Alney Island Nature Reserve

Beautiful Gloucestershire countryside and easy accessible paths

Always a pleasant place to stroll or cycle through between Gloucester and Over. Walked through there this afternoon and the autumn colours are amazing even though they may not quite be up to Westonbirt Arboretum standards. If you look closely at some of the leaves on the shrubs and bushes over the next week or two you will see some that are turning to red from green. Just goes to show that you do not need to go to Westonbirt Arboretum when there is such a variety of autumn colours in and around Gloucester. Once more it is free to visit and there are unlimited opening hours though I would recommend taking a torch with you if you walk through at night.

Was hoping for some clear dark skies but unfortunately the rugby club and another buildings lights ruined my night of stargazing. Would be nice if there was a small space where there are no lights. Quite scary at 2am very dark very cold and lots of wildlife.

Brilliant. You're lucky to have this in Gloucester if you live there

Great inner-city reserve.I have walked the trail (and it’s many variations) a few times now. My eldest (11) and I are intending to do a nice walk across Alney Island to Over, where we shall reward ourselves with a carvery!My youngest (3) and I regularly walk the shortest circular route (approx. 1 mile).It was a bit under-loved on our last visit, with graffiti on a couple of signs and litter on the last stretch of path. However, the beauty of Alney Island is that it is a nature reserve in the heart of a city. Sadly, whilst not right, these things tend to happen more regularly in cities than in rural areas.There were no cows on our recent travels (Much to my son’s disappointment. Although walkers should anticipate there being so) and we parked at Castle Meads Car Park (although the walk can be accessed from numerous points).

Known of this place for a few years now, nice relaxing walk with few people depending on the time and season, beautiful in the summer but will be flooded come November-february as it is a natural flood plane, if you see the rivers flow reverse it is probably best to leave the area as it will rise rapidly

A lovely retreat from the city.

Raw countryside and wetlands right next to city centre. So lucky to have this green space here. Love watching the Severn bore here where the river divides. Though the council are planning 300 more houses on the flood plain. Sounds like a recipe for disaster after 2007 floods. Existing home owners will suffer consequences.

A great find. Large area of beautiful natural countryside so close to the city centre. Car park is free!

Good place for walking, biking and watching Severn Bore