A new self-led walking trail of Gloucester’s historical and cultural sites is being launched on Saturday the 13th of June at St Michael’s Tower on Gloucester Cross. Copies of the free map will be handed out from 10am – 2pm with an accompanying interactive map available online featuring videos and additional information. Volunteers from Gloucester Civic Trust will be on hand throughout the day to share local insights and help participants choose a route.
The map was set up by a partnership of local heritage and community organisations to offer a new way to explore the city over the summer.
“From Roman roots to medieval merchants, from dockside industry to the communities that shape it today, Gloucester’s stories are written into the streets, buildings and spaces all around you”, says Christopher Caldwell of engineering organisation Atkins Realis, who were funded by National Highways to create a walking trail of the city.
“To celebrate everything Gloucester has to offer, we’ve created four carefully designed routes to help you uncover the city at your own pace, one story at a time.”
Gloucester Civic Trust volunteers will be on hand to give directions
Each route guides pedestrians through Gloucester’s rich history while introducing them to the Cycle Spine – a key corridor running through the heart of the city that makes walking, wheeling and cycling easier and more enjoyable. Participants are invited to wander through centuries of history, discover places they have passed but never noticed, and enjoy a more relaxed way to move through the city.
The trail also aims to improve people’s physical and mental health by providing a gentle introduction to exercise and the opportunity to connect with friends and family through a shared activity.
After the launch, the free map will be available from multiple venues across Gloucester including Gloucester Cathedral, the Museum of Gloucester, St Mary De Crypt, Llanthony Secunda Priory and The Folk of Gloucester: a 500-year-old historic building on Westgate Street.
The trail was a collaborative effort between multiple organisations including Voices Gloucester, Gloucester Heritage Forum, Gloucester Civic Trust, Gloucester History Festival, Squeaky Pedal video production company, Atkins Realis engineering company, and National Highways who also funded the initiative.
The people of Gloucester are invited to pick up a map, step outside and start exploring!