Offa's Dyke Path - 20 Days & 19 Nights
- The Offa's Dyke Path, a classic British long-distance walk and a National Trail
- Unspoiled landscapes of the Clwyd Hills, the Welsh Marches and Black Mountains
- An ancient earthwork built by King Offa which marks the Welsh-English border
- Hillforts, norman castles, ruined monasteries that weave a rich historical tapestry
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as the Wye Valley and Shropshire Hills
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Prestatyn and OvernightArrive 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.Â
Overlooking the Irish Sea, a warm welcome awaits you on the North Wales Coast. The Beaches Hotel creates a safe, friendly, and comfortable ‘home from home’ so that you can relax and make memories before hitting the Offa Dyke's path.
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).
Due to accommodation closures in the area around Bodfari, you will overnight in Prestatyn for 2 nights instead of 1 with a return taxi transfer included.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +570m/-510m
Overlooking the Irish Sea, a warm welcome awaits you on the North Wales Coast. The Beaches Hotel creates a safe, friendly, and comfortable ‘home from home’ so that you can relax and make memories before hitting the Offa Dyke's path.
A short (30min) transfer will take you back to the trailhead in Bodfari this morning.
Today's walking journey takes you along the ridge of the Clywdian Hills and is 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. Then begin to head into the hills where you will see Moel Arthur rising in the distance, an Iron Age hillfort, with views off to the west of the Vale of Clwyd. Overnight just off the trail in the small village of Llangynhafal where there is a welcoming pub.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +518m/-460m
A lovely local pub with warm and friendly owners.
Today make your way up, Moel Famau, the highest hill within the Clywdian Range. The scenery here 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.
There is the possibility that you will be staying overnight in Llanbedr-Dyrffryn-Clwyd which is closer to the trail than Ruthin.Â
Elevation Gain/Loss: +537m/-588m
The Griffin Inn has been welcoming travelers and locals since the middle of the 19th century. It was built in Gothic style, as part of a series of estate buildings for the Llanbedr Hall estate. The nearby Gatehouse is in a similar style.
A friendly pub in the heart of Ruthin with 4 Bedrooms. Each room has access to a shared kitchen & living room area, free WiFi and Sky TV (including Sky Sports), hypoallergenic bedding.
Ruthin Castle is a beautiful retreat; steeped in history and situated within the glorious Clwydian Range in North Wales. The en-suite rooms include free wi-fi access and tea and coffee facilities.
Retrace your steps back to the Offa's Dyke Train and to the car park at the base of Moel Famau. 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.
A transfer brings you to Llangollen where you will overnight.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +669m/-489m
Nestled in the picturesque Dee Valley, our Grade II-listed historic accommodations welcomes travelers seeking an unforgettable stay at our family-run Bed and Breakfast
Plas Hafod is a substantial Victorian detached residence offering a high standard of Bed & Breakfast accommodation, with views over the picturesque vale of Llangollen. This elegant welcoming house has a wealth of original Victorian features, with a Victorian tiled hallway, an impressive staircase, marble fireplaces, high ceilings, original cornices, and beautiful stained glass windows.
Located in Llangollen Riverbanc Hotel and cafe boasts stunning river views and modern comfortable bedrooms. Each room has free wifi - private bathroom, shower, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer and TV. Breakfast options vary from full English, American or vegetarian options. Each room is also equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. Check in is from 3pm and parking is permitted outside the hotel for 1 hour. Pets are not permitted.
A short transfer brings you to Llandegla so that you may continue your walk from the place you left the trail yesterday.
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 constructed. 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: +280m/-435m
Nestled in the picturesque Dee Valley, our Grade II-listed historic accommodations welcomes travelers seeking an unforgettable stay at our family-run Bed and Breakfast
Plas Hafod is a substantial Victorian detached residence offering a high standard of Bed & Breakfast accommodation, with views over the picturesque vale of Llangollen. This elegant welcoming house has a wealth of original Victorian features, with a Victorian tiled hallway, an impressive staircase, marble fireplaces, high ceilings, original cornices, and beautiful stained glass windows.
