Walking on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

The rich and varied landscape of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal makes it a popular choice with walkers, who can walk all or part of its 16-mile length. Along the way, you will experience historical features like Gloucester Docks, pass the National Waterways Museum, see spectacular views like those of The Cotswolds, The Forest of Dean and the Severn Estuary, and submerge yourself in the peace of the unspoilt countryside and the Wetlands Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge.

The route is easily split into shorter, more manageable sections, should you not wish to walk the full length.Gloucester Docks to Hempsted (1 mile). Look for Gloucester's industrial heritage, boating, fishing and rowingHempsted to Sims (1 mile)Sims to Rea (0.5 miles)Rea to Sellers (1.5 miles)Sellers to Saul Junction (3.5 miles). Look out for views of The Cotswolds and The Forest of DeanSaul Junction to Fretherne (1 mile). Look for attractive canalside and plenty of points of interest.Fretherne to Splatt (1.25 miles). Look for glimpses of the Severn EstuarySplatt to Patch (2 miles). Look for spectacular views of the Severn Estuary, which provides habitats for many species of bird. Patch is the gateway to the Slimbridge Wetland Wildfowl Trust bird centrePatch to Sharpness (4.75 miles). Look for contrasting scenery, from the rural wildlife of Patch to the bustling shipping harbour of Sharpness

Getting there

Parking: There are plenty of parking opportunities at each end and en route, at: Gloucester Docks The Pilot pub at Sellers Saul Junction Splatt

Public transport: By road, the canal is off the M5 and the A38.