Offa's Dyke Path North

Arrive in North Wales and in the resort town of Prestatyn. Its easily accessible from Manchester on the North Wales coast line train via Chester or Crewe in approximately 2-2.5H. This small town is located on the Irish Sea Coast and became famous for its beach and promenade entertainers. See the Welsh hills in the distance beckoning you into their dramatic landscapes. 

If you wish, and depending on how cold today is, dip your toe into the Irish Sea at the start of this epic walking journey. As you make your way south and inland the views of the Clywdian Hills and the panorama of Snowdonia become more and more impressive. Today is quite easy walking along lanes and field paths. At one point you will see St Asaph Cathedral in the distance which towers above the relatively flat landscapes, even though it is the smallest cathedral in England and Wales. Cross a main road and then you walk further into the Clwydian range of hills and the Dee valley, an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Tonight overnight in the small hamlet of Bodfari, although (at the time of writing this) your accommodation here is not in Bodfari itself but in the countryside close to the trail.

There is also the possibility that you will overnight in Prestatyn for 2 nights instead of 1, if there is no accommodation available in Bodfari when you want to travel. However a transfer will be included.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +570m/-510m

If you spent the night in Prestatyn again there will be a short (30min) transfer to the trail head in Bodfari this morning.

Today's walking journey takes you along the ridge of the Clywdian Hills and one of the highlights of the entire walk! Follow green lanes, or locally known as Byways Open To All Traffic (BOAT's). North Wales is littered with these overgrown lanes, enchanting forest tracks and unsurfaced rough roads. You then head into the hills rising to the ridge and Jubilee Tower on top of the iconic peak, Moel Famau and passing a string of hillforts along the way. The scenery is breathtaking and you will need to pause to take in this magnificent scenery.

Overnight in the medieval town of Ruthin, which is nestled within the twisting Clwydian Hills. Although a few kilometres off the trail (necessary as there is not accommodation on the trail in this area), it is a nice walk to get here and the town itself is layered with history and there little independent shops and plenty of pubs and restaurants.

You may also overnight in Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd which is closer to the trail than Ruthin.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +905m/-890m

Either retrace your steps back to the trail at the Moel Famau Car Park, from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, or or take a different route back to the trail from Ruthin. Pass some more hillforts today as you keep walking within the Clywdian Hills, including Moel Llanfair with its superb view of Ruthin and Moel y Plas. Then make your way to Llandegla, once noted for its cattle fairs and village blacksmiths. Here is the Church of St Tecla standing on a river terrace above the Alwyn, where there is an ancient well which was said to cure epilepsy.

After following the trail through Llandegla Forest, largely consisting of Sitka Spruce. Now ascend to World's End, a picturesque spot and once the site of a silver and lead mine. On your way into Llangollen which is about 3km from the trail, pass Castell Dinas Bran, long attractive as a defensive site where an ancient hillfort once stood and a medieval castle was contructed. It's ruins are still there and it remains an important site in the Vale of Llangollen.

Overnight in Llangollen a town of many highlights and seeped in myth and legend.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +750m/-725m

Look forward to an extremely varied day of walking today as you leave the lovely town of Llangollen behind. One you rejoin the Offa's Dyke Path you will have the choice of walking on the main path, or taking the route that brings you to Britain's highest navigable aqueduct, Pontcysyllte, set 40m above the River Dee. Only take this route if you have a good head for heights. For those without vertigo it can be an exhilarating experience, for those with it, terrifying! It is a World Heritage Site and serves to connect the Llangollen Canal, which is a dead end canal to the Shropshire Union Canal.

Now approach the regions of Chirk and to Castle Mill, where, if you turn around you can see the distant Peckforton Hills of Cheshire on a clear day. To the left is Chirk Castle as it stands dominant on the skyline. Finished in 1310 it was Edward the I's final show of power over the Welsh after having successful campains in North Wales. With its formidable defensive walls it is easy to see why it has become a statement of dominance.

Overnight in in the Chirk area. If you have time explore this delightful border town.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +480m/-450m

After a sustaining breakfast your walk today is straightforward but with a variety of landscapes, from the gentle slopes and wild panoramas of Moelydd and Settalyn Hill to the twists and turns through the Oswestry uplands. As you approach Llanymynech see the bare limestone cliffs of Llanymynech Rocks, a Nature Reserve, which straddles the Welsh and English border. Enjoy the profusion of wildflowers here with varieties such as cowslips and orchids.

Arrive in Llanymynech, a small village which straddles the Welsh and English border.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +645m/-780m

Today's walk will not disappoint as you walk out of the North Welsh Hills and into the rolling landscapes of the Welsh Marches. There are delightful sections along the River Severn and a towpath walk along the Montgomery Canal which has exceptional ecological and historical interest. This is a day of truly relaxed walking and virtually no elevation gain and loss.

Welshpool your overnight stop is not on the trail so you will have to divert off it to your accommodation, but again, you will be lucky enough to be walking along the picturesque Severn Way. Welshpool itself, a medieval town has many attractions, including Powis Castle with its magnificent 17th century gardens.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +40/-35m

Make your way back to the path from Welshpool and start heading south once more. After a few kilometres reach the big circular hill fort of Beacon Ring and as you climb to the top the views just get better and better. The Dyke is in evidence throughout the walk through the Plain of Montgomery and onto the remote country of the River Camland, keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife. 

Arrive in Montgomery, a border town with an old fashion feel and a mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture such as its Town Hall. It's 13th century castle towers over the town on a rocky spur.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +501m/-392m

Set off for the town of Brompton from where the the path undulates through an area known as the Switchbacks. Today's walk is probably one of the most challenging with plenty of ups and downs. It is well worth it though as you will be following the line of the Dyke and walking on top of it gives you a chance to follow in the footsteps of Offa’s workers who built it. See the great views to the hills of south Shropshire in all of its glory; green and rolling scenery, Long Mynd and Stiperstones.

Finish in the town Knighton, Tref Y Clawdd in Welsh, which means ’the town on the dyke’.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +1040m/-1015m

Depart from Knighton. The closest large hub is Birmingham which is accessible by train in approximately 2H