Located in Llangollen Riverbanc Hotel and cafe boasts stunning river views and modern comfortable bedrooms. Each room has free wifi - private bathroom, shower, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer and TV. Breakfast options vary from full English, American or vegetarian options. Each room is also equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. Check in is from 3pm and parking is permitted outside the hotel for 1 hour. Pets are not permitted.
Look forward to an extremely varied day of walking today as you leave the lovely town of Llangollen behind. Once 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 campaigns in North Wales. With its formidable defensive walls, it is easy to see why it has become a statement of dominance.
Overnight in the Chirk area. If you have time explore this delightful border town.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +480m/-450m
The Hand in Chirk was built in 1610, it is one of the oldest hotels in Wales, The Hand Hotel offers traditional charm and period features. Take in the sites and then relax in beautifully decorated twin, family, triple, and studio rooms. There is a restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, bike storage and free parking.
For over ten years our guests have enjoyed staying with us in the beautiful borderlands of Chirk. People just love the value we offer: clean, comfortable rooms, and a warm welcome from our team.
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
The Bradford Arms Hotel is situated on the Welsh border in the idyllic village of Llanymynech. Originally a coaching inn dating back to the late 17th century, the property was Victorianised when it formed part of the Earl of Bradford’s estate in the early 1900’s. Situated beside the 1200-year-old Ofas Dyke path, it is an area of outstanding beauty and historic interest.
Penyvoel Hall is a Victorian House set in the countryside. This hotel offers parking, bike storage and a drying room.
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
Traditional Farm House Accommodation once the principal farm house of Powis Castle. It has of character, including exposed beams and log-buring fires and provides spacious accommodation. It is set between the Montgomery Canal and the River Severn. Rooms are light and airy and all have en-suites, and full hospitality tray, TV, DVD, radio alarm clocks and hairdryers, bath robes, white fluffy towels, and traditional bedding, sheer luxury!
The Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool, Powys, was one of the nation’s most celebrated coaching inns during the early 1800s, being at the meeting point of important roads from Chester, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Aberystwyth. No-one knows when it was first an inn, but it retains elements of a timber-framed Tudor construction and must have been an important early building.
Westwood Park provides an excellent base for walkers on the popular Offa’s Dyke Footpath. After an exciting day experiencing the delights of the Powys countryside, guests can relax in the Westwood.
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.Â
Arrive in Montgomery, a border town with an old fashion feel and a mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture such as its Town Hall. Its 13th-century castle towers over the town on a rocky spur.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +501m/-392m
Originally built in the 1600s, The Dragon Hotel in Montgomery is a quirky accommodation owned by a group of local families, and offers friendly hospitality and comfortable lodgings.
The hotel offers evening meals and a packed lunch on request, as well as parking, bike storage, and a laundry service.
The Old Stores is a stunning Georgian house, in the heart of historic Montgomery. With two uniquely designed, deluxe guest rooms, retained period features alongside contemporary art and handwoven antique carpets, the house is full of personality and charm. The drawing room and courtyard garden are available exclusively for our guests to use.
Offa’s Dyke Cottage B&B is situated directly on the Offa’s Dyke Path in the hamlet of Mellington. The property is set in one and a half acres of garden in outstanding countryside with rural views across to the Corndon hills and the Welsh Marches, as well as towards the Kerry Ridgeway.
