Offa’s Dyke Path

This haunting trail traces the ancient hand-dug bank and ditch built in the 8th century by Offa, king of the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. Meandering through 177 mile / 283 km of the borderlands of England and Wales, the path was probably intended to divide Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales...

The Path's course takes it from Prestatyn in the north to Chepstow in South Wales.

Like most lengthy countryside trails, you can choose to opt for a gentle stroll over an hour or two - or undertake the entire Trail quest over a number of weeks.

From the riverside meadows of the Wye and Severn valleys to the peaceful rolling hills of Shropshire and Powys and the dramatic heather clad uplands of the Black Mountains and the Clwydian Range - the variation in the landscape is simply stunning.

Walking the path

The Path passes through or near many historic towns, from Chepstow through Monmouth, Hay-on-Wye, Kington, Presteigne, Knighton, Bishop’s Castle, Montgomery, Welshpool, Oswestry, Llangollen, Mold, Denbigh, to Prestatyn.

Along the way you will discover quiet country churches, enigmatic Iron Age hillforts, charming country pubs - even foreboding castles taking you back to the time of the Saxons and Celts.

The Path also links in to another National Trail, Glyndŵr’s Way, at Knighton, where you'll also find the Offa’s Dyke Information Centre.  

Accommodation

There are many hotels, pubs and bed and breakfast businesses along the route, especially in some of the towns. Booking is advisable in most places, especially at the height of the tourist season.

Information

The Offa's Dyke information centre at Knighton has a wealth of material on the path and the history of the borderlands.