Gloucestershire Way adventure with confidence using this comprehensive guidebook and enjoy a journey through woodlands, river valleys, rolling hills, and historic towns across one of England’s most diverse and inspiring landscapes.

Walking the Gloucestershire Way - Quick Facts

Trail name: Gloucestershire Way
Location: Gloucestershire, England
Distance: 152km / 94 miles
Typical duration: 5–10 days
Route format: Linear long-distance trail
Stages: 8 day-stages with flexible itineraries
Terrain: Woodlands, river valleys, gentle hills, rolling Cotswolds
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for walkers of all abilities
Navigation: 1:50,000 OS maps with GPX files available
Highlights: Chepstow, Forest of Dean, May Hill, Gloucester Cathedral, Stow-on-the-Wold, Winchcombe, Tewkesbury Abbey
Accommodation: Inns, B&Bs, guesthouses, and towns along the route
Best season: Spring to autumn for optimal weather and views

Author Highlight

“The Gloucestershire Way showcases the distinctive scenery of the county, passing through the Forest of Dean, the Severn Vale and the Cotswolds.  It takes as its theme a line from a poem by FW Harvey (the ‘poet laureate of Gloucestershire’): ‘Forest and Vale and High Blue Hill’.”

- Dan Hughes, author of Walking the Gloucestershire Way   

Route Summary Table
Introduction
A brief history of the Gloucestershire Way
Gloucestershire
Geology
Conservation status
Planning the walk
When to go?
How long will it take?
Which direction?
Stage planning
Breaks and stopping points
Accommodation
Variants, onward journeys and shorter routes
Transport options
Equipment and practicalities
On the Way
The terrain
Human hazards
Animal hazards
Way marking
Using this guide
GPX tracks
The Gloucestershire Way
Stage 1           Chepstow to Parkend
Stage 2           Parkend to May Hill
Stage 3           May Hill to Gloucester
Stage 4           Gloucester to Crickley
Stage 5           Crickley to Salperton
Stage 6           Salperton to Stow
Stage 7           Stow to Winchcombe
Stage 8           Winchcombe to Tewkesbury
Appendix A     Accommodation
Appendix B     Useful information

Seasons

The Gloucestershire Way is suitable for walkers of all abilities and fitness, and no specialist skills or equipment are needed. There are a great many stiles, but otherwise walking is easy.

Centres

This is a linear walk from the Welsh border at Chepstow, passing through Gloucester, Stow, Winchcombe and ending at Tewkesbury.

Difficulty

The Gloucestershire Way is suitable for walkers of all abilities and fitness, and no specialist skills or equipment are needed. There are a great many stiles, but otherwise walking is easy.

Must See

From the Wales-England border, with Chepstow castle as a backdrop, the Gloucestershire Way heads through the glades of the Forest of Dean before heading east to the ancient city of Gloucester, home to one of the world’s finest cathedrals. The Way then crosses the Severn Vale, to ascend into the honeyed Cotswolds, where at Stow it turns towards its finish at historic Tewkesbury.

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