Offa's Dyke Path

Below is a brief description of the trail, broken down into the main sections of the walk.

Arriving in Prestatyn

There are regular direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly (1 hr 40 mins) were you can connect from many UK destinations. It is also possible to travel from Liverpool in 1hr 20mins by train and Cardiff in 2 hrs 30 mins.

Prestayn to Llangollen — 38 Miles (61kms)

The walk from Prestatyn starts off with beautiful views both towards the sea and Snowdonia with the Clwydian Hills in the distance giving you a taste of what lies ahead. The path passes through the farmland, woodland and heathland before entering the foothills of the Clwydian Range. Starting the ascent at Bodfari you will pass the earthwork of several iron age forts. Walking along the spine of the hilltops the views are spectacular and the reason that this area is classed as an ’Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. You will leave the hills behind you and find yourself among the water meadows of the River Alun near the sleepy village of Llandegla. The path passes close to the charming small town of Llangollen which is well worth the detour and a great place for a well deserved rest stop.

Llangollen to Brompton— 44 Miles (71kms)

The path then follows the line of Offa’s Dyke for the first time towards Craignant. A lovely walk through wooded glades, following the Montgomery Canal and then the banks of the river Severn follows. As you climb to the top of the Beacon Ring with its iron-age fortifications the views just get better and better. The Dyke is in evidence throughout the walk through the Plain of Montgomery and onto the secretive country of the river Camland, keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife.

Brompton to Knighton— 14 Miles (23kms)

From the town of Brompton the path undulates through an area know as the Switchbacks. From here you again follow the line of the Dyke, walking on top of the Dyke gives you a chance to follow in the footsteps of Offa’s workers who built the Dyke. The North section finishes in the town Knighton, Tref Y Clawdd in Welsh which means ’the town on the dyke’

Knighton to Hay-on-Wye—28 Miles (45kms)

The South section of the walk is varied and starts off walking atop the Hawthorn and Furrow hills with wide open views across the surrounding countryside. The next part of the walk is possibly the nicest on the trail over Hergest Ridge where animals graze wild and you are afforded spectacular views over the Black Mountains and Shropshire Hills. The trail joins the River Wye until you reach the ‘book town’ of Haye-on Wye.

Hay-on-Wye to Monmouth - 34 Miles (54kms)

The climb up to Hattrerall Ridge, the highest point on the trail is undoubtedly one of the most challenging days along the path but you are rewarded with some of the best views on a clear day. The open moorland gives a real sense of space and freedom. The town of Pandy is certainly a welcome sight in the distance. The path then continues through farmlands with patchwork fields, wide hedgerows and apple orchards passing through pretty small villages towards the Wye Valley. The riverside town of Monmouth in the heart of the Wye Valley is delightful with its 13th century fortified bridge and small museums.

Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs/Chepstow—18 Miles (29kms)

The end is in sight as you follow the wooded slopes of the River Severn towards Sedbury Cliffs. Take in the wonderful view of Tintern Abbey form the Devils Pulpit and the daunting view from Wintours Leap along the way. Explore the impressive Chepstow Castle on your way to the end of your walk at Sedbury Cliffs on the edge of the Severn Estuary.

Departing Chepstow

From Chepstow you catch a train to Bristol (1.5 hours) or Cardiff (40 mins). London is also accessible by train in around 3 hours.

Navigation

The Offa's Dyke Path is waymarked with wooden posts.  The walk is a mixture of paths, exposed areas with not a lot of shelter and gentle walking in wooded and lowland areas. You will encounter many climbs and descents as well as some ridge walking on Offa’s Dyke. You will need to be well prepared for every type of walking terrain.

Accommodation

You will stay in carefully selected B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels.  We will always try and book en-suite rooms wherever possible.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.

Solo Walkers

This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs their is a solo walker supplement payable.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included but will be available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

Useful Websites

There is a great wealth of information on the Offa's Dyke Path website. For up to date information on any trail diversions please visit the National Trail website.

Walking Direction

Our itineraries and guide book are written from North to South 

Additional Nights and Extensions

Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk to sample more of the wonderful walking and attractions available on the Path.

