Capacity
15
Gloucester Docks itself is quite compact with plenty of photographic interest in an easily accessible space. As well as the Main basin, Victoria Dock and the Barge Arm, all of which provide berths for narrow boats and other leisure craft, T.Nielsen and Company has its base in Gloucester Docks where it offers a range of facilities for repair and restoration of traditional vessels. The warehouses at the top end of the docks, nearest the town have all been restored over recent years and now house apartments, retail and food outlets, whilst at the lower end, many of the old warehouses are derelict with limited access. Gloucester Docks is also home to LV14 SULA, one of the few remaining Lightships and Llanthony Secunda Priory, also recently restored provides photo opportunities for those interested in architecture or history.
As you walk away from the town and out of the docks you join the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal, again providing a rage of photo opportunities from boats to bridges, frequent angling competitions, a canoe club to a variety of buildings and businesses on the opposite bank of the canal. The canal is 16 miles long, however I would suggest we limit our walk to the 2 mile market as a maximum.
The whole area is flat and very accessible although can be slippery after rain, and the canal towpath can be rough in places, so suitable footwear should be worn.
Walk Location
Gloucester Docks and Sharpness Canal
Walk Directions
We will meet outside the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum at 10am, which is at the top end of the docks in Back Badge Square, accessed from Commercial Road. For those driving, there is parking at Southgate Moorings - GL1 2DB, Gloucester Quays - GL1 5SH or Castlemeads - GL1 2NH. All are cashless.
Gloucester Docks is about a 20 minute walk from Gloucester Railway Station or you can take a number 8 or number 10 bus from the Transport Hub, which is right opposite the railway station. the bus will drop you in Southgate Street.
Accessibility
Gloucester Docks itself is quite compact and very accessible. There are steps down into the dock area from Commercial Road and Southgate Street, however there is level access from the bottom of Commercial Road and a ramp from the Southgate Street entrance.
Should participants wish to walk to the 2 mile marker on the canal as well as round the dock area, the maximum distance would be in the region of 5 miles, however there is plenty to photograph in the docks itself without going this extra distance. I would anticipate that one leader stay in the docks area while the other accompanies those who with to walk along the canal.
There are plenty of food outlets in the docks should participants require refreshments.
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