
📷 Photo by Philip Halling · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
This long-distance footpath runs from the River Wye in Monmouthshire all the way to the River Thames at Kemble, and walking a section through Leonard Stanley gives you a real sense of what makes the Cotswolds special.
The route here takes you along undulating paths that wind through rolling hills, open fields, and patches of woodland, with views stretching across the Severn Vale and reaching towards the Forest of Dean when the weather cooperates.
Leonard Stanley itself is worth spending time in. You'll find the characteristic stone buildings you'd expect in a Cotswold village, and there's genuine history to discover, especially at St. Swithun's Priory Church with its impressive Norman architecture. It's a peaceful place to sit and gather your thoughts before heading back out onto the trails.
The beauty of the Wysis Way here is its flexibility. You can do a short stroll from the village if you've got limited time, or commit to a proper day hike if you're feeling more ambitious. The whole area sits within easy reach of Stroud, Stonehouse, and Dursley, so you've got practical options for where to base yourself while you're exploring this part of Gloucestershire. Whether you're a keen walker or just after a gentle amble through the countryside, this section of the path delivers.
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