Offa's Dyke Path

From Sedbury Cliffs to Monmouth - 28 km

.

The Offa's Dyke Path begins at the Severn Estuary. Near Sedbury Cliff we meet the rampart straight away. The path leads to Chepstow Castle, the oldest surviving post-Roman fortress in Britain. From here it heads northwards along the east bank of the River Wye, with particularly fine views of Tintern Abbey from Devil's Pulpit. This section of the trail ends in Monmouth, a Welsh border town at the confluence of the Rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy. One of the town's most famous landmarks is the Monnow Bridge.

From Monmouth to Pandy - 27 km

.

This section crosses the rolling farmland of Monmouthshire. The Wall itself is nowhere to be found along this section, but the area has a rich medieval history with ruined castles and monastic sites. The trail passes directly by White Castle, one of three castles in the area linked by the 25km Three Castles Walk. The route passes through the small villages of Llanfihangel Ystum Llywern, Llantilio Crossenny, White Castle and Llangattock Lingoed. On the way to Pandy we can enjoy great views of the Black Mountains.

.

From Pandy to Hay-on-Wye - 28.2 km

.

A steady climb takes us from Pandy into the Black Mountains and to the highest point on the route at 700m. We are now within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Once the summit is reached, the trail follows a well-trodden ridge walk of about  18km to the pretty book town of Hay-on-Wye. Many walkers break up the hike over the ridge with an overnight stay at Llanthony Priory or the Priory of Longtown.

From Hay to Kington - 23.3 km

.

This section starts along the River Wye and then passes through the hilly area of Powys along the Herefordshire border. The trail brings us to the small village of Newchurch - the church here is always open to welcome walkers. To finish the stage, the trail climbs to Hergest Ridge. On a clear day you can see Pen y Fan to the south, the Malverns to the east and the Shropshire hills to the north 

.

From Kington to Knighton - 21.7 km

.

Leaving Kington, the trail heads over Brandor Hill to Rushock Hill, where the trail rejoins Offa's Dyke Path. On the way to Knighton, we walk through Granner Wood and soon down to the River Lugg. It is worth pausing at Dolley Old Bridge and with luck we may see one of the kingfishers that live here. The next climb is up to Furrow and Hawthorn Hill. From here there are stunning views west towards Radnorshire. The final descent takes us down to Knighton, where we are almost halfway along the Offa's Dyke Path.

From Knighton to Brompton Crossroads - 24 km

.

This section through the Shropshire Hills area is generally considered the most strenuous on the trail. However, the views and sense of tranquillity make it well worth the effort. This section also contains some of the best-preserved sections of Offa's Dyke Path, located on Llanfair Hill at the point where the Jack Mytton Way crosses the trail. Just north of Newcastle, we are at the true centre of the Trail. There are very few villages in this section, but a number of hidden gems await the walker, one of which is Churchtown. 

From Brompton Crossroads to Buttington Bridge - 20 km

.

Today we walk through fairly flat terrain. The canal, which in many places marks the boundary still in place today, is clearly visible throughout. Those who have enough time should make a detour to Montgomery. Towards the end of the section, the route climbs up to Beacon Hill Fort then descends to Buttington Bridge, where we meet the River Severn. From there it is only a short walk to Welshpool.

From Buttington Bridge to Llanymynech - 17 km

.

This part of the trail is almost flat throughout. We follow the Montgomeryshire Canal and the River Severn before reaching the town of Llanymynech, where the border between Wales and England runs right along the main road. The main landmark of this section is the Breidden Hills with the Rodney's Pillar monument at the top.

From Llanymynech to Chirk Mill - 22.5 km

.

Today we find ourselves in hilly terrain again, crossing Llanymynech Hill, Moelydd and Candy Woods before reaching our stage destination at Chirk Mill.

From Chirk Mill to Llandegla - 25.7 km

.

This varied section is part of the Clywdian Range. Behind Chirk Castle the trail crosses the historic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our route continues to  "World's End", across moorland and finally down into Llandegla Forest. 

From Llandegla to Bodfari - 28 km

.

From Llandegla, the trail continues its journey through the Clywdian Range. For most of the way you follow the heather-covered ridge. The trail passes over or beside a series of Iron and Bronze Age hill ranges, including Foel Fenlli, Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau. The main landmark of this section of the trail is the Jubilee Tower at the top of Moel Famau. 

From Bodfari to Prestatyn - 19 km

.

The final section of the Offa's Dyke Path starts in the hilly Clwydian Range until the path finally descends to Prestatyn. As we head north, views of the sea open up to us. From Prestatyn Hillside there are fantastic views of Snowdonia and the North Wales coastline before descending into the small town and on to the end of the trail at Prestatyn Beach. Traditionally, walking boots and socks are removed at this point and feet are held in the sea, symbolising the end of the journey and giving tired feet a welcome cool down.