The Wysis Way

Location: Gloucestershire

OS Maps: Explorer 169, 179; Outdoor Leisure 14, 45

The Wysis Way runs for 88km through the lovely, but very distinctive areas of the Forest of Dean, Severn Vale and Cotswold. Connecting two great National Trails, Offa's Dyke Path and the Thames Path, it provides a link which provides continuous walking for 400 miles from the North Wales coast to Greenwich.

The Wysis Way starts at Monmouth, where Offa's Dyke crosses the River Wye and heads east across a tract of the Forest of Dean and the Leaden Vale to Gloucester, which fully validates the old line 'blessed is the eye between the Severn and the Wye'. After crossing the River Severn the route heads south east over Robinswood Hill and climbs the Cotswold escarpment to Painswick Beacon. It continues onwards through the glorious Cotswold countryside visiting Bisley, Sapperton and finally meets the Thames, or Isis, near Kemble.

Guide Book: [Click for further information or to purchase]

The Wysis Way by Gerry Stewart. This comprehensive guide gives full route directions supported by good sketch maps. The walk is divided into five sections of about 18km, each with a corresponding chapter. There are also numerous sections throughout the book giving details of places and historic events of interest. These are printed in italics to make them readily distinguishable from the route details. There are also some thoughtfully chosen short pieces of local poetry interspersed with the text, all of which enhance the pleasure of the walk itself.