While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. For centuries the dyke marked the boundary between England and Wales, the place names to the east being English and those to the west largely Welsh. Offa’s Dyke Path can be walked right through the year. It remains one of the UK’s greatest long distance walking trails. One end is in the south at Chepstow and the other in the north at Prestatyn, with 186 miles of breathtaking countryside in between. Officially opened on 10 July 1971, by Lord Hunt, it is one of Britain's National Trails and draws walkers from throughout the world. Legend has it that the devil preached from the ‘pulpit’ to the monks below,…, Hay-on-Wye is often described as "the town of books". Section of Offa's Dyke along the current border between England and Wales. It opened in 1971 and some of it follows or keeps close company with the remnants of Offa's Dyke, an earthwork mostly constructed in the 8th century on the orders of Offa of Mercia. Then shortly after that, just across the B4355, is a 19th Century marker stone bearing the inscription “Offa’s Dyke, made in the year AD 757”, a claim which doesn’t impress the guide-book much, but still worth peering through a fence for. No other UK walking holiday features such contrast and variety of unspoilt scenery, or imparts such a sense of walking through two thousand years of history. The bridge crosses the River Monnow in the Welsh border…, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain and is often called 'the stream in the sky.' Offa’s Dyke was built by King Offa in the 8th century to mark the border between Wales and England. An earlier, shorter earthwork to the east, Wat’s Dyke, runs parallel to Offa’s Dyke—extending from Basingwerk on the Dee estuary to the Morda Brook, south of Oswestry. In addition it links no less than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Wye Valley, the Shropshire Hills and the Clwydian Range / Dee Valley. This well waymarked walk can easily be fitted into a two week holiday and, although long, is not too difficult. Feeling inspired? The flattest stretch is the section which largely follows the River Severn and the Montgomeryshire Canal. The journey of the Offa’s Dyke Path through the borderlands of England and Wales truly offers something for everyone. It’s situated along the Wales-England border, running alongside what’s left of the 8 th Century Offa’s Dyke. It doesn’t require the best laid plans. The Trail, which was opened in the summer of 1971, links Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary with the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea. I recently finished the 177 mile Offa’s Dyke Path, starting in Prestatyn and finishing in Chepstow/ Sedbury Cliffs. The Association is the friends’ group for Offa’s Dyke Path and Offa’s Dyke the ancient monument. Read facts about the Trail and watch the Trail video. Perhaps the most enduring achievement of his reign was the establishment of a new form of coinage bearing the king’s name and title and the name of the moneyer responsible…. Starting at Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary it runs along the English Welsh border to reach the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea. It is traditionally thought that Offa, the king of Mercia in the 8th century, ordered the construction of the dyke which measured up to 65 feet wide and up to 8 feet high. Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail. The Path passes through or near to many historic towns, including Chepstow, Monmouth, Hay-on-Wye, Kington, Presteigne, Knighton, Bishop’s Castle, Montgomery, Welshpool, Oswestry, Llangollen, Mold, Ruthin, Denbigh, and Prestatyn. It is named after, and often follows, the spectacular Dyke King Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century, probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales There are route descriptions in the Further Information section of this website In the greatness of its conception and the skill of its construction,…, …princes’ power is marked by Offa’s Dyke (8th century), still prominent in the landscape and now the course of an official “walk” for the energetic tourist. In summer 1972, my dad decided we should all walk the length of the newly created Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. All three are linked…, Partly ruined Augustinian priory at the foot of Black Mountains in the secluded Vale of Ewyas, a steep sided once glaciated valley within the Black Mountains area of the Brecon…, Following a major refurbishment to our Offa's Dyke exhibition rooms we will re-open on 1st March 2021. The path turns into a track, and after a mile of two the trees start to give way to show a view upstream, towards Tintern and its abbey, far