Stroud

OS Map: Explorer 179

Stroud, known as the town of the five valleys, was once an important wool town famous for it's cloth and dye trade which developed because of the ample supply of water to power the machinery of the many mills. It is sited at the confluence of five valleys on the river Frome, shortly after the river turns west to cut through the Cotswold escarpment. Stroud also has a famous literary association with the little village of Slad nestled in one of the five valleys. Slad was the home of Laurie Lee, whose evocative autobiography 'Cider with Rosie' brought to life the Stroud Valleys of a bygone age.

The wooded valleys and hills of the Stroud area are very attractive and offer a wealth of fine walking routes with glorious views. Just to the south of the town lies Rodborough Common, 600 acres of National Trust land on hills overlooking the town and offering superb views.