Gloucestershire Walks
The Castle Meads walk is a gentle, family-friendly stroll around Alney Island Nature Reserve, located just west of Gloucester, and is perfect for an easy outing close to the city.
This simple route winds through the heart of the reserve, an 80-hectare wetland landscape that’s rich in wildlife and a haven for birds, plants and other wetland species.
Flat, accessible paths make it ideal for all ages, whether you’re out for a relaxed walk, spotting nature along the way, or enjoying some peaceful time outdoors. Set within the wider Castle Meads area, this walk offers a calm and rewarding escape where nature feels refreshingly close to home.
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Walk information
This first walk is a nice and simple family-friendly stroll around the Alney Island Nature Reserve, just to the west of Gloucester.
Alney Island is an 80 hectare wetland nature reserve that provides an important habitat for lots of wetland wildlife, flora and fauna.
Based on 11 user ratings
A well-liked walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Gloucestershire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
A ok walk if you live close to the City but not if you prefer the quiet of the countryside and definitely not after prolonged wet weather....Free parking for 4 hrs at Alney island car park.
Really close to Gloucester quays. Beautiful walk with views of the River Severn. One of my favourite walks when I want to go somewhere close to home.
I’d give this one a miss. Sections are difficult to get through and it isn’t very picturesque.
Not maintained in several places. Homeless staying under one of the bridges. Went on Sunday, £2 for all day parking. Can cross bridge to Quays.
Considering how close the walk is to the city centre there were times on the walk you couldnt hear any traffic at all. Also we have lived in gloucester all our lives and never knew about this walk.
Nature reserve not well reserved. Personally wouldn’t walk this route again.
You have to pay to park at the start, though there were other places you could have parked on route that were free if you know the route. In places might want to keep dog on kead of water orientated as its close to river. Otherwise lovely walk and good paths. Livestock in places.
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