The Gloucestershire Way

The Gloucestershire Way is a 100 mile linear footpath connecting Chepstow Castle with Tewkesbury, passing through the Forest of Dean, Severn Vale and the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire England.

The Waymarker is a cathedral, river and tree topped hill motif. Os Map Ordnance Survey Maps; Explorer 179 and 190

There are three distinct sections; the first through the ancient Forest of Dean ; the second section is across the Severn Vale at Gloucester; and the third is across the rolling hills and steep valleys of the Cotswolds as far as Stow on the Wold. Here the route abruptly changes direction to head west, finally descending the Cotswold escarpment to the river Severn at Tewkesbury.

Chepstow to Parkend

13.5 miles
From Chepstow it starts just the other side of the Old Wye Bridge crossing the River Wye then on up into the Forest of Dean, an ancient Royal Hunting Forest with fascinating industrial and archaeological history and a haven for wildlife. Evidence of the wild boar that roam the forest can be seen along the tracks and you have a good chance of seeing deer. The first part of the journey finishes at May Hill which is a landmark seen from miles around with it's distinctive pattern of trees on its summit. A good days walk from Chepstow to Parkend is 13.5 miles but this could be broken into two stages, taking time to discover the remarkable history of the Forest.

With your base at Chepstow or any of the surrounding villages you can complete several sections of the walk without all the fuss of having to change your accommodation. There is a huge variety to suit all budgets offering a warm welcome and with many of the local walks including part of the Wye Valley Walk, makes for an ideal choice for a week or weekend's stay.

For more information on the The Gloucestershire Way click here