Overview
Itinerary Offa’s Dyke – 310km 16 Days: is one of the most historic walks in Britain. This walk takes you along the ancient Anglo-Welsh border. The track begins in Chepstow, passes through scenery of beauty and variety, ranging from the woodlands of the Wye gorge to the windswept ridges of the Black Mountains and from the rolling hills and secluded valleys of mid-Wales to the heather-clad Clwydian Hills. Along the way it visits a succession of historic border towns and attractive villages including Monmouth, Hay-on-Wye, Knighton and Montgomery.
The following is an outline of the 16-day Offa’s Dyke itinerary that we chose. We decided on this itinerary because of the reasonable distances and the available accommodation.
- Where to Start: Chepstow, Wales, UK.
- How to get there: Trains or buses from Victoria Station London, taxi to accommodation.
- How to get back from Prestatyn: Train to Chester then London.
Beginning the Journey Chepstow Castle Wintour’s Leap Wye River White Castle
Days 1 – 4
Day 1. Chepstow – Bigsweir Bridge (18km) Today we follow the Wye River. Wintour’s Leap – 200 feet above the river where a Royalist leader was said to have jumped from to avoid capture by Cromwell’s men. Further on (down far below) is Tintern Abbey, a little off the trail.
Day 2. Monmouth (12km) Some climbing today towards the Naval Temple – a celebration of British naval might and a memorial to several British admirals, including Nelson who visited the site in 1802. The Kymin – a hill with The Roundhouse, a two storied castellated tower. Then across the Monnow Bridge, once a watchtower and jail.
Day 3. Llangattock (19km) Open fields and more climbing to Llanfihangel Ysture Llywern – with its ancient church of St Michael. Llantilio Crossenny – try a pot of tea at the Hostry Inn (built in 1459). Visit the White Castle – The early Marcher Lords constructed it between 1067-1069.
Day 4. Llanthony (18km) We walk to Pandy and then up Hatterrall Ridge, part of the Black Mountain.Take care if the weather is bad. From here we make our way down to the ancient village of Llanthony.
Hay-on-Wye Kington Near Lugg Valley Knighton – half way!
Days 5 – 8
Day 5. Hay-on-Wye (18km) Walk up to Capel Y Ffin (chapel on the border) and then along Hay Bluff – a wide expanse of turf which van be very windy. Down into Hay-on-Wye, the world’s largest village devoted to 2nd hand books.
Day 6. Gladestry (15km) Over the Clyro Bridge – great viewpoint. Then through the green Welsh countryside to Newchurch with its St Mary’s Church. Up and over Disgwylfa Hill – a double humped hill.
Day 7. Discoed (21km) Walk up Hergest Ridge on open moorland turf. Kington with St Mary’s Church and the Chocolate Box Cafe. Kington golf course, the highest in Britain. Rushock Hill an opportunity to walk on another section of the Dyke. At Lugg Valley, a wonderful panorama spreads out before you.
Day 8. Knighton (9km) We walk across Dolley Old Bridge away from Discoed. Up Hawthorn Hill with marvellous views of the Malverns in the south-east and the Brecon Beacons in the south-west. Past a marble obelisk – a memorial to Sir Richard Green Price, the man who had brought the railway to Radnorshire. Then we follow the dyke down into Knighton.
Elizabethan homes, Montgomery Shropshire Union Canal 1820 Lockmaster’s cottage Chirk Castle entrance Chirk Castle Ringo Starr’s hideout
Days 9 – 12
Day 9. Churchstoke (near Montgomery) (9km) We sight Kinsley Wood with the coronation ‘ER’ plantation. Trees with slightly different coloured foliage had been planted in 1953 for the coronation of the new Queen Elizabeth.
Day 10. Buttington (17km) We make our way to Montgomery, visit the Church of St. Nicholas and the Robber Grave, and the impressive Montgomery castle ruins. Then to Buttington and the beginning of the Shropshire Union canal.
Day 11. Four Crosses (near Llanynynech) (10km) Shropshire Union canal – a quiet towpath, a pleasant change from the past few days of ascents and descents.
