Offa's Dyke | UK trekking | Walking Tour of the southern section Walking the Boundary of King Offa’s Mercia Historic Castles and Abbeys Dating From 1066 Border Country of England and Wales Walking in the Wye Valley Trip Summary Once upon a time in the 8th century, there was a ruthless King of Mercia called Offa. Such trouble had he from Welsh marauders nibbling at the toes of his kingdom, that once and for all he decided to define his territory and built a huge earthwork to do so, generally following the high ground with commanding views into the mountains and down into the valleys. Today the remaining 80 miles of embankment forms Britain’s longest archaeological monument and the basis of a famous walk: Crossing the border between England and Wales more than 10 times, the Offa’s Dyke National Trail path follows some of the finest scenery in both countries for 177 miles (285 km). Our walk follows the southern half of this trail from Chepstow to Knighton, (about half this walking distance in total).

It is a journey packed with interest through patchworks of fields, over windswept ridges, across infant rivers, by ruined castles and into the old border market towns. Traditional farming methods have more or less remained intact and the hedgerows, oak woods and hay meadows form good wildlife habitats, home of buzzards and the rare Red Kite. You might even discover the even rarer Welsh Red Dragon! Suitability Moderate. Some long days and steep climbs and descents. Generally however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected. We would not recommend the route for first time walkers. Itinerary Day 1 Arrive Chepstow Make your own way to Chepstow. Located in Monmouthshire Wales, adjoining the border with Gloucestershire located on the River Wye, Chepstow is lovely to explore. If there is time, visit the ruins of Chepstow Castle, Town Gate and Wye Bridge, constructed in 1816. Accommodation: Your first hotel was a 16th century coaching Inn. The rooms are ensuite and there is an award winning restaurant offering Welsh menus. Bar meals are also available.

Meals: Nil Day 2 Chepstow to Redbrook 22.5 km/14 miles This morning, the route starts from the mud flats of the River Severn at Sedbury. The trail then climbs quite steeply in places up to follow the sheer valley side of the River Wye with some fantastic viewpoints. As you head towards the Tintern Abbey meander, you will notice that you are actually walking on the Offa' s Dyke. You can really marvel at the meandering river, the cliffs and the little settlements. Descend to Redbrook, a 19th century industrial village, or up and over the hills again to the famous border town of Monmouth. Accommodation: We stay at a simple guesthouse in this village where there are two options for evening meals. You may instead be staying in Monmouth at a variety of guesthouses or B&Bs. Monmouth has a greater selection of pubs and restaurants. If you would prefer to stay in Monmouth, please let us know at the time of booking.

Meals: B Day 3 Redbrook 26 km/16 miles or Monmouth 21 km/13 miles to Llangattock Lingoed From Redbrook, climb up to “naval temple” for one of the best views of the entire route. Head down to Monmouth for a mid morning refreshment, crossing the 13th century gatehouse bridge. Next climb through boggy King’s Wood and then cross the Trothy River. The countryside becomes quite domesticated. The views to the north are dominated by the shapes of Skirrid and Sugfarloaf Hills. Stop in at Llantillo Crosseny village with its fine 13th century church. The village pub has features dating from the 15th century. The next stop is White Castle a 12th century Norman Castle built to protect the route from Monmouth into Wales. It is in a picturebook setting with intact walls and a little moat. Descending from the castle, bypass the village of Llanvetherine and undulate the last couple of miles along to Llangattock Lingoed.

Accommodation: We stay in an attractive 17th century property which stands in an acre of garden, in this unspoilt rural hamlet that nestles in the Welsh border countryside. Meals: B Day 4 Llangattock Lingoed to Longtown 14.5 km/9 miles The trail continues via Pandy where you leave the lowland farms and rivers and climb up onto the Hatterrall Ridge and into the Black Mountains. The ridge in the main follows the border of England and Wales and the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Spectacular views all around. Accommodation: Our B&B accommodation dates back to 1751. Meals: B Day 5 Longtown to Hay on Wye 20 km/12.5 miles Morning steep ascent to regain the Hatterrall Ridge and then over the Cats Back and up to the highest point to the path near Red Darren at 2306 feet (703m). The ridge ends at Hay Bluff, a great northerly viewpoint towards Hay and the Wye Valley, the Hills of Radnorshire and also the Black Mountains to the west and parts of the Brecon Beacons.

