Illustration — photo coming soon
This cycle path winds through the Stroud Valleys and forms part of the Mercian Way, a section of National Cycle Network Route 45 that welcomes riders of all abilities, including families with children.
The route generally follows a gentle gradient, often running alongside the Stroudwater Canal, so you can enjoy a comfortable pace while taking in the rolling countryside that defines this part of the Cotswolds. Wildlife watchers will spot birds and other creatures around the canal banks and adjoining fields.
The path gets its name from the ancient Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia, which once covered this region. The Stroud Valleys themselves tell the story of England's wool and cloth industries, and cycling here means you'll pass remnants of that industrial past dotted through the landscape. Just off the main route, Rodborough Common is easily accessible and offers spectacular views across the Severn Vale towards the Malvern Hills in the distance.
For food and drink, Stroud is close by—a proper market town with independent shops and a well-regarded Farmers' Market where you can pick up supplies or grab something to eat after your ride. If you want to extend your outing, the attractive town of Nailsworth and the historic village of Minchinhampton are both just a short detour from the cycle path and worth exploring at a slower pace.
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