Set off for the town of Brompton from where the path undulates through an area known as the Switchbacks. make your way through Nut Wood and to the isolated Church of St John the Baptist in Churchtown. Pass a holy well and see fine views over the Clun Valley before arriving in Newcastle on Clun with its prominent church and a footbridge over the River Clun.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +619m/-578m
Set in the beautiful Clun valley, overlooking the river, with easy access to road and footpaths. The recently converted oak frame bedrooms are set into the hill, adjoining the 18th century cottage, and have been completed with a sedum roof, blending in with the surroundings. The view from the bedrooms are always changing with the seasons, the meadow below with grazing sheep or cows, the hills with patchwork fields. Just relax on the terrace with a coffee or an afternoon tea and watch the countryside at its best, wheeling Buzzards, the odd Red Kite and Swallows darting across the field, the herons stalking in the river
Today see the great views of the hills of south Shropshire in all of its glory; green and rolling scenery, Long Mynd and Stiperstones. The track runs parallel to the Dyke for a while and across the slopes of Llanfair Hill and then through Oakland as you approach the top of Papunton Hill through the bracken and gorse.
Finish in the town Knighton, Tref Y Clawdd in Welsh, which means ’the town on the dyke’.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +425m/-470m
Situated in the centre of the market town of Knighton, close to the Offa's Dyke centre, this traditional 14th Century coaching inn boasts tons of character with its original beams, open fires. It has a bar and pool room and a courtyard where you can sit outside. Relaxed atmosphere with 8 ensuite bedrooms.
A relaxed and contemporary B&B set among the rolling hills of the Welsh Marches. Our four spacious rooms provide a comfortable base from which to explore the delights of Knighton and the Marches.
Set in a 17th-century coaching inn and an adjoining Victorian manor house, The Knighton Hotel sits on the border between England and Wales. The hotel is located a short walk away from Knighton railway station and offers a host of activities nearby, including Knighton Golf Club, Offa’s Dyke Centre and Bryn-Y-Castell.
The Welsh Marches are at their finest today and there are wide-ranging views, all magnificent. The walk is varied and starts off walking atop the Hawthorn and Furrow hills with open views across the surrounding countryside. A steep forested slope hides the massive hillfort of Burfa Bank but you pass Burfa Bog a low-lying piece of grassland which attracts lovely butterflies. Reach the common at Bradnor Green and cross Kington Golf Course, supposedly the highest course in England, because you are now in England and not Wales!
Elevation Gain/Loss: +645m/-670m
The Burton Hotel has been under the same family ownership for over 35 years and offers modern accommodation in the centre of Kington. In addition of comfortable and well fitted bedrooms, guests can relax by the pool or at the spa.
Church House is a beautiful Georgian town house with a spacious garden in the old part of Kington, a quiet and ancient market town in the lovely rolling hills of west Herefordshire, just 2 miles from the Welsh border. The house faces south-east, and all the rooms have fine views over the garden. The house is largely furnished with furniture in keeping with the house’s 18th century character.
Kick-off your boots and relax in the communal lounge or by the fire as Ali welcomes you with a hot drink and treats. Cosy rooms with a super comfortable bed for a restful nights sleep. Recharge your batteries in the morning with a healthy breakfast and enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and quirky interior (circa 1700), before heading back out on the trail again.
The next part of the trail sends you on a traverse over Hergest Ridge where animals graze wild and you are afforded spectacular views over the Black Mountains and Shropshire Hills. This part of the Offa's Dyke Path is classed as one of the finest. Then as you approach your overnight destination there is easy riverside walking and you can spot Castle Clifford above the River Wye.
Reaching the town of Hay-on Wye which was founded by the Normans after the Conquest, you will be delighted by its quaint and charming streets. It is famous for its numerous bookshops and there are plenty of pubs and restaurants in which to spend the evening.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +510m/-580m
The guest house features 6 rooms, all of which are en-suite with TV, radio alarm clock, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided in each room.
Elmsleigh is situated in Thirty Acres, Cusop, a pleasant stroll from the characterful book town of Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh/English border. Located in an area of outstanding beauty, Elmsleigh is moments from the Offa's Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk and conveniently situated for the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Swan at Hay is positioned between the Brecon Beacons and The Black Mountains. It is an independent hotel with 19 individually designed bedrooms and a restaurant serving classic British cuisine. This listed Georgian building was a former coaching inn, and many rooms have large original windows with views across the gardens or stable block. Bedrooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee trays and private bathrooms. The Swan at Hay has a relaxed bistro and a restaurant serving modern British cuisine with original Georgian windows overlooking the garden.
