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Cycling along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
The Vale of Gloucestershire is a cyclist's dream. Not only is it beautiful - but it's almost flat!
The canal towpath is part of the National Cycle Network route 41, and offers great biking routes for cyclists of all abilities.
Download a spreadsheet detailing the condition of the towpath for cyclists. Contains condition grades and suitability information. Survey conducted in September 2010.
You must obtain a cycling permit to use the towpaths, which can be downloaded free of charge.
Further details of individual sections are as follows:
- Gloucester Docks to Hempsted: Car parking and refreshments are available in the Docks.
- Sims to Rea: Towpath is wide and even.
- Rea to Sellers: Towpath is narrow and in poor condition in places. Extra care is needed.
- Sellers to Saul Junction: Suitable for cycling. There is a large carpark at Saul Junction. Cyclists will be rewarded with views of the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean on this section.
- Saul Junction to Fretherne: Towpath is in good to average condition. There are car parks at Saul Junction and Splatt.
- Fretherne to Splatt: Suitable for cycling. Small car park at Splatt and two pubs. Rural surroundings, with glimpses of the Severn Estuary.
- Splatt to Patch: Suitable for cycling. There are refreshments, accommodation and cycle hire in Slimbridge village. This section affords spectacular views of the Severn Estuary, which provides habitats to many species of bird. Patch is the gateway to the Slimbridge Wetland & Wildfowl Trust bird centre.
- Patch to Sharpness: Rural and very suitable for cycling. Refreshments and other facilities are available at local villages close to Sharpness. The scenery is sharply contrasting, from the rural wildlife of Patch to the rich industrial heritage of Sharpness.
Cycling routes
Towpath Stoppages
There are no stoppages reported at this time.