Next drop off the ridge and stroll via a set of five kissing gates into Hay on Wye, the capital of the second hand book trade. The town with its 12th century Keep was the site of the Anglo – Welsh power struggles in the 13th century. Accommodation: We use, an 18th century cottage guesthouse with ensuite rooms. Meals: B Day 6 Hay on Wye to Kington 23.5 km/14.5 miles Crossing the River Wye, today’s walk rises into the Radnorshire Hills. The walking undulates past sites of Roman encampments until you reach Glades try for a lunchtime pub break. For the last few miles today you have to climb up and walk along the Hergest Ridge amongst thyme, gorse and Welsh ponies. Eventually drop down to Kington, actually situated in Herefordshire with its 13th century church and the parallel lanes and long back gardens that may preserve the pattern of the strips in the former open field system. Accommodation: You stay in a private home. Rooms are not ensuite however the property holds a silver award for Green Tourism.

Meals: B Day 7 Kington to Knighton 22 km/13.5 miles Some say this is the finest walk of the whole path, with Offa’s Dyke as your constant companion. First pass the highest golf course in England on Bradnor Hill. The trail then undulates spectacularly, but is never too steep. Beautiful westward panoramas open up across the Radnor Valley. On a clear day you get views 30 miles in each direction, over both the Brecon Beacons and The Malverns. The route climbs over a hill called Ffridd, before descending very steeply to Knighton (town of the horsemen) or Tref y Clawdd in Welsh (Town on the Dyke) as the town is on The Shropshire / Powys border. It is a very busy little market town. The market place has mainly 17th century shops and enough general entertainment to keep you amused for an evening. Accommodation: 18th century coaching inn, which has now been restored into a very comfortable guesthouse. Meals: B Offas Dyke Southern Section | Ramblers Walking Holidays Arrival day.

Check in on arrival from 2pm and meet your leader and walking companions. Day 2 - St Briavels Kington to Hay on Wye. This walk includes possibly the best part of the entire trail. From the Hergest Ridge there are lovely views of the Shropshire Hills and ahead to Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains. Beyond the small village of Gladestry, more open country follows as the trail crosses the smaller expanse of the Disgwyfla Hill before descending to a network of lanes. The highlight of the latter stages is Bettws Dingle, beyond which the path takes us to the River Wye. There follows a series of fields before the trail returns to the river on the edge of Hay on Wye. About 14½ miles, 500 meters ascent & 600 meters descent. Day 3 - St Briavels Hay on Wye to Llanthony. This is one of the most demanding days of the walks but is without doubt one of the most scenic. There is a steep climb up to Hay Bluff and through several fields before we reach the ridge.

We then reach Hatterrall Hill where there are some fine views before descending to Llanthony with its Priory. About 13 miles, 600 meters ascent & 450 meters descent. Day 4 - St Briavels Longtown to Treadam. Our walks today are mainly across agricultural land as well as the trail taking us to White Castle, one of the best preserved of the Marcher castles. Finally, we reach the village of Treadam. About 12 miles, 525 meters ascent & 625 meters ascent. Day 5 - St Briavels Llantilio Crossenny / Treadam to Monmouth. The path sets off along the road before joining the River Trothy. The trail continues along the river valley. Our approach to the town of Monmouth is over the mound of King’s Wood. About 9¾ miles, 200 meters ascent & 230 meters descent. Day 6 - St Briavels Monmouth to St Briavels.

The original route of the trail follows the beautiful Wye Valley, characterised by wooded slopes high above the gently flowing river finishing at our hotel near the unusual hilltop village of St Briavels. About 9½ miles, 450 meters ascent & 430 meters descent. Day 7 - St Briavels St Briavels to Chepstow via Tintern Abbey. Journeys end is in sight as we carry out the final walk of this holiday. About 12 miles, 300 meters ascent & 330 meters descent. Day 8 - St Briavels Offa's Dyke Path – Travel guide at Wikivoyage Understand[ edit ] Markers are not standardised Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (Clawdd Offa in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20m wide and 2.5m high. In particular, there is an 130km (80mi) section between the Wye Valley and Wrexham where the Dyke is easily seen.

The route is approximately 289km (177mi) in length, and takes between 12 to 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and an estimated ??? people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after Offa, King of Mercia between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in Wild Wales: "It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it." Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, Hay-on-Wye and Monmouth , some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands.

The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as Tintern Abbey near Chepstow . All of Offa’s Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. Prepare[ edit ] The route is quite convoluted in some places so a set of Ordinance Survey maps covering the area would be a help. Or a realistic and sensible lightweight alternative would be the National Trail Guides 'South' and 'North' by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) which include an OS Explorer strip map which is all that is necessary. Get in[ edit ] The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near Chepstow . The train station at Chepstow is about 3km (2mi) from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at Prestatyn which is 0.5km (0.3mi) from the train station. After backpacking all the National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice.

