Following a joint tour of the Standish multi-user path, representatives from Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council and Standish Parish Council have come together to celebrate the successful delivery of phase 1 — a milestone in Gloucestershire’s flagship cycle spine project.
The path connects Horsemarling roundabout in Stonehouse to Black Bridge on the B4008 towards Standish, offering a safe, off-road route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. This vital link lays the groundwork for future extensions northward to Haresfield and Gloucester and southward into Stroud, forming part of a continuous active travel network spanning the county. It will also support planned future development in the local area.
When complete, the path will be 500 metres long. It has been carefully engineered to accommodate a range of users. Phase 1 was completed in summer 2025 and consists of an initial 100 metres of shared path for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders and a middle section of 300 metres which features a separate bridleway alongside a shared-use path.
Phase 2 is currently in design, with a start date yet to be confirmed. It will deliver the final 100 metres of the scheme, which will provide a further shared path for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
By following the flattest available route along the B4008, the path offers an accessible and inviting alternative to road travel. The off-road design is especially beneficial for horse riders and those new to cycling, providing a safe and scenic corridor away from traffic.
Gloucestershire County Council led the project and oversaw its delivery, with Stroud District Council providing part of the funding through its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and a bid for walking and cycling funds. Standish Parish Council initiated the scheme concept in 2018 and has been actively engaged in bringing it to fruition.
Cllr Roger Whyborn, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport & Strategic Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "The completion of phase 1 of the Standish multi-user path is a fantastic achievement and a clear demonstration of our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports active travel. This route will make a real difference to how people move around – whether on foot, by bike or on horseback – and it's just the beginning of a much larger vision to connect communities and promote sustainable transport across Gloucestershire.
“This project is also a shining example of how all tiers of local government can work together to influence positive change and deliver improved infrastructure for communities. We’re grateful for the funding from Stroud District Council and the perseverance of Standish Parish Council in making this a reality.”
Phase 1 of the scheme has been funded through a combination of sources including:
· Block funding from the Department for Transport
· Funding from Stroud District Council, including CIL and a successful walking and cycling bid
· Section 106 developer contributions
Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council, added: "The Standish multi-user path is an important next link in the chain for the growing strategic cycle network across the county. It also provides a safe connection to nearby rights of way for pedestrians and horse riders. Although we are not the transport authority ourselves, Stroud District Council is committed to reducing the barriers our residents experience in getting around without a car, and to the many health and social benefits that come with walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding.
“The vision and ambition of Standish Parish Council in this project over many years has been inspiring, and I'm so pleased we have been able to partner with them and with Gloucestershire County Council to bring the path to life."
Cllr Sue Hartley, Chair of Standish Parish Council, said: “For many years, Standish residents have expressed a wish to be able to move safely around the parish without having to get in the car. The allocation of Section 106 money from the Standish Gate housing development in 2018 enabled the parish council to start planning for a safe walking, cycling, and riding route along the busy B4008. Seven years of grant applications, preliminary planning, campaigning, and working with partners later, we are delighted to see the first phase of the Standish multi-user path completed.
“Having been actively involved since day one, I am proud that our small parish council has been instrumental in bringing the project about and delighted that it will form the first stage of a much longer strategic path in the south of the county. I am looking forward to phase 2 which will connect the Standish path to the bridleway over Black Bridge and open up more possibilities for non-motorised travel.”
The Standish multi-user path forms a vital link in the 26-mile Gloucestershire Cycle Spine, which will eventually stretch from Stroud in the south to Bishop’s Cleeve in the north, connecting Gloucester and Cheltenham along the way. Once complete, it will be the longest new active travel corridor of its kind in the UK.
For more information visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk where you can also sign-up for email updates on the scheme.
This news release was first published by Gloucestershire County Council