People can discover the beauty of the gateway of Stroud's Five Valleys, thanks to an initiative from the Town Council.

The Walk Around Stroud (WAS) Way route is a 10-mile walking route which follows the Stroud town parish boundaries.

It showcases the best of Stroud and its rich natural beauty, industrial heritage and stunning landscape.

The Town Council has erected new markers around the route and published a new route.

Maps will be available this weekend at the launch of Stroud Town CAN (Community Action Network for Climate and Nature).

"This walk is a great way of combining nature and activity for personal wellbeing, while encouraging locals and visitors to explore the wonderful variety that our town has to offer – not many parishes have such a beautiful 10 mile boundary," said Town Mayor Kevin Cranston.

"We hope this sparks a renewed interest in walking through the town and we hope to do more to encourage everyone who is able, to use the car less in and around town."

The Stroud WAS Way was created by Debbie Hewitt and first walked in the 2007 Stroud Walking Festival..

It follows the town parish border, crossing all five of the Valleys: Frome (or Golden or Chalford), Nailsworth, Ruscombe, Painswick and Slad.

Its 10-mile route uses public footpaths and roads and takes around five hours during which you will accumulate 1,500ft of ascent.

People are invited to the launch of Stroud Town CAN on Saturday (Sept 11) which will take place at the Sub Rooms at the Retrofit Fair which is being hosted by Nailsworth CAN from 9am-3pm.

The main event is a Retrofit Fair to explain what steps can be taken to make homes more energy efficient.

Stroud Town CAN and other local climate action network groups will also be on hand providing information about how people can play their part locally to address the global climate and nature crises.

People can download the map from https://www.stroudtowncan.org or pick up a paper version from the Town Council office on London Road, Stroud Valleys Project on Threadneedle Street or Duffle on John Street.