Today you begin crossing the Black Mountains, a sublime range in the Brecon Beacon National Park. The climb up to Hatterall Ridge, the highest point on the trail but surprisingly easy with its gentle ascent. You are rewarded with some of the best views on a clear day. The open moorland gives a real sense of space and freedom. Drop down from the ridge to spend the night in Longtown. Your accommodation will welcome you warmly after your day of exhilarating walking in the mountains.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +611m/-560m
They have now been at the pub for several years and with the amazing support of everyone, The Crown Inn is once more the central meeting place for the local populace. They pride themselves on being able to cater to everyone's needs and on having close links with local groups such as The Young Farmers Club and our local school. They have seven rooms available upstairs from the Crown Inn pub which is accessible via a separate private entrance outside which is accessible 24 hours. All the rooms have en suite bathroom/shower, tea/coffee making facilities & TV with all linen & towels provided. Free wi-fi.
After a sustaining breakfast make your way back up to the ridge. The village of Pandy is certainly a welcome sight in the distance. It consists of just a few cottages and farms but of particular interest is Cwm Farm, a cider house built in 1754 which is virtually unchanged but has also been completely restored to its former glory with a cider press and mill.
Your overnight is in Llangattock Lingoed (quite a mouthful!) a village with a distinctive white-washed church.
If there is no available accommodation in Llangattock Lingoed you will stay overnight in Pandy or Llanvihangel Crucorny. You can walk to your accommodations from the trail, so the walk today will be shorter, and the walk tomorrow will be longer.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +510m/-500m
Paul and Karen welcome you to The Old Rectory, a 17th-century property which stands in an acre of garden, in the unspoilt rural hamlet of Llangattock-Lingoed nestling in the welsh border countryside.
Nestled in the tranquil village of Llangattock Lingoed on The Offa's Dyke Path, The Hunters Moon Inn is a traditional British Pub that has been trading since the 13th century. Great food, Great Ales, Great B&B
A warm Welsh Welcome awaits you at Penyclawdd Farm and a full Welsh breakfast to set you up for the day. Penyclawdd Farm is situated in Llanvihangel Crucorney within the foothills of the Black Mountains. Rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities, TVs, and tea making facilities. The farmhouse has excellent laid out gardens ideal for guests to relax during their stay.
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 this valley is delightful with its 13th-century fortified bridge and small museums.
If you have spent the night in Pandy or Llanvihangel Crucorny the walking distance will be longer today than listed.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +245m/-390m
Myrtle Place is a quiet bed and breakfast in the historic town of Monmouth. Surrounded by stunning scenery
This beautiful Café, Bistro and Boutique B&B was established in January 2020 and is combined with an Art Gallery where you can enjoy our delicious brunch, lunch, and evening menus offering gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options too.
An historic house Inglewood is old and quirky with a wealth of interesting features. The main part of the house dates 1738 with the oldest part being much older possibly prior to 1650. Unfortunately the design and age of the house renders it unsuitable for wheelchair access because of the number and style of steps and stairs.
The house is located in the village of Redbrook, a lively and friendly community. They have two lovely pubs offering a wide range of drinks and great food and featuring regular live music.
You are now walking through the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cross the wide bridge in Monmouth where the trail diverts off the River Wye for a while, then meets it again in Redbrook. (You can walk the riverside path if you choose to). It is hard to imagine that this small village was once a bustling river port exporting copper products and where at one time corn and paper mills stood, plus a malthouse and brewery.
Continue on to Tintern, where you can view the amazing ruins of a Cistercian abbey, a Gothic masterpiece.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +800m/-805m
A 17th Century former farmhouse set just 50 yards from the banks of the River Wye, less than a mile from historic Tintern Abbey.
