A visit to Alney Island, Gloucester

Alney island, created due to the river Severn splitting in two just north of Gloucester, has been central to the development of city since before Roman times. As the lowest crossing into Wales, it has been of strategic importance resulting in a number of battles as well as a wealth of infrastructure to actually cross the various channels. Of particular interest are the 19th century Telford and Brunel bridges that the walk will visit.

The island is also critical in flood management of the city. It is said that in full spate 40,000 cubic metres of water a second flow past the city. Getting this water past Gloucester and into the estuary is key to ensuring the city does not go underwater. Of course the area is subject to the world famous Severn bore -a wave that surges up the river roughly 250 times a year, while none are predicted on the day the walk will go past some good bore viewing spots and its history will be discussed.

As well as the above, Tony and Meyrick will talk about events generally both historical and recent that have shaped the island and Gloucester, as well as looking at its current management and what may happen over the coming years.
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Timings & Tours

Monday 15 September:

10.00

Location & directions

Outside North Warehouse, Commercial Road, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2EQ

Directions:

Meet near the crane outside North Warehouse. what3words sing.shift.reap

Contact on day:

Meyrick Brentall

Telephone number:

+447800890616

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

You can book online at https://buytickets.at/gloucestercivictrustlimited or in person at The Folk of Gloucester, Thursday to Saturday 10.00-16.00

Booking contact name:

Meyrick Brentnall

Booking telephone number:

+447800890616

Booking website:

https://buytickets.at/gloucestercivictrustlimited

Accessibility details

Please where appropriate footwear for an uneven surface. There may well be grazing cattle on site. The walk is about 3 miles (4.5k) and will take approximately 2 hours. This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate footwear. Surface is uneven.

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s)

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