This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. Walk[ edit ] There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, B&Bs , campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: 53.34230 -3.41267 1 Prestatyn to Bodfari - 21km (13mi) 53.22093 -3.35225 1 Downing Arms Inn, Mold Road, Bodfari LL16 4DW, ☎ +44 1745 710265 . After 54 years backpacking this has got to be the friendlist pub ever.

Note no food on Sunday but order from nearest town Chinese and eat on plates with cutlery kindly supplied by pub. Camp in garden or use bunk room Good modern facilities. (2014) 53.22236 -3.36295 1 Valeside B&B , Bella Vista, Tremeirchion Road, Bodfari LL16 4EG (B5429, Bodfari), ☎ +44 1745 710495 . 2 dbl (one en suite), 1 en suite twin. Sgl £50, dbl £75, twin £80. 52.81529 -3.09959 7 Forest Cottage Self-Catering , 1 Forest Cottage, ☎ +44 1691 658032 .

B&B; Self-catering accommodation 52.84749 -3.10692 8 Glan-yr-Afon B&B , Glan-yr-Afon, Candy SY10 9AZ (North of Trefonen near Oswestry), ☎ +44 1691 653085 , e-mail: mail@glanyrafon.org . Bed and Breakfast with 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) welcomes families and also has camping facilities. Evening meals and packed lunch (£4) available on request. £30 pppn (£25 for >2 nights) includes guests' sitting room and own entrance. 52.83388 -3.10106 5 Trefonen to Buttington Bridge - 24km (15mi) 52.67633 -3.12007 9 Moors Farm , Oswestry Rd, Welshpool SY21 9JR, ☎ +44 1938 553395 .

6 en suite B&B bedrooms with TV, DVD, radio alarm clocks, hairdryers, bath robes. Also self-catering accommodation. Camp site has ceased. Sgl £60, dbl £70-£90 inc B'fast. 52.65550 -3.13072 10 Leighton Arches Caravan Site, Welshpool (East of Welshpool on B4381). Campground 52.67265 -3.11578 6 Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads - 19km (12mi) 52.53305 -3.10332 11 Blue Bell, Churchstoke, Montgomery (East of B4385-A489 junction), ☎ +44 1588 620231 . Hotel Drewin Farm , Churchstoke, ☎ +44 1588 620325 , e-mail: drewinfarm@hotmail.com .

B&B 52.56014 -3.14935 5 Dragon Hotel , Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA, ☎ +44 1686 668359 , e-mail: reception@dragonhotel.com . Accommodation and food in an historic 17th century, former Coaching Inn at the centre of the attractive, quiet, village-sized former county seat of Montgomeryshire. 20 en-suite B&B bedrooms, many with exposed ancient timbers and Wi-Fi. Cosy restaurant; indoor swimming pool and sauna. Restaurant and Bar are open daily for lunch and dinner. Food is served 12.00-14.00 & 18.45-21.00. 2 courses from £11.95. 52.52015 -3.09445 12 Mellington Hall Hotel , Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX, ☎ +44 1588 620456 , e-mail: info@mellingtonhallhotel.com .

Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. 1870's Gothic mansion set in 280 acres of mature gardens and tranquil parkland with mullioned windows, oak panelling and beautiful staircase. 10 individually designed rooms and suites, all en suite with unlimited Wi-Fi. No pets allowed. Afternoon tea and home made cakes in the Offas Dyke Bar. Lunch 12.00–14:00, Dinner 18.30–21:00 served in one of 4 restaurants: the Cwm Dining Room, the Mahogany Panelled Restaurant, the William Morris Room, or the Shropshire Lounge. Local ingredients and suppliers are used wherever possible with many ingredients traceable to source. Graded *** with Welsh Tourist Board. The most luxorius camp site I have met. Camp by lake next to facilities block. Phone owner for entrance code. Pay £5 pppn (2014) in the morning to groundsman. 5 star hotel next door are polite but claim to know nothing about camping as its under separate ownership. Hotel £90-140.

52.53189 -3.10681 7 Brompton Crossroads to Knighton - 24km (15mi) 52.34333 -3.04788 13 Ffrydd House , 13 Bridge St, Knighton, ☎ +44 7976 403434 . Self-catering accommodation 52.34310 -3.04939 8 Knighton to Kington - 21km (13mi) Stay safe[ edit ] Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial 999. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it’s less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English".

Connect[ edit ] Cell phone coverage is patchy in some parts, but all all towns and most villages along the trail have a public phone box. Most of them need coins and do not accept cards. Many of the pubs and hotels will have Wi-Fi service. Go next[ edit ] Clwydian Way - If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider this 196km (122mi) circle route that connects at Prestatyn and Llangollen . The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen actually intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. The stone at Chepstow marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.