below. Just for the record, Offa's Dyke was the Anglo-Saxon equivalent of the Berlin Wall, (or, to be more up to date, the Palestine Wall.) It was probably intended to divide Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales, and some sections still form the England/Wales border today. It is a long distance footpath stretching about 176 miles, stretching from Sedbury Cliffs (nr Chepstow) to Prestatyn.It roughly follows the line of the barrier. It took 13 days to complete, covers all manner of terrain and goes through some rural villages and small towns. There will be long quite remote stretches, especially in the Welsh Marches. We then at long last spy Knighton and start another long … Offa’s Dyke walk does not slavishly follow the route of Offa’s defensive position. If you look at the ‘The Dyke and The Path’, drop down to ‘National Trail’ and then ‘Distances’ to find a guide to distances between various points. Offa’s Dyke. The upland stretches in the Brecon Beacons and Clwydian Range can be hard going in poor weather or visibility. The ruins of Chepstow Castle have a spectacular setting on cliffs over the River Wye. Offa’s Dyke is believed to date from the late 8th century, when King Offa ordered a great dyke to be built to mark the western boundary of his kingdom with Wales stretching from sea to sea. A designated National Trail, Offa’s Dyke Path measures 177 miles and can therefore take several days to complete – usually 12 for decent hikers who can keep going for six hours at a time. Offa’s Dyke National Trail stretches an impressive 280km from Chepstow in South Wales to Prestatyn in North Wales. Whether you are looking for a gentle stroll for an hour or two, or wish to undertake the whole Trail over a couple of weeks or more, a memorable walk amid spectacular countryside is guaranteed. Find out more about the Association. The Offa’s Dyke Path Where the Coast to Coast is popular and appeals to people with little or no long-distance experience, the ODP is less well-known and more of a hard-core walkers’ trail. Offa's Dyke Path. Not only will visitors will find new interpretive displays but also the launch of a season long exhibition of paintings by artist Dan Llywelyn Hall. 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But it is always a good idea to take a guidebook or map. Where is Offa’s Dyke Path and how far is it? Everyone should experience a trip over Thomas Telford and William Jessop's…, Well preserved medieval castle along side the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail. The…, Medieval stone castle overlooking the Wye, cited as oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. Offa's Dyke is like Hadrian's Wall, it appears in only bits and pieces making each real touch with it all the more fulfilling. The path is inspired by, and closely follows, Offa's Dyke for roughly 40 miles of its 177-mile length. This amazing hand-dug bank and ditch was built in the 8th century by command of King Offa of the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. It is 180 miles long, and built by Offa, King of Mercia, in the latter half of the 8th century to separate the Welsh from the English. Offa’s Dyke covers 82 miles (132 km) of the total distance of 149 miles (240 km) between Prestatyn in the north to Sedbury in the south, the intervening gaps being filled by natural features such as slopes and rivers. Sections of “Offa’s Dyke”, built by Offa of Mercia in the 8th Century are still visible in places. The dyke was built over all terrain including hills and rivers. I bounded on top of the Dyke. Today the remaining 80 miles of embankment forms Britain’s longest archaeological monument and the basis of a famous walk: Crossing the border between England and Wales more than 10 times, the Offa’s Dyke National Trail path follows some of the finest scenery in both countries for 177 miles (285 km). It consists of a bank and ditch, and is thought to be over 1200 years old. Apart from a few nights staying with friends and family I wild camped every night. When is the Centre open? A couple of days ago I finished walking the Offa’s Dyke path, a 177 mile (285km) long distance walking trail that roughly follows the England-Wales border in the UK. Advertising walkers’ accommodation for 2021 season. Visit our News Page for the latest interesting and exciting news on the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. The first of these trails, the Pennine Way, was opened in 1965 but it was not until 1971 that Lord Hunt, of Everest fame, officially opened the Offa’s Dyke Path. Promote your accommodation or other business, share your Trail photos and favourite places. If you want, you can even add your own event. Offa’s Dyke covers 82 miles (132 km) of the total distance of 