Discover Dursley through its walking routes, landscape and town history. Two specific walking routes meet at the Market House: the Cotswold Way passes the 18th-century building, and the Cotswold Gateway Dursley Walk 1 starts there. The town lies in a wooded valley below the Cotswold escarpment. This connects a notable starting point in town with a landscape stretching from the valley to the surrounding hills.
Walks and routes around Dursley
The Cotswold Gateway Dursley Walk 1 starts at Dursley Market House; the Cotswold Way passes the building. The Market House is therefore the starting point for one route and a landmark along the other. Walk 1 includes three ascents, stony paths and steep descents, and is considered fairly challenging. These features give the walk a clear profile to help you plan your hike.
Another option is the programme of guided walks at the annual Walking Festival. Dursley hosts a full programme of free guided walks every year for people with different abilities. This is an alternative to the challenging Walk 1 route: if you plan to attend the festival, you can check the event dates and follow the programme for the occasion.
Cycling is also an option in the area: country lanes and bridleways are suitable for exploring the landscape. Alongside the walking options, there are routes for exploring by bike.
Valley, hills and sweeping views
The wooded valley below the Cotswold escarpment defines Dursley’s setting; the surrounding hills offer panoramic views across Gloucestershire, the Severn Estuary and Wales. The valley and heights provide different perspectives on the landscape: Dursley lies in the sheltered valley, while the hills afford views across several regions and as far as Wales.
Those choosing between walking and cycling will find two different ways to explore the area. For walkers, the challenging nature of Walk 1 is a specific point of reference; for cycling, the country lanes and bridleways in the area are the options mentioned. The views across Gloucestershire, the Severn Estuary and Wales add a clear connection to the landscape to these activities.
Town history and historic sites
Dursley Heritage Centre presents 1,000 years of the town’s history. To explore historic sites, the Dursley Heritage Trail starts at the town hall and market place. Dursley Market House was built in 1738 to hold markets and fairs. Its role as a market building connects a central location with a specific part of the town’s history.
The town’s architectural history also spans several centuries: Dursley’s parish church of St James dates back to the 13th century, while The Priory dates back to the 16th century. The Broadwell is another historic feature of the town. It can be reached via steps from the churchyard or Silver Street. These different sites provide specific points of reference for the town’s history, from the church’s medieval origins to the 18th-century Market House.
Industrial history, bicycles and woodland art
Howard’s Upper Mill, later known as Pin Mill, was used to manufacture Dursley-Pedersen bicycles in the late 19th century. An annual gathering builds on this local cycling history: every April, supporters and owners of Dursley Pedersen bicycles, both original and replica, come together in Dursley. If you plan to visit for this event, check the specific dates.
The Dursley Sculpture & Play Trail in the woods around Dursley offers a different experience. It features works by local groups. Alongside the historic buildings and opportunities for walking and cycling, the trail offers another facet of the town without requiring a particular type of outing.
Discover more destinations: Woodmancote, Flaxley, Eastleach, Highnam, Lechlade, Coaley, Staunton, Stonehouse.
For the overview of the wider area: Gloucestershire.