The Wales Coast Path (Welsh: Llwybr Arfordir Cymru) intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a 1,400km (870mi) long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales - the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves and Lonely Planet rated the coast of Wales first in its Best in Travel: top 10 regions for 2012. Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to Bath , Bristol or Cardiff would be worthwhile. This itinerary to Offa's Dyke Path is a usable article. It explains how to get there and touches on all the major points along the way. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page . Welsh walking holidays: Offa's Dyke is a sight for sore feet | Daily Mail Online comments And what are you doing for your actual holiday?' That's what people tend to ask when you tell them you're going on a walk for 11 days and 177 miles. True, it doesn't sound like much of a rest.

The terrain is rarely flat, mostly undulating and sometimes plain steep. The Offa's Dyke Path follows, as closely as possible, the line of an earthen structure that originally ran from Chepstow at the mouth of the Wye to the North Wales coast. Alternative holiday: People often ask why walkers would want to trek the 177-mile route The larger part of it is now in Wales, but it also cuts through parts of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. We are talking about one of history's more contentious borders, disputed since the Romans first started shunting the more querulous Britons back into the Welsh mountains. My girlfriend kindly tagged along. With laden rucksacks (though companies can organise for your luggage to be sent on) we started at a place called Sedbury Cliffs, the old Severn Bridge gloomy in the cloud, and immediately found ourselves on top of the dyke as it snakes down a steep slope. And snakes is the word. The shape it cuts across the landscape resembles nothing so much as the twisting track of a subterranean serpent. But what exactly is it doing there?

No one is entirely sure, but it's assumed that King Offa's aim during his 40-year reign in the 8th century AD was to advise Welsh princes exactly where Wales ended and Mercia started. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Offa can't have imagined that hikers would one day walk up and down the length of his dyke for pleasure. It must be admitted that the pleasure comes with pain. We bit off more than we could chew on a spectacular day one - 22 up-and-down miles including navigation errors - and could barely move the next day as we crossed the sunny Vale of Usk. Day three was another monster: over the Black Mountains to Hay-on-Wye. The clouds cleared and we could see for miles, though not as far as from the top of Hergest Ridge on day four: much of the West of England, the Brecon Beacons and assorted Welsh peaks. It started to rain half way through day five, between Kington and Knighton, which is when we realised we should have invested in leather footwear. Going south to north is more popular. The prevailing wind is at your back, and the sun's not in your eyes.

And the northwards trek also provides a more rousing finale as you head over the punishing Shropshire hills, across the welcome flatlands by the Severn and on towards the mountains above Llangollen and the final push across the heatherclad Clwydian range. Taking the long view: The Black Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to Offa's Dyke The dyke is remarkably full of surprises. What was once an instrument of oppression now has bushes sprouting from it, hedges, fences, hawthorns and huge oaks, even exotic mushrooms and toadstools. And plants are not the only thing to have sprung up along Offa's Dyke. The path was opened in 1971 - it will be 40 this year and there are moves to have it anointed a Unesco World Heritage Site. That might not be popular with the few farmers who refuse access to it. But it'll be welcomed by the array of superb bed and breakfasts that now line the route, most as plush as the several good hotels in the bigger towns. We ate excellently, too. In short, the Offa's Dyke Path has everything.

The astonishing countryside is regularly dotted with churches, castles and ruins. Prestatyn is not perhaps the prettiest town to fetch up in when your feet are killing you. But completing it will give you an immense feeling of wellbeing. Bred of Heaven: One Man's Quest to Reclaim His Welsh Roots by Jasper Rees is published by Profile Books and is available from August 4. Travel Facts Companies organising walks include Celtic Trails, 01291 689 774, , and Drover Holidays 01497 821134, . Depending on the length of trip, prices vary from around £165 to £1,067pp. More information at the Offa's Dyke Path Association (01547 528753, ), and Visit Wales (08708 300 306, ). Jasper stayed at a variety of hotels and B&Bs, costing from £60 to £110. They included (from south to north): The Hendre Farm House, near Monmouth: a well-appointed B&B ( ).

The Old Rectory, Llangattock Lingoed, near Abergavenny: comfortable, old-style B&B ( ). The Swan, Hay-on-Wye: grand, old-fashioned county hotel ( ). Arrowbank Lodge, Kington: friendly riverside B&B ( ). Milebrook House Hotel, Knighton: country-house hotel with excellent restaurant ( ). Little Brompton Farm, near Montgomery. Rustic B&B ( ). The Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool: big, busy county hotel ( ). Lynstead Lodge, Trefonen: friendly B&B ( ). Cornerstones Guesthouse, Llangollen: riverside guesthouse ( ). Manorhaus, Ruthin: glacially cool hotel with superb restaurant ( ). Offa's Dyke - long distance walk in Wales Offa's Dyke runs from Prestatyn to Chepstow Built around 1200 years ago, you can still follow its line today Offa's Dyke, what is it? It is a great earth bank that runs most of the way along or near the border of England and Wales, from the North Wales coast to near Chepstow on the River Wye in the south.