Site of Strata Marcella Abbey – founded by the Cistercians in 1170, is just across the Severn about ¼ of a kilometer away. We walk along the canal to Pool Quay – an 1820’s lock-keeper’s cottage by the locks, now neglected.
Day 12. Pentre Chirk (16km) After a short climb we arrive at Llanymynech. The long bar inside the White Swan Inn displays a marker showing the frontier, allowing the enthusiastic drinker to have a pint in England after finishing one in Wales. Past Trefonen, old Viking hamlet. Then through Candy Wood, another forested area with many pine trees. We walk down to Craignant, a village at the bottom of a steep valley. Then up to Chirk Castle – Wild wolves roamed the Powys Hills up to the 17th century and the last was a lonely survivor who prowled the dry moat.
Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct Castell Dinas Bran Jubilee Tower Prestatyn Beach
Days 13 – 16
Day 13. Llangollen (11km) This morning we walk along Llangollen Canal, one of Wales’ great canals. And cross the Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct – the walkway seems a challenge, great views. Further on is the Panorama Walk – great views of the Dee Valley. Up hills (again) to Castell Dinas Bran – ruins of the old fort of Bran, legendary Welsh warrior, and down to Llangollen.
Day 14. Llandegla (16km) Our first stop is Vale Crucis Abbey and a visit to the Pillar of Eliseg a memorial to an old battle. As usual, more hills and valleys to cross. Then to the Manor House – a good example of sympathetic restoration. Then to World’s End and later Llandegla Forest before arriving at the village of Llandegla.
Day 15. Bodfari (16km) Lots of hills today. First up to Moel Fammau and the Jubilee Tower, built for King George III’s Jubilee celebrations. Then we skirt around Moel Arthur, no need to climb every hill! Then along to Penyclddiau Fort. From here 5 km and 1,300 feet of descent needed to be covered before reaching Bodfari.
Day 16. Prestatyn (18km) – your destination! First up is the village of Rhuallt with the Smithy Arms Inn. Then past Brynllithrig Hall, a magnificent mansion.
Further along in the hills we come to Marian Cwm, a landscape full of Marian names. Then a final climb (in the rain) up to the Clwydian Hills and the Prestatyn cliffs. From here we begin the slow descent along the widening track to the flatland of Prestatyn.
offa’s dyke
Rewards
Food: Mostly good quality traditional English and Welsh food is served up at B&Bs and village inns and there are wide choices in their menu. Most B&B owners can cater for vegetarians or people with other food preferences if given sufficient notice.
When to go? The northern spring or autumn seasons are recommended as accommodation is easier to obtain and the tourist numbers are lower.
Walking Gear: Good walking boots and socks are critical. Your boots should have been worn in. Take appropriate rain gear. Make sure it’s made from a breathable material such as Gore-Tex.
Our Take: There is a lot to see on this 310 km journey along the ancient border between Wales and England, so remember to bring your camera. Be prepared for rain and the wonderful walking. The path is usually walked from Chepstow to Prestatyn.
WALK Offa’s Dyke. ISBN -978-0-9875104-9-5 (190pp):
A personal account of 16 days on fascinating Offa’s Dyke. The e-book is compatible with any PDF capable e-book reader or computer.
Welsh Magic
We have put together a comprehensive, illustrated journal of the highlights of our journey along historic Offa’s Dyke. In this eBook you will find many of the places and sites of interest, both from a historical and a traditional perspective. Towns, such as Hay-on-Wye, the largest village devoted to second-hand books in the world and the marvellous Welsh countryside will encourage you to make this journey yourself. WALK Offa’s Dyke includes:
- Visit Chepstow Castle.
- Follow the ancient Anglo-Welsh border path.
- Learn about the history of the Marches.
- Cross the Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct.
- Sites to Visit.
- Explore Welsh villages.
- Discover and climb over 700 stiles.
- Learn Handy Travel Hints.
- Gear to Take.
- Explore Monmouth.
- Visit Castell Dinas Bran.
We email you a download link once we have received your payment through Pay Pal.
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