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Shortly we will be camping at Tudor Caravan Park near Slimbridge.

As we will have our bikes with us I was wondering if it is possible to cycle all the way to Gloucester Docks along the towpath from here? It looks possible from aerial photographs but I can't be 100% sure.

Thanks in anticipation.

Ta very much. That's answered my question exactly. I always forget about the Waterscape site.

Got my permit some time ago thanks. I use my local canals a lot for cycling.

Useful for people who do not know you require one to cycle on British Waterways towpaths, erm, you do.

Quote: Originally posted by AudsleyI on 21/6/2011

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Got my permit some time ago thanks. I use my local canals a lot for cycling.

Useful for people who do not know you require one to cycle on British Waterways towpaths, erm, you do.

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That's interesting and news to me...lots of people cycle on the towpaths and this is the first time I have ever heard that a permit is required. I have recently spent a couple of days on the Kennet and Avon and cyclists regularly use the towpath. In fact it has been renovated with cyclists in mind. I walked a good length of it and didn't see any signs suggesting permits are required...saw plenty signs saying mooring permits were required though.

I note that the cycling permit is free and downloadable online which obviously accounts for the apparent lack of interest. I would like to know how they could enforce it.

I try to do my homework before every camping trip so I already have Sharpness and the Purton hulks (clearly seen on aerial photographs) on my radar, but thanks all the same for pointing them out.

As for the cycle permits they are a little bizarre (and of such poor resolution they don't even print out well and readable), with no notification of their mandatory nature on the canals and no realistic chance of enforcement anyway. Even being aware of them I often leave mine at home as it is not exactly foremost in my mind when going on a canal ride. I keep mine in my wallet, and often leave this at home.

Didn't know about the permit (have sorted it now though). Have never seen any signs though as my colleagues and I at WWT Slimbridge often walk on the towpath in our lunch breaks.

Thanks for that tip off.

Hi Audsley1, You should have a great time, nice site and area. I do hope you enjoy.