At 176 miles long it is 8 miles longer than Hadrian's Wall but, unlike Hadrian's Wall, it is an earth not a stone construction, and it was never garrisoned. Its purpose was to mark rather than defend the frontier. In his classic "Wild Wales",George Borrow observes that once "it was customary for the English to cut off the ears of every Welshman who was found to the east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it". Whether apocryphal or not, it shows that it was a symbol of Welsh-English division ever since its creation. In the dark ages that existed in Britain between the demise of the Roman Empire around 400AD and the arrival of the Normans in 1066, the country was divided into a number of independent kingdoms. One of these kingdoms was Mercia, which covered the area of England that is today known as the Midlands the English Midlands. Between 757 and 796 its king was called Offa, who was the most powerful and successful of all the Mercian kings.

He extended his kingdom to stretch from the Humber to the Channel, and it became the largest and most powerful in Britain at that time No records exist as to why King Offa built his dyke, but it is fairly self evident that it was constructed to protect his kingdom from raids by the Welsh. This barrier was a way of marking his frontier and protecting his kingdom. He did this by using a mixture of natural barriers where possible, where the natural barrier did not exist , he constructed his earthwork His Dyke is an earth bank, with a ditch on the Welsh side, and an earth bank up to 20 feet high on the English side. It was constructed by hand, and would therefore have required tremendous human resources digging with picks and spades. The Dyke is not quite continuous and it would seem that rivers, forests or mountains acted as a boundary instead in those parts. This meant that of the 176 miles from north to south, about 80 miles of actual wall were constructed Today you can still see the bank, in places to a height 10 feet and, with its ditch, is up to 65 feet wide.

There are about 60 miles of it still visable on the ground Offa's Dyke Footpath ? It is a long distance footpath stretching about 176 miles, stretching from Sedbury Cliffs (nr Chepstow) to Prestatyn.It roughly follows the line of the barrier. The path follows about 60 miles of it that is still visible in the southern portion, from near Chepstow to the River Dee above Chirk Castle. 176 miles of walking at 2 mph means that there is 90 hours of walking to cover the path. Accommodation appears to be reasonably easily obtainable on a "book a day ahead" basis. And walkers diaries on the Internet show that they take around 12 days to do the entire length The Path was opened in 1971 by Lord Hunt of Everest fame. The path takes you through or along parts of the Black Mountains, the Clwydian Hills, the Rivers Wye and Severn. You will see farms, ruined castles and abbeys, and interesting small towns and villages along the way The path crosses today's border between England & Wales 9 times in its 176 mile journey.

Because Offa wanted a line that could be defended if necessary, it follows high ground and there are commanding views into the mountains and valleys of Wales. If you want to be really traditional you pick up a small stone from the sea at the start of the walk and toss it into the River Wye at the end . Many bed and breakfast owners will transfer luggage to the next destination (but do not expect it of right !), so it's possible to do the walk carrying just a light rucksack with the day's necessities. Most villages and towns have at least one pub, so it's easy also to find an evening meal. The Association The serious walker will want to contact the Association. This is a registered charity, which acts in all sorts of areas in things concerned with the wall "It is a link between walkers, historians and conservationists and those who live and work locally. It encourages action by the official bodies responsible for establishing and improving the Path, protecting the Dyke and other features of historic or natural interest, conserving the natural beauty of the border area, and providing public information services." Offa's Dyke Association run the Centre, in Knighton, which has an exhibition, souvenirs and sometimes special talks.

The Association sells a wide range of guides and maps To contact them Offa’s Dyke Path | Trailman Offa’s Dyke Path Home → Trails → Wales →Offa’s Dyke Path Offa’s Dyke Path This 177-mile path is rated by many the best of Britain’s wonderful national trails. It traces, in part, the course of the earthwork marking the western boundary of the ancient English kingdom of Mercia in the time to the eighth century King Offa. In places the earthwork still imposes, in others it cannot be traced other than by archaeologists. Indeed, for the most part, what course it once had is many miles away. From time to time the present England/Wales border is coincident with the path; it strays either side, but is principally in Wales. The path passes through some of southern Britain’s quietest country. Chepstow and Prestatyn, southern and northern termini, are towns of reasonable size; in between lie Monmouth, Hay, Kington, and finally Knighton, from where nothing more than a village lies directly on the path in over ninety miles. A personal tale For me, this path marked a return to serious walking after more than a decade away.

