New Wellbeing Walks map launched to encourage green travel

A new illustrated walking map has been launched by Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership (GCRP), highlighting four wellbeing routes in and around Tewkesbury, all starting from the town centre and reachable via Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station.

Launching at the end of July, the Tewkesbury Wellbeing Walks map is the latest in GCRP’s series of community co-created leisure trails. The new map invites visitors and residents to explore Tewkesbury’s nature, history and lesser-known areas, while supporting physical and mental wellbeing through gentle, car-free exploration.

The map includes four walking routes of varying lengths, from a short 80-metre Secret Garden walk to a 2km riverside and railway heritage route. Each trail begins at a local bus stop connected to Ashchurch-for-Tewkesbury train station, with wayfinding based on local landmarks.

The initiative reflects GCRP’s wider commitment to creating healthier, more connected communities by encouraging sustainable travel and inclusive access to green space. The map will be available to download from the GCRP website and complements a growing portfolio of walking trails across the region, including projects connecting train stations to walking routes in Stonehouse, Cheltenham, and Gloucester city centre. This project was made possible with funding from Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Customer and Community Improvement Fund and Community Rail Network.

The map was co-created with local residents through creative workshops in partnership with inclusive arts organisation Art Shape. The routes and artwork were shaped by participants’ own experiences of walking in the area, with each route icon reflecting community voice.

Hannah McDonnell, Executive Director of GCRP, said:

“We know that time outdoors can have a huge impact on wellbeing, especially when it’s local, low-cost and easy to access. These walks have been developed to support that, helping people to connect with nature, with each other, and with their local area.

As a Community Rail Partnership, our role is to reduce barriers to travel and connect people with the places that matter to them. This map supports access to nature, wellbeing and sustainable travel and we hope it encourages people to explore Tewkesbury in a new and meaningful way.”

Amy Iles, Project Manager, Creative Health at Art Shape, said:

“This project was a brilliant opportunity to bring people together through creative exploration of their own town. By using art to reflect personal experiences of walking and wellbeing, the map represents a celebration of community, access and everyday connection with place. We’re proud to support inclusive projects like this that help people feel seen, valued and inspired to get outside.”

Emma Morris, GWR’s Senior Community Impact Manager, said:

“The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities with projects that really make a difference at a local level. 

“We’re proud to have partnered with GCRP to encourage people to explore Tewkesbury more, take in the beauty of the Cotswolds, and support the wellbeing of both those within the community and who come to visit. 

“Travelling to the area by train helps to make these lesser-known routes car free and accessible, and we’re thrilled to have contributed to the growing list of trails in the Gloucestershire region”.

The Tewkesbury Wellbeing Walks map were  will be available to download from www.gloucestershirecommunityrail.org/leisure-trails from the end of July.

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