Stroud

'Alkington is a civil parish in the district of Stroud, Gloucestershire. It had a population of 638 in the 2001 census, increasing to 688 at the 2011 census. There is no Alkington village, the parish consists of various hamlets, including Woodford, Newport and Lower Wick.' ALERT At Review, I could no longer find the PDFs of Walks formerly referenced on the Parish Council's Website.

'We would like you to visit Dursley and the surrounding countryside and go on some wonderful walks.'

Held Early October.

The Stanleys have some of the most interesting, varied and beautiful walks in the Cotswolds. We are also blessed with fine scenery, historical features, fine architecture and parks. To help you to enjoy them, King's Stanley Parish Council have published, for the first time, a guide to some of these public footpaths. These walks are of varying distance and demands from 1.5 miles to 10 miles long. Clear guidance is given to distances involved and possible difficulties such as step-over stiles, steep hills, mud and livestock.

PDFs of four Walks - each of about 3.7 miles in length: 'Kingswood is fortunate in having in excess of 19 miles of Public Footpath. Historically these were used as routes to work, places of worship and of course short cuts to Public Houses and other very necessary destinations ...'

'The Local History Group, in collaboration with Minchinhampton Parish Council are gradually developing a series of walks around the area which help to explain our rich history. You can download the walk leaflets to explore for yourself.' ALERT At Review, this Website was inaccessible.

'From birdwatchers to families there is plenty to discover all year round. With experiences to suit all ages offering access to a huge variety of wildlife, it is no surprise we are an award-winning day out! ... Check the daily walks and talks schedule before you go to make sure you don't miss anything ...'

'With its dramatic Cotswolds landscape, unique arts and crafts heritage, fabulous festivals and independent shops, the Stroud District is the least commercialised and unexplored area for a holiday in the Cotswolds.'

'There are four circular walks which are colour coded, named (Hare, Gloucester Cattle, Skylark & Salmon) and are approximately 4.5 to 5 miles long, so allow about 2.5 hours for each one (or go crazy and do all four). The directions for all walks begin and end at the main map board, which is adjacent to the side wall of The Red Lion. All walks have kissing gates and bridges. It may be helpful to refer to the Ordnance Survey, Outdoor Leisure 14. What you see will vary from season to season. Some of the walks may be a little muddy at times but there will always be good cheer and hearty food and drink available back at The Red Lion when you return.'

'Medium distance rambler’s route from Cranham to Wyck Rissington, via Cheltenham and Bourton. Each of these places has some association with the composer, and the broad stretch of Cotswold country between them was also well known to Holst, who records several pleasant days spent walking in the uplands and dales.' ALERT Details of the Route no longer seems accessible on the Holst Birthplace Museum Website; so I have replaced the Link with one to an outline PDF courtesy of LDWA.

'Stroud's main claim to note has been as a woolen and worsted producing town in the west of England. The town lies quite dramatically on the steep flanks of a valley and is surprisingly remindful of one of the old woolen towns in the north of England ...'

'Back in 1985, a head-over-heels fan of Cider with Rosie, I spent a day exploring Slad with Laurie Lee as my guide. I've never forgotten the deep and amused affection that the author showed for the little South Gloucestershire village where he grew up ...'

'Allows you to download self-guided walking routes from across the Stroud District and within Gloucestershire. There are currently five sets of walks available.'

'The Rivers Thames and Severn are once again connected - this time by footpath. The footpath, known the Thames & Severn Way, has been marked out by volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust. It mainly follows the towpaths of the Stroudwater Navigation and Thames & Severn Canal between Framilode and Lechlade, but in places deviates on to other rights of way, such as the Thames Path.'

'The W.A.S. Way (Walk Around Stroud) is Gloucestershire’s newest way-marked trail. An ambitious 11-mile route, it follows public footpaths around the entire town boundary.'