People across Stroud and Gloucestershire are being invited to take part in Ride & Stride 2026, a fundraising day combining walking, cycling and local heritage. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, and is intended to help participants discover historic churches while supporting St Laurence Church: Stroud Centre for Peace and the Arts, its St Laurence Restored Project and the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust.
The event is designed to offer different ways to participate. People can follow an organised walking route around Stroud, use a suggested cycle route or create their own church-to-church Ride & Stride challenge anywhere in Gloucestershire. That means participants can choose an activity suited to their interests and ability while still taking part in the fundraising effort.
Walking and cycling activities
Volunteer-led heritage walks around historic Stroud are planned for 11am and 2pm. The walks are subject to availability, so people interested in joining them may need to check arrangements when they register or arrive. A separate Victorian highlights walking trail is also planned, offering another route through the town’s history.
St Laurence Church will be open throughout the day to participants, supporters and other visitors. The programme is expected to include refreshments, church tours, heritage displays, children’s activities and information about the St Laurence Restored Project. Organisers say further activities are due to be announced.
Registration for Ride & Stride is free. Those who are able are invited to make a voluntary donation, with £10 suggested, and participants can ask friends and family to support their challenge through the event’s Give A Little fundraising campaign.
Fundraising and support
Shannon Newton, Head of Fundraising for the St Laurence Restored Project, said the event would give people an accessible way to explore Stroud while helping the church’s restoration campaign.
“Ride & Stride is a great reason to get out and explore Stroud – whether that’s following our Victorian walking trail, joining one of our two guided walks or getting the family on their bikes and cycling from church to church,”
Newton said the organisers wanted the day to be enjoyable, bring people into St Laurence and encourage them to discover more of the surrounding town. She also said community support remained important to the church and restoration project.
“We have made enormous progress with the fundraising, but we still have that final amount to raise to make the project happen.”
Money raised will also support the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust, which the organisers described as a valuable supporter of St Laurence.
Volunteers wanted
Organisers are seeking volunteers to help run the day. Roles include welcoming participants, serving refreshments, helping with registration, supporting the guided walks and staffing information points. Volunteers are also needed to assist with setting up before the event and clearing away afterwards.
People wanting to take part, volunteer or support the fundraising can contact Shannon at [email protected].