The break coincided with my return to London; as a student and in my first job, I had lived in York, Worcester and Lincoln, all places with good hills nearby. But in London my priority was political struggle, and that left no time for my old hobby. Then along came family, and there was even less. Until my GP, who recognised in my tale incipient depression, prescribed not pills but a recreation: was there anything I used to do which gave me a break from the everyday, he asked? I used to walk, I said … Offa’s Dyke was to be my first big project. Transport and accommodation Chepstow, Knighton and Prestatyn all have rail stations. Abergavenny (for Pandy), Welshpool (for Buttington, Powys) and Chirk are nearby. Knighton, half-way, was for me the obvious break point, but others might plan it differently. The small towns, and some of the major roads, have bus services – after a fashion.

As a southerner, I found it more convenient to reach Chepstow by the London to Cardiff National Express coach, which calls at the town’s bus station, from where local buses run to near the start at Buttington Tump. Some other local bus routes may be relevant. Monmouth has a reasonable service. Pandy, Hay and Kington are linked to Hereford and elsewhere. Northwards from there, things are sparse except for some main roads until Llanymynech and beyond; the Denbighshire area (Llangollen northwards) has good services. I found that many of the villages had either a pub or B&B serving Offa’s Dyke walkers – this was well before my backpacking days. But a quarter-century on, don’t assume that there will be accommodation where I happened to find it. The Offa’s Dyke National Trail website has an accommodation register; nowadays, I would use that, plus a quick google just in case. Offa’s Dyke day-by-day 15 October 1990. Sedbury Cliffs to Brockweir. Eight miles. Most walkers take their first day as a whole day, having stayed in Chepstow the night.

I came up on the morning coach from London, took the local bus to Buttington, and still had ample time to walk high above the Wye to the riverside village of Brockweir. 16 October 1990. Brockweir to Llantilio Crossenny. 20 miles. My goodness what a long way – only time for a cursory look at the historic town of Monmouth (even now I would think twice at planning as many 20-mile stretches as I did this time). I noted ‘a perfect autumn day’ – I can recall looking over the Wye from near the Kymin towards the forested hill of King’s Wood. Llantilio is a tiny village but big enough for its own music and drama festival ! 17 October 1990. Llantilio Crossenny to Llanthony. 14 miles. After such a lovely day, it was a shame to wake to mist – and more of a shame that it was not to lift until near Knighton. This stage crosses farmland before meeting the Black Mountains; however I broke the mountain stage by dropping down to the remote village of Llanthony. 18 October 1990.

Llanthony to Rhydspence. 20 miles. Never underestimate a mountain stage, but the long level track along the broad ridge to Hay Bluff, then the descent to Hay itself, allows for fast walking. Most would want to spend longer in Hay-on-Wye; I made a mental note, and came back to the bookshops some years later. Compensation, off route, was the Rhydspence Inn . 19 October 1990. Rhydspence to Maes-Treylow. 20 miles. I really didn’t want there to be continual mist on this stretch, with Hergest Ridge and other small hills due to provide glorious views over unspoilt border country. The path runs by the Dyke for long stretches too. Most would stay in Kington, but I found a farm a few miles north. I remember resting for a few minutes at dusk by the Dyke; perhaps the most peaceful pause I can recall. 20 October 1990. Maes-Treylow to Knighton. Seven miles. Piece of cake after all that had gone before. The cloud lifted too – on the descent to Knighton and the train home.

10 October 1991. Knighton to Newcastle. Nine miles. I arrived in Knighton on the afternoon train and still had plenty of time for this stage over the first part of the ODP’s notorious switchback. The Crown at Newcastle was a good place to split the difficult up-and-down stretch north from Knighton. 11 October 1991. Newcastle to Buttington. 19 miles. Gorgeous remote rolling countryside to Brompton Bridge, before a long level stretch along the Dyke itself. The stage finishes with a diversion to the hillfort of Beacon Ring; I stayed at Buttington View, half way down to the village itself. 12 October 1991. Buttington to Trefonen. 18 miles. Two contrasted halves: river- and canal-side to Llanymynech, followed by relics of industrial workings – including Roman copper mines – to Trefonen. Buttington itself is only three miles by bus from the market town of Welshpool, with its rail service to Shrewsbury and the Midlands, and so would be a practical place to break the walk. 13 October 1991. Trefonen to Llangollen.

