Hiking Collection by Dan Hobson
12
days
4-8 h
/ day
293 km
7,490 m
7,500 m
Offa’s Dyke Path is an enchanting coast-to-coast hike along the ancient border between England and Wales. The route explores an ever-changing landscape that’s rich in wildlife, affords magical views and evokes a history that stretches back thousands of years.
From Sedbury, on the Severn Estuary, the trail winds north along the historic border to Prestatyn, on the north coast. You climb lofty hilltops, explore majestic woodlands, peaceful farmland, vibrant towns and villages and countless historic sites. The official route is 177 miles (285 km). However, with a few detours to accommodation and places of interest close to the route, this Collection totals 182 miles (293 km).
For more than 60 miles (97 km), the route follows Offa’s Dyke, Britain’s longest ancient monument. The rampart was built in the 8th century under instruction of King Offa to separate his Kingdom of Mercia from rivals in what is now Wales.
Highlights along the way include: White Castle, one of the best preserved of the Monmouthshire fortresses; Hay Castle, a 12th-century fortress; the mediaeval market town of Knighton; the 13th-century ruins of Montgomery Castle; Beacon Ring Iron Age hillfort; the ‘stream in the sky’ Pontcysyllte Aqueduct; the hilltop ruins of Castell Dinas Brân; plus lots more.
This hike is not just a step back in time, though. Tackling a relentlessly-hilly terrain through a wild and often challenging landscape, Offa’s Dyke Path will push your fitness and test your technical ability.
The upshot of this ever-undulating adventure — which crosses the Black Mountains, the Shropshire Hills, the Eglwyseg moors, and the Clwydian Range — is plenty of magical views that stretch into the Welsh mountains and the English lowlands.
The most common way to walk the Path is from south to north (as per this Collection). However, there’s no reason why you can't hike the other way.
In this Collection, I split the route into 12 stages of between 11-18 miles (18-29 km). Of course, you can split up each stage into as many days as you are comfortable with. You can also walk any single stage, or a couple of stages, in isolation.
Every stage finishes close to accommodation, even if there are only a few options nearby. However, places to stay are not always abundant so it is worth planning in advance and scheduling any rest days accordingly.
While this trail never ventures too far from civilisation, there are some remote areas to contend with. As such, ensure you have enough water and snacks to keep you sustained. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs are essential. Be sure to pack sunscreen in the summer months.
You can hike the Celtic Way at any time of year and each season offers a unique perspective on the diverse landscapes.
If you’re planning to arrive by public transport, you can catch a train to Chepstow, which has direct trains from Cardiff and Birmingham and has connecting services around Britain. From Chepstow, it’s roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) to the start of the trail in Sedbury. To get home,
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.
Last updated: May 3, 2024
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Breathtaking views from folkloric viewpoints, rolling landscapes, magical woodlands, vibrant towns and history every step of the way — the first stage gives a real taste of what’s to come on the Offa’s Dyke Path.
The trail begins on the banks of the Severn Estuary. You join Offa’s Dyke itself close to…
by Dan Hobson
This stage explores a one-of-a-kind bridge, a fine mediaeval church and Monmouth’s best-preserved fortress. After parting ways with the River Wye, the trail winds through a pretty patchwork of farmland, woodland, orchards and sleepy villages.
Before leaving Monmouth, you cross over Monnow Bridge, the…
by Dan Hobson
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
This stage takes you into the Black Mountains and onto the highest point along the entire trail.
From Pandy, the trail climbs gradually through farmland into rugged upland terrain over the Hatterall Ridge, where you are afforded breathtaking views in both directions.
A while later you see the ruins of…
by Dan Hobson
This stage takes you high into the hills along the English and Welsh border and affords stunning views into both countries.
From Hay, you pick up the River Wye once again for a short section before a long but gradual climb through peaceful farmland, woodland and sleepy villages.
As you pass through Gladestry…
by Dan Hobson
You experience spellbinding views along this hilly stage, which finishes in Knighton, the spiritual home of Offa’s Dyke.
Before you leave Kington, it’s worth visiting the Grade I-listed Church of St Mary. Founded in the late Norman period, the oldest part of the church you can see is the tower, which…
by Dan Hobson
This challenging stage takes you through the stunning Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
From Knighton, it’s a steep climb onto the tops and over Cwm-Sanaham Hill. The trail then descends into farmland before it climbs over Llanfair Hill.
You descend near Newcastle on Clun, where…
by Dan Hobson
You can expect fascinating history on this hike, which literally has one foot in England and one in Wales. You see plenty of the Offa’s Dyke, a mediaeval castle, an Iron Age hillfort, plus get plenty of breathtaking views along the way.
Before leaving Montgomery, it’s well worth spending some time exploring…
by Dan Hobson
After some tough previous stages, this hike affords some rare level walking on a trail that is typically hilly as heck. With only 100 feet (30 m) of ascent and 11 miles (17.7 km) of distance, this stage is the easiest on the entire trail.
Before you leave Buttington, it’s worth paying a visit to the Church…
by Dan Hobson
It’s back into the hills on this stage, which sees the trail return to its normal form. Expect big views, tough climbs and some exceptional nature.
As you climb out Llanymynech, it’s worth making a detour into Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve (as this Tour does). A busy quarry 200 years ago, it’s now…
by Dan Hobson
This stage takes you along the final stretch of the Dyke, past two enchanting castles, and over the ‘stream in the sky’. The trail voyages into the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on this hike, which remains the case until its ultimate conclusion in Prestatyn.
To begin, it’s possible…
by Dan Hobson
This stage continues through the hills on a journey that affords awe-inspiring views and history.
From Llandegla, climb steadily and watch the landscape change from green fields to rugged upland. The trail passes the summits of Moel Y Gelli, Moel Y Plas, Moel Llanfair, Moel Gyw and eventually reaches…
by Dan Hobson
As you hike the final leg through the Clwydian Range, tantalising glimpses of the ocean open up to reveal the finish line. Whilst the hills are smaller along this final stage, they still afford sublime views and serenity to make the last leg a special one.
From Bodfari, it’s a steep climb to Moel y Gaer…
by Dan Hobson
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