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Rodborough Common
Train along the Golden Valley line
Photo: David Jones
Golden Valley Line
Swindon - Cheltenham
0:54
Hours from
LONDON
0:37
Hours from
Birmingham

Discover contrasting landscapes from dramatic valleys and canals to industrial and urban heritage along this 42 mile route.

Along the journey your train will travel through the Sapperton Tunnel at Chalford, once named the longest canal tunnel in England. As you emerge from the tunnel and travel into the Golden Valley, on your approach to Stroud, you’ll pass by quaint villages and lush countryside with frequent glimpses of the Thames & Severn Canal that hugs the railway line.

Have an adventure in the great outdoors with easy access to idyllic canals and peaceful walking trails. From the quaint village of Kemble you can join the Thames Path National Trail. This long-distance trail follows the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds into the heart of London, finishing at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich, just a few miles from the sea.

Explore part of the Cotswold Way National Trail with easy access from Stonehouse. This trail follows the western edge of the Cotswold Hills and journeys through rolling pastures, beech woodland and honey-coloured villages.

Highlights

Explore canal heritage between Stroud & Stonehouse

Easy access to walking trails: Thames Path & Cotswols Way

Dramatic views from the train window

Find out more

Local line website

Getting there

Route

Swindon - Cheltenham

Cost

Info
£10.00 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

45 mins

Distance

42 miles | 68 km

Time from London

0:54 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Swindon

Steam Railway Museum

Kemble

Elemental Sculpture Park via Route 45 cycle path – 16 minutes 

Cotswold Country Park Lake and Beach also accessible via Route 45

South Cerney Lakes
 
Stroud

Visit Stroud Farmers Market and The Shambles Market on a Saturday.

Walk along the canal from Stoud Station and Visit Stroud Brewery for locally brewed beers.

Take a walking on Rodborough Common and Minchinhampton Common.

Cycle from Stroud Station to Nailsworth along the old railway track enjoy quirky shops and cafes.

Walk around Woodchester Vineyard and taste some wines while you are there.
 
Stonehouse

St Cyr’s Church

Canal Rail Trail linking Stonehouse and Stroud walk along the Stroudwater Canal towpath

If it is open visit Stonehouse Court Hotel and sit in their beautiful garden.

Walking from Stonehouse Station along to the Cotswold Way

Gloucester

Severn Bore

Gloucester Docks

Gloucester Cathedral

More things to do in Gloucester

Cheltenham

Street Art Year Round

Shopping

Food and Drink

Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common

More lines to explore nearby

Nearby heritage railways
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