17 miles. The approach to Llangollen is top class, first along Telford’s canal with its vertiginous aqueduct, then the Panorama Walk with its views to the Berwyns. Llangollen is a festival town well worth the diversion. (In summer, the route from Chirk Mill diverts past the Castle). 14 October 1991. Llangollen to Llanarmon-yn-Ial. 15 miles. The contour around Eglwyseg Mountain, and a short piece of true moorland walking, before the first encounter with the Clwydian range. I broke the range off-route, at Llanarmon: fatefully because … 15 October 1991. Llanarmon to Rhuallt. 18 miles. Oh what a night. ‘A quiet spot’, the guidebook said. Not in the Raven Inn it wasn’t, with a heavy metal juke box till the small hours. Fretted, I slept barely at all.

(The pub now looks delightful – I’m sure this wouldn’t happen again!) Soon after setting off, I noticed plenty of (undoubtedly quieter, despite main road location) accommodation on the A494. But the Clwydians are good rolling hills, and the walk passed well, and I took an early night at the White House . 16 October 1991. Rhuallt to Prestatyn. Eight miles. Well this is it. Pretty straightforward stuff, the highlight being the final inland cliff two miles short of Prestatyn itself. Trail log While walking this route, I made a note of when I passed salient points, and later built them up into a log. It’s been something of a habit since – a different sort of aide-memoire, alongside the map and this page. Click on the link to see it; it also provides a distance chart. Treks Offaï¿½s Dyke Offaï¿½s Dyke (Southern Section) Once upon a time in the 8th century, there was a ruthless King of Mercia called Offa.

Such trouble had he from Welsh marauders nibbling at the toes of his kingdom, that once and for all he decided to define his territory and built a huge earthwork to do so, generally following the high ground with commanding views into the mountains and down into the valleys. Today the remaining 80 miles of embankment forms Britain's longest archaeological monument and the basis of a famous walk: Crossing the border between England and Wales more than 10 times, the Offa's Dyke National Trail path follows some of the finest scenery in both countries for 177 miles (285 km). Our walk follows the southern half of this trail from Chepstow to Knighton, (about half this walking distance in total). It is a journey packed with interest through patchworks of fields, over windswept ridges, across infant rivers, by ruined castles and into the old border market towns. Traditional farming methods have more or less remained intact and the hedgerows, oak woods and hay meadows form good wildlife habitats, home of buzzards and the rare Red Kite. You might even discover the even rarer Welsh Red Dragon. General Information Duration of tour: 8 days (seven nights) Season: April to October.

Not between 26 May ï¿½ 4 June (Hay on Wye festival). Starting point: Chepstow (Wales) End of tour: Knighton (Wales) Grading Moderate. Some long daysand steep climbs and descents. Generally however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected. We would not recommend the route for first time walkers. Waymarking National Trail Acorn marks often attached to posts and stiles. But you will have to use map interpretation especially in times of low visibility, so you should be accustomed to using map and compass. Accommodation Night 1: In the centre of Chepstow your first hotel was a 16th Century coaching Inn. The rooms have T.V. bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. There is an award winning restaurant offering Welsh menus. Bar meals are also available. There is private parking at the rear of the hotel. It may be possible to leave cars for the duration of the walk on arrangement with the hotelier. Night 2: In Redbrook we stay at a simple guesthouse in this village. (non ensuite). Mrs. Evans is very friendly. There are two pubs close by for dinner or that real Ale experience.

Night 3: Near Llanvetherine the accommodation is a Welsh working farm (an endangered species?) dating back to the 15th century. A warm welcome will be had from the sheep and cattle there. There is a relaxed atmosphere with good home cooking available.All bedrooms have tea and coffee facilities and there is a T.V and games room. The bedrooms are not ensuite but there are washbasins in each of the rooms. Night 4: Our accommodation tonight in the Olchon Valley is at a Cottage Farm, which has been carefully converted from a stone barn and once the home of film actor Robert Newton. The Olchon brook borders the fields where the sheep happily wander with free-range chickens and ducks. There is a nice Lounge with an Inglenook fireplace and comfortable bedrooms with beams and either ensuite or with an attached shower room. Night 5:Once in ï¿½Bookyï¿½ Hay on Wyethe guesthouse we use, an 18th century cottage, has ensuite rooms, tea and coffee, T.V etc. Look forward in the morning to a full cooked, Welsh Breakfast. For dinners there are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the town.