It has been a guesthouse for some years with a loyal following. Now with new owners since early 2019, Marta and Roger Brook.
The Wye Valley Hotel is a family-run country hotel in the riverside village of Tintern, at the heart of the Wye Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This charming countryside inn is nestled in the picturesque village of Tintern, a place notably used as an escape to great artists, poets and writers. The Wild Hare offers a retreat from the everyday, a spot to relax and unwind within the beautiful countryside. We have several dog friendly rooms, a beautiful pub serving exquisite British food from local producers and a delightful coffee house and gift shop to relax, work and indulge in homemade cakes, artisan sandwiches and locally crafted gifts.
Your final day of walking takes you firstly to the Hudnalls, a large and well-wooded common, or take the alternate trail alongside the River Wye if you wish which takes you to Brockweir village. Here you can see the whitewashed 19th-century Moravian Chapel.
For those of you who wish to complete the Offa's Dyke in its entirety you can walk all the way to Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn Estuary, the official finish point. Or cross the bridge and walk straight into Chepstow where you will spend your final night.
Elevation Gain/Loss: +260m/-255m
This charming 17th Century, ivy-clad 3 Star Hotel is situated in a prime location along the River Wye and directly opposite Britain’s oldest stone-built castle. The attentive staff promise a warm welcome to every guest, priding themselves on providing a family-run feel to the establishment. Intimate lighting and in-keeping decor maintain the hotel’s cosy atmosphere, the perfect place to relax.
The friendly proprietors at The Coach And Horses Inn, Chepstow, offer a very warm welcome and highly rated pub B&B accommodation, with seven well-furnished rooms. With a prideful and quality demanding chef, loving owners and caring staff we provide only the best in service. We serve everything from real ales to fine wine. Whether you are popping in for a drink, booking a room for the night or having a three course meal we guarantee you will not be disappointed.
The Beaufort Hotel is located in the centre of Chepstow and is walking distance from Chepstow Castle, the train station, racecourse and plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes.
The hotel offers a TV in each room, tea and coffee making facilities and wifi throughout. It also has an on-site bar and restaurant which serves traditional British dishes with locally farmed ingredients where possible.
Today depart from Chepstow which had a train station and is therefore easily accessible to Londonand Cardiff. You can also take trains north which will involve a changeover.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?On this long-distance trail enjoy varied scenery with a mix of open country, stunning mountain views, wooded valleys and plenty of wildlife. If you are a history buff then this would be very interesting for you as this trail reveals a rich tapestry of times gone by and the conflicts between the Welsh and the English. Depending on the itinerary you take, this route is rated anywhere between strenuous and strenuous to challenging.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
The Offa's Dyke Path passes through such a vast amount of varying landscapes, rolling hills, escarpments, ridges, countryside, canal towpath's, wooded areas, riverside trails and moors. There will be long quite remote stretches, especially in the Welsh Marches. You will find that whilst there are not areas of very steep climbs that the accumulation of elevation gain and loss may prove tiring on some days. The most challenging parts will be the sections in the Black Mountains and the Vale of Clwyd.
The grade of your walk will depend on which itinerary you choose to do. The 20 day itinerary is the easiest simply because the daily distances are not too challenging. In contrast to this is the 14 day itinerary where on most days you will be walking between 20 and 30km and occasionally more than this.
You will be walking on a combination of terrain. The majority of the walking however will be on dedicated countryside trails. Sometimes you will walk on paths that are rooty and uneven and at other times they will be smooth. Canal towpaths are generally dirt trails but sometimes tarmacked. "Green Trails" will be part of the way too, so small roads usually with grass in the middle.
