Frampton Canal Bridge – Lower Purton Swing Bridge loop from Frampton on Severn

Running trails & routes

Frampton Canal Bridge – Lower Purton Swing Bridge loop from Frampton on Severn

Hard

runners

Frampton Canal Bridge – Lower Purton Swing Bridge loop from Frampton on Severn

02:49

24.8km

30m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 3, 2026

Tips

Includes movable bridges

Check opening times.

After 372 m for 32 m

After 2.24 km for 30 m

After 15.5 km for 36 m

After 24.5 km for 32 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

202 m

Frampton Canal Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Nice place for a breather!

Tip by

2.26 km

Church End Bridge, Sharpness to Gloucester Canal

Highlight • Bridge

The bridge over the Sharpness to Gloucester canal at Church End that leads to or from a good section of the canal towpath.

Tip by

2.32 km

Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Towpath: Frampton on Severn to Purton

Highlight (Segment) • River

the black swam

Tip by

9.95 km

Purton Ship Graveyard was formed after a river bank collapse in the early 20th century raised concerns about the erosive currents of the River Severn threatening the Gloucester and Sharpness canal. As such, unwanted boats of all descriptions were beached at this high-risk spot so that sediment would build around them to counteract the erosion. The plan worked. These days, you can admire the atmospheric wrecks of old ships embedded into the banks of the Severn.

Tip by

11.2 km

Severn Railway Bridge Remains

Highlight • Monument

Stop to take in the history of this ill fated Bridge.

Tip by

12.4 km

Severn Railway Bridge Remains and Canal Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

Komoot says that cycling is not permitted on this section, but judging from all the tyre tracks and bikes besides the canal boats, this is either incorrect or ignored. Anyway a lovely and interesting stretch of towpath sandwiched between the River Severn and the canal. It also passes what remains of the rail bridge that used to cross the Severn.

Tip by

15.5 km

Lower Purton Swing Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

This bridge is located along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and connects the Purton area to the wider canal system. It is a swing bridge with a control room operated by a keeper to manage its movements. The Purton site also features a historic boat graveyard, where old ship hulls were used to reinforce the canal embankment,

Tip by

20.8 km

Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This section of the towpath is in good condition compared to many other parts. It is compacted gravel that can't be any worse than the Colle della Finestre... and a damn sight flatter! This is the only section of the Severn Vale east of the A38 that is not navigable by road without using the busy A38 itself. It can be accessed via Ryalls Lane from Cambridge or Longaston Lane from Slimbridge or Church End/The Street from Frampton-on-Severn.

Tip by

24.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.3 km

11.7 km

853 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.5 km