Night 6: Our accommodation for tonight is situated in the small market town of Kington. An attractivesmall hotel with ensuite, bar and restaurant, T.V.hospitality tray and even ironing facilities. Night 7: Our final night is spent in a 16th Century weather boarded coaching Inn in Knighton. There has been a lot of restoration work to preserve the old beams and there is a magnificent galleried staircase. Try out the King Offaï¿½s restaurant and the bars have traditional ales as well as bar snacks. Bedrooms have private facilities. PLEASE NOTE: It is generally normal practice when staying in hotels that you check-in on or after 2pm and checkout by 11am the following morning. Guesthouses/bed & breakfast establishments are normally check-in on or after 4pm and checkout by 11am. Itinerary Day 1 Chepstow Travel to start point. Reasonable connections from London via coach or train, around 2.5-3 hours. Or slightly slower ones from the midlands via Shrewsbury.

If you arrive early enough you could start the walk(which actually starts atSedbury Cliffs to the south of Chepstow) and save yourself 2 miles tomorrow. Day 2 Chepstow to Redbrook The route starts from the mud flats of the River Severn atSedbury. Join the Wye valley with great views of Chepstow with its Norman Castle. The way climbs high above the Wye Valley with views then down to TinternAbbey. You can really marvel at the meanderingriver, the cliffs and the littlesettlements. Eventually descend to Redbrook, a 19th century industrial village with three pubs all with four letter names, all beginning with the letter ï¿½Bï¿½. Day 3 Redbrook to Llanvetherine (16 miles / 26km) climb up to ï¿½naval templeï¿½ for one of the best views of the entire route. Head down to Monmouth for a mid morning pint or a coffee, crossing the 13th Century gate house bridge. Next climb through boggy Kingï¿½s Wood and then crosse the Trothy River. The countryside becoming quite domesticated.

The views to the north are dominatedby the shapes of Skirrid and Sugfarloaf Hills. Another pause and a pint might be worthwhile in Llantillo Crosseny village with its fine 13th Century church. The village pub has features dating from the 15th Century.The next stop is White Castle a 12th Century Norman Castle built to protect the route from Monmouth into Wales. It is in a picturebook setting with intact walls and a little moat around it. Another mile brings you into Llanvetherine. Day 4 Llanvetherine to Longtown The trail continues via Llangattock-Lingoed and Pandy where we at last leave the lowland farms and rivers and climb up onto the Hatterrall Ridge and into the Black Mountains. The ridge in the main follows the border of England and Wales and the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Spectacular views all around in good weather. After a few miles along the ridge you will need to drop down to your nice farm accommodation in the Olchon Valley.

Day 5 Olchon Cottage (Long town) to Hay on Wye Morning steep ascent to regain the Hatterrall Ridge, and thenover the Cats Back and up to thehighest point to the path near Red Darren at2306 feet (703m). The ridge ends at Hay Bluff, a great northerly viewpoint towards Hay and the Wye Valley, the Hills of Radnorshire and also the Black mountains to the west and parts of the Brecon Beacons. Next drop off theridgestroll viaa set offivekissing gates into Hay on Wye, the capital of the second handbook trade. The townwith its 12th Century Keep was thesite ofthe Anglo ï¿½ Welshpower struggles in the 13th Century. Day 6 Hay on Wye toKington Crossing the River Wye, todayï¿½s walk rises into the Radnorshire Hills. The walking undulates past sites of Roman encampments until you reach Glades try maybe for a lunchtime pub break.

Donï¿½t drink too much though, for thelast few miles today you haveto climb up and walk along theHergest Ridge amongst Thyme, gorse and Welsh Ponies. Eventually drop down to Kington, actually situated in Herefordshire with 13th Century Church and the parallel lanes and long back gardens that may preserve the pattern of the strips in the former open field system. Day 7 Kington to Knighton Some say this is the finest dayï¿½s walk of the whole path, with Offaï¿½s Dyke as your constant Companion. First pass the highest Golf course in England on Bradnor Hill. The trail then undulates spectacularly, but is never too steep. Beautiful westward panoramas open up across the Radnor Valley.On a clear day you get views of 30 miles in each direction, over both the Brecon Beacons and The Malverns. The route finally climbs over a hill called Ffridd, before descending very steeply to Knighton (town of the horsemen) or Tref y Clawdd in Welsh (Town on the Dyke) as the town is on The Shropshire / Powys border. It is a very busy little Market town.

The market place has mainly 17th century shops, and enough general entertainment to keep you amused for an evening. Day 8 End of tour! After breakfast, head off perhaps on the delightful Border Railway. Whatï¿½s Included Bed and breakfast with mostly en-suite facilities. (2 nights however without). A mixture of hotels, guesthouses and farmhouses are used. Luggage transfers from Inn to Inn. Trail Book (containing maps) and basic notes on the accommodations are provided in your package. Extending your stay

Question: The southern extremity of Offa's Dyke is in which Welsh town?
Answer: CHEPSTOW