Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Walk the southern part of the Offa's Dyke National Trail from Knighton to Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn Estuary, following the trail of the hand-dug bank and ditch built by King Offa in the 8th century along the English/Welsh border.
Enjoy the landscapes of the Brecon Beacon National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as you walk southwards from Knighton, home to the Offa's Dyke Centre. On your journey you'll ascend the highest part of the trail on the Hatterrall Ridge crossing the Black Mountains and follow riverside trails along the River Wye; explore the 'town of books' Hay-on-Wye and enjoy views to Tintern Abbey from Devil's Pulpit. Discover the historical sites of Monnow Bridge, White Castle and Chepstow Castle and look out for some spectacular birdlife - dippers and kingfishers on the rivers and red grouse on the heather moorland of the Black Mountains.
Accommodation is in small towns and villages in a mix of friendly guesthouses, pubs and hotels.
Arrive in Knighton, home to the Offa's Dyke Centre.
You stay at The Horse and Jockey Inn.
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
Situated in the heart of the market town of Knighton, close to the Offa's Dyke centre. This traditional 14th Century coaching inn boasts a lot of character with its original beams and open fires. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped.
Walk across a patchwork of farmland to Hawthorn Hill for far-stretching views, including to the site of Owain Glyndwr's Battle of Pilleth. The trail passes through Granner Wood, a Woodland Trust site which is being restored to broadleaf woodland. Before reaching the market town of Kington cross Kington Golf Club, the highest golf club in England on Brandor Hill.
You stay at Swan Hotel.
MastercardVisaWiFiTVTea/coffee
The Swan Hotel offers 7 en-suite bedrooms above the pub, each with tea and coffee making facilities, a colour television and a comfy bed so you can guarantee a good nights sleep.
You reach Hergest Ridge early today with 360 degree views to Pen y Fan to the south, the Malverns to the east and the hills of Shropshire to the north and which served as inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles. On the ridge is a Victorian racecourse which you walk through the centre of. Continue on across farmland and down into the valley. The final stretch is along the River Wye to the 'town of books' Hay-on-Wye.
You stay at The Old Black Lion.
An historic 17th Century Inn, it is situated close to what was known as the Lion Gate, one of the original entrances into the medieval walled town of Hay-on-Wye. It is believed that parts of the building date back to the 1300’s. The Old Black Lion certainly has a colourful history and it is reputed that Oliver Cromwell stayed at the Inn whilst the Roundheads besieged Hay Castle. The rooms are traditional and comfortable.
Pick up lunch supplies (and books!) in Hay-on-Wye and head out of town to climb gently to the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Look out for wild ponies and birds of prey and admire views to the Vale of Eywas. Descend to Longtown where you can visit the ruins of its 12th century Norman castle.
You stay at The Crown Inn.
TVTea/coffee
The Crown Inn is a family run country inn in the heart of the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, on the border of Wales, set in the shadow of the magnificent Black Mountains. Located in the Olchon Valley, just off the Offa’s Dyke pathway and in the middle of the Golden Valley. There are 7 comfortable rooms available, all with ensuite bathroom/shower, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
Continue with a climb back up into the Black Mountains and cross the highest point along the Offa's Dyke Path at Hatterrall Ridge - enjoy stunning views to Sugar Loaf and look out for paragliders! Wind your way through farmland to the tiny village of Llangattock Lingoed and its pretty white church.
You stay at The Old Rectory.
HairdryerTea/coffee
The Old Rectory is 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. The Offas Dyke Trail passes the garden gate. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.
The dyke is no longer visible on this section but there is a wealth of history with White Castle, part of a trio of Norman fortresses in Monmouthshire and Monnow Bridge, a 13th century gatehouse bridge in Monmouth itself.
You stay at Creates B&B.
This new venue is a beautiful Café and Bistro combined with an Art Gallery. The boutique rooms are beautifully decorated and modern. Creates in Monmouth was also crowned the winner of Channel 4’s - Four in Bed!
Over the next two days you'll walk in the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you'll be walking through ancient woodland for much of the day. The trail rises first to The Kymin, an 18th Century Round House and Naval Temple and at Redbrook the trail crosses the border out of Wales for the final time. Follow the River Wye to Tintern and perhaps visit the vineyard opposite your accommodation.
Start the day with a visit to Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks. The route takes you up a tree lined limestone escarpment to Devil's Pulpit offering stunning views down to the Abbey and then continues through woodland before passing Chepstow and arriving at the end of the Trail at Sedbury cliff on the Severn Estuary. A short transfer takes you to Chepstow for your last night and a chance to visit Chepstow Castle, the oldest surviving post Roman fortification in Britain.
You stay at The Three Tuns.
The Three Tuns Inn is located in the old part of Chepstow just in front of the Castle and the lower end of Bridge Street, with its elegant row of early 19th century houses, the street descends to the River Wye which is crossed by the beautiful cast Iron bridge dating back to 1816. The rooms are comfortable and refurbished to a high standard.
Depart after breakfast.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £500.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
12.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
