Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Offa's Dyke path runs for 177 miles from the North Wales coast at Prestatyn to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary. The route, a National Trail since 1971 follows a wide border rampart, built by Offa, the King of Mercia, in the 8th century to protect his kingdom from his rivals in what is now Wales. The trail passes through eight counties. Our walk covers the Northern section of the trail from Prestatyn to Knighton and goes through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Clwydian Range and the Shropshire Hills.
From AD 747 to 796, Offa was King of the Mercians. He had seized power at a time of great unrest between Wales and England in the border region. Offa was determined to quell the unruly Welsh and impose his authority, and so work on Offa's Dyke started in the 780's. It was a great ditch and earth wall that ran from sea to sea along the border. It is believed that Offa died in 796 in a battle against the Welsh when he was trying to establish a final link in the dyke to the Irish Sea. The dyke covers 132km of the total distance of 240km between Prestatyn and Sedbury, the gaps between are filled by natural elements including slopes and rivers. The trail itself has been established since 1971 and passes through eight counties and crosses the border between England and Wales over 20 times.
Walking southwards pass through the highest of the Clwydian Hills, Moel Famau the tallest at 554m is crowned with the remains of the Jubilee Tower and has views to Snowdonia and the Mersey estuary and Liverpool. Walk on heather clad hills and past Iron Age forts, before descending to World's End and arriving at the riverside town of Llangollen. Cross the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, after which the route then follows more closely the Welsh/English border, crossing several times on the way to Knighton.
Accommodation is in a mix of friendly guesthouses, pubs and hotels, some of which are off the main route of the Offa's Dyke Path.
Arrive in this small village 6 miles south of the trailhead at Prestatyn.
You stay at The White House.
Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
The White House is a family-run bed and breakfast, located in Rhuallt, North Wales. The rooms are comfortable and modern.
A short transfer takes you to the trailhead to walk the first section. From Prestatyn Beach head into the coastal slopes of Prestatyn Hillside which form part of the Clwydian Range, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cross a series of stone stiles that are unique to this section of the trail. Enjoy spectacular views across to Snowdonia as you head toward Bodfari. Return transfer to Rhuallt.
You stay at The White House.
MastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
The White House is a family-run bed and breakfast, located in Rhuallt, North Wales. The rooms are comfortable and modern.
Take a short transfer back to the route at Bodfari. Discover the higher Clwydian peaks, including Moel Famau, the tallest at 554m and crowned with the remains of the Jubilee Tower. Enjoy a series of Iron and Bronze Age hillforts at Foel Fenlli, Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau. Each has its own interesting history and from each you will be rewarded with stunning views. Leave the trail to arrive in Llanarmon-yn-Ial.
You stay at The Raven.
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The Raven Inn is situated in one of the few remaining villages in the area which still has a church, chapel, shop, school, and pub, as well as a beautifully renovated Old School Room which is used as a Community Hall. The newly refurbished rooms are comfortable and well equipped.
Head through Llandegla Forest and over heather-clad moorland, home to the largest Black Grouse population in Wales. Pass through World's End to finally reach the dramatic limestone crags of the Eglwysegs as you near the picturesque town of Llangollen on the Dee River.
You stay at The Riverbanc.
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The Riverbanc is perfectly located in the centre of the small town of Llangollen which is steeped in myth and legend. It is also best known for hosting the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod every July. The rooms are modern and comfortable.
Climb to the fortress of Castell Dinas Bran, nestled atop a craggy hill overlooking Llangollen. Continue to Eglwyseg and the Pontcysllte Aqueduct. At 38m high, it is the world's highest navigable aqueduct and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Cross this feat of engineering on your way to Llwynmawr. A short detour takes you to Chirk Castle, this magnificent marcher fortress is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I that is still lived in today.
You stay at The Mulberry Inn.
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The Mulberry Inn in the quiet setting of Llwynmawr village in the beautiful Ceiriog Valley. The rooms in this delightful country inn are modern and Individually furnished.
Enjoy stunning 360 degree views from the summit of Moelydd and discover the mining area of Nantmawr, before entering the previously busy limestone quarry of Llanymynech Quarry. Llanymynech Hill is one of Wales' earliest mining sites with evidence suggesting that in the late Bronze Age copper was mined and smelted here, and that ores were used to make bronze weapons and other implements.
You stay at The Dolphin Inn.
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The Dolphin Inn is a family-run country pub with rooms. It is one of the oldest buildings in Llanymynech which evolved into a coaching inn in the 19th century with some parts dating back to 1517.
This almost flat stage follows stretches of the Montgomeryshire Canal and the River Severn. The canal is a true haven for wildlife and is one of the most important canals in the country for nature, much of it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Llanymynech high street sits right on the Welsh-English border, dividing this small town between two nations!
You stay at Moors Farm.
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Traditional Farm House Accommodation once the principal farm house of Powis Castle. Now privately owned but still farming. It has a lot of character, including exposed beams and log-burning fires and provide spacious accommodation.
Another relatively flat stage, the Trail and the Dyke itself follow the true national boundary closely here. A detour to Montgomery town is well worth it if you have the time. Montgomery is a Georgian gem with a medieval street layout, imposing Town Hall, mix of Georgian, Victorian and timber framed buildings.
You stay at Oakley B&B.
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Oakley is a modern property providing high quality bed and breakfast accommodation set in a beautiful rural location with stunning views over the hills and mountains of the Welsh Marches.
The Bed and breakfast is situated on the border of England and Wales four miles from the picturesque market towns of Bishops Castle and Montgomery. Both towns have a choice of tea rooms, restaurants and pubs, with their own microbreweries.
Often thought of as one of the toughest sections of the Trail, what a way to end your trip. Discover the Shropshire Hills AONB and some of the best preserved sections of Offa's Dyke on Llanfair Hill. Knighton is the only town to lie on the line of the Offa's Dyke and is home to the Offa's Dyke Centre.
You stay at The Horse and Jockey Inn.
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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.
Depart after breakfast
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £560.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided walking
9 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
13.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