Llangollen, Hay-on-Wyeand Buttington (Welshpool) are great choices for extra days. 

 

 

 

Guest House

Visit the website

Glan Clwyd Isa - Bodfari

Glan Clwyd Isa and the cottages are set on a small farm in an area of outstanding natural beauty in The Vale of Clwyd, and offers stunning accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Rhesgoed Isa Cottage - Near Clwyd Gate

Rhesgoed Isa Cottage is a small, boutique family run Bed and Breakfast, situated within the beautiful Clwydian Range.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Bryn Meirion - Llangollen

Bryn Meirion is an Edwardian house built on top of a farmhouse dating from 1763 and has been a Llangollen Bed and Breakfast for over 16 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Plas Hafod - Llangollen

Plas Hafod is a substantial Victorian detached residence offering a high standard of Bed & Breakfast accommodation, with views over the picturesque vale of Llangollen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Lynstead Lodge - Trefonen

Lynstead Lodge is set in the tranquil village of Trefonen, conveniently placed on Offa's Dyke Path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

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Bankside - near Trefonen

Susan and Andrew warmly welcome walkers and other visitors to their comfortable home on Offa’s Dyke Path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

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Buttington House - Buttington

Buttington Country House is a superb detached family house of character, a former vicarage, occupying a lovely position adjoining beautiful open countryside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Drewin Farm - Churchstoke

Offa's Dyke at your doorstep. Ceinwen, Robert and family offer you a warm welcome to their home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

The Fleece House - Knighton

Formerly an 18th Century coaching inn known as The Fleece Inn the Fleece House Guest House offers comfortable facilities while still retaining an old world atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

The Horse and Jockey Inn - Knighton

The Horse and Jockey Inn serves good food and offers high class accommodation in the Welsh Borders town of Knighton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

DeLacy House - Kington

De Lacy House is a Victorian town house situated close to the High Street of Kington.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

St Mary's - Hay-on-Wye

St Mary’s offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a quiet location in Hay-on-Wye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Penylan Farm - near Llantilio Crossenny

Penylan Farm enjoys an enviable location in the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B&B

Visit the website

Ebberley House - Monmouth

Ebberley House is situated in the historic town of Monmouth and has been successfully run as a guest house for many years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest House

Visit the website

Upper Sedbury Guest House - Sedbury

Upper Sedbury House, once owned by the Duke of Beaufort is a 250 year old country house with many original beams.

 

 

 

Getting to Prestatyn

By Train - There are regular direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly (1 hr 40 mins) were you can connect from many UK destinations. It is also possible to get from Liverpool in 1hr 20mins by train and Cardiff in 2 hrs 30 mins. Prestatyn is accessible from London in under 3 hours by train. By Car—There is no free on street parking in Prestatyn and we always do advise public transport wherever possible.

Getting to and from Knighton

By Train— You can catch a train to Knighton from London, the journey takes 4hrs. There are regular trains from Cardiff (2hrs) or from Manchester (2hrs 30mins) By Car—There off street parking available at the Offa’s Dyke Visitors Centre, they will ask you to fill in a form with contact details. This car park can get very busy and a space is not guaranteed for this reason we recommend you travel by public transport. If you need to travel back to Knighton then you can take the train from Chepstow which takes approx. 3hrs

Getting to and from Chepstow/Sedbury Cliffs

By Train—You can reach London by train in 2hrs 30mins. There are regular direct trains to Gloucester (30mins), Cheltenham (45mins) and Cardiff (45mins). A good source of reference for travel details is the travel line website: www.traveline.org.uk

We are often asked the following questions and we hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.

How fit do I need to be?

We offer a range of itineraries with differing daily distances so you can find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the path is extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans. 

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website. 

When is the best time of year?

This walking holiday is best enjoyed between March and mid October. Springtime weather can be changeable but usually the driest time of year.  Autumn is another good time to walk with the path being less crowded and the weather should still be good.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. In some cases the baggage transfer service that takes your bags on to your next accommodation may be able to assist. Our office can assist with helpful advice should you need to arrange transport for yourself or anyone in your party.

You can start your walking holiday on any date between March and October, subject to availability. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.

Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every walking holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.