You will experience a wide variety of accommodations, from simple B&B's to small hotels. However, wherever you stay, you will be well looked after and warmly welcomed. Because some of the areas on this route are very remote, we have specifically designed the itinerary to provide you with the best accommodations available. As a result of this on occasion some overnight stops are off the trail. These dsitances off the trail can be anything between 1-5km, but we have calcluated the daily distances with this in mind. So, for example, when you walk to Llangollen, which is off the trail, the distance from Ruthin or Llandegla is incorporated. By arranging the distance walked this way, there will be no surprises, although the km amounts in the guidebook will vary from what you will find on our itineraries.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
We welcome solo walkers on the Offa's Dyke, although you should, of course, take extra care in the outdoors when walking solo and you must have the ability to read a map and compass.
The Offa's Dyke Path is well waymarked and should be relatively easy to follow most of the time. Navigation is also straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps and the GPS tracks. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation on this tour will be made simple and you cannot get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
We will provide a guidebook, which you can also refer to.
- Overnights in B&B's, guest houses, small hotels
- Breakfast
- Luggage Transfers
- Detailed Information Pack, guidebook and maps
- GPX tracks and access to our GPS Macs Adventure smartphone app
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
- Any transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Travel to Prestatyn
- Travel from Chepstow
- Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Personal Equipment
- Additional Nights, before, during or after the walk
This walking tour can be booked between March and October, although most people choose to walk from April onwards as the weather can be quite cool and unpredicable in March. If you have walked in the UK before however, you will know that anytime of year can be unpredictable, so you should always be prepared with the right gear. Autumn can be a great time to walk as the path will not have as many people walking on it as the summer months. Spring and early summer are best times to see the flora along the way.
IMPORTANT - Please be aware we have closed off dates for booking between May and June on the Offa's Dyke path due to the Hay Festival taking place between 25 May to 3 June 2023. Unfortunately, there is no accommodation in the local area for these dates.
To reach the start of your Offa's Dyke tour in Prestatyn there are regular direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly (1H40) were you can connect from many UK destinations. It is also possible to get from Liverpool in 1H20 by train and Cardiff in 2H30. Prestatyn is accessible from London in under 3H by train. Check National Rail for more information.
If you wish to drive there are plenty of car parks in Prestatyn. You would need to pay for the secure ones but there is also on street parking as long as you are not expecting to leave your car in the town centre.
Manchester Airport is the closest airport to Prestatyn. The journey by train takes about 2H20 and usually a change in Chester is required. You can also fly into any of the London Airports and take a train via Crewe.
When travelling home after your tour you can get from Chepstow by train. To London journey time is 2H30, to Cardiff 45 minutes and Manchester in 4H. These are all approximate times depending on the scheduling and how many changes there are. Please check the National Rail website for more details.
The closest airport to Chepstow is Cardiff. You can fly from Cardiff to most UK locations. You can also fly from any of the London airports which are accessible by train.
If you have parked your car in Prestatyn you can return there by train. The journey time is approximately 4H with about 2 changes, probably in Newport and Crewe.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person.  It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Please bear in mind that the daily distances for the walks also include the extra walking to the town/village/hamlet where your accommodation is located. As a result of this the distances in the guidebook will vary from what you will find on our itineraries.
There may also be occasions however where your distance takes you directly into a town on the trail but you may have to walk a bit further to reach your accommodation if they are not exactly in the centre of town.
IMPORTANT - Please be aware we have closed off dates for booking between May and June on the Offa's Dyke path due to the Hay Festival taking place between 25 May to 3 June 2023. Unfortunately, there is no accommodation in the local area for these dates.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen etc. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walk boots, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a daypack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This walking tour can be booked between March and October, although most people choose to walk from April onwards as the weather can be quite cool and unpredicable in March. If you have walked in the Uk before however, you will know that anytime of year can be unpredictable, so you should always be prepared with the right gear. Autumn can be a great time to walk as the path will not have as many people walking on it as the summer months. Spring and early summer are best times to see the flora along the way.
Why Macs
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Around Since 2003
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Positive Impact
At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.
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