149 miles (240 km) between Prestatyn in the north to Sedbury in the south, the intervening gaps being filled by … You should read the full advice and restrictions for England, Wales and Scotland before enjoying the outdoors. Take a look at our Events calendar to find details of the enjoyable events that are taking place along the trail. Offas Dyke refers to an ancient earthwork that approximately follows the current border between England and Wales dating from the 8th century. Find useful facts and learn more about Offa's Dyke Path below. Explore the ancient earthwork and the historic border towns and landscapes it passes through. Firstly, going about the walk is simple. “Offa's Dyke 6 day walk (Part 2)” 5 of 5 stars We are a party of 5 walking pals aged well over 60, and this was our walk of the second half of Offa's Dyke from Chepstow to Knighton, brilliantly organised by Eurwyn & Gillian of Anglesey Walking holidays (as was the first half last year from Prestatyn to Knighton) This was our fourth walking holiday organised by them, and they just get better. Offa’s Dyke is a linear earthwork which runs through the English/Welsh borders from Treuddyn (near Wrexham in north east Wales) to Sedbury Cliffs (on the Severn estuary, in southern Gloucestershire). Walk the full Offa's Dyke Path on a self-guided walking holiday tailored to your schedule. A couple of days ago I finished walking the Offa’s Dyke path, a 177 mile (285km) long distance walking trail that roughly follows the England-Wales border in the UK. Offa's Dyke, which the path follows for about half its distance, is seeped in mystery and unknowns. Be surrounded by history and wildlife beside the 8th Century ancient monument along the English-Welsh Border. For everyone else, Offa’s Dyke Path is a walk to tick off in stages. Because Offa’s laws are lost, little is known of his internal government, though Alcuin praises it. Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to this great National Trail here. Discover majestic castles, quiet country churches, enigmatic Iron Age hillforts and enticing country pubs. The Centre will re-open on St David’s Day 1st March 2021. Offa's Dyke Footpath? Q. Starting at Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary it runs along the English Welsh border to reach the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea. The Offa’s Dyke Path is a long distance trail that follows an ancient earthwork fortification along the Wales/England border. The Offa's Dyke Path was the fourth of 15 national trails to be established in England and Wales, with a further four in Scotland. Knighton is the only town or village along Offa’s Dyke, and is the half-way point in the near 180-mile-long Offa’s Dyke Path, a long distance footpath. About 60 miles of the 177-mile route either follows, or keeps close company with, the remnants of Offa's Dyke, an earthwork, most of which was probably constructed in the late 8th century on the orders of King Offa of Mercia. The following is a summary of my route, walking for 12 days and resting for one, and camping all nights but … This powerful…, Monnow Bridge is the sole remaining medieval fortified river bridge in Britain where the gate tower stands actually on the bridge. Offa's Dyke Path. Multiple itineraries to choose from. The National Trail is very well way-marked so following the route is easy. Walking along Offa’s Dyke has got me thinking about boundaries. The Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177-mile walking holiday coast-to-coast to the Irish Sea, along the UK’s largest ancient monument. The path follows about 60 miles of it that is still visible in the southern portion, from near Chepstow to the River Dee above Chirk Castle. Walk Offa's Dyke Path in 12 to 16 days — Contours Walking Holidays. What is the highest mountain in Wales? Discover open sections of the England Coast Path in the South West, along the south coast from Southampton and up to the Welsh border. It took 13 days to complete, covers all manner of terrain and goes through some rural villages and small towns. Then shortly after that, just across the B4355, is a 19th Century marker stone bearing the inscription “Offa’s Dyke, made in the year AD 757”, a claim which doesn’t impress the guide-book much, but still worth peering through a fence for. Offa's Dyke is a long-distance walk that takes you along the border of England and Wales following the original Offa's Dyke that was built way back in the 8th Century. Walk Offa's Dyke Path on a 2-16 day walking holiday through the Welsh Borders, with maps, cosy accommodation and daily luggage transfers all included. But the main difference is that it’s an official Long Distance Path (LDP). It is 177 miles / 283km long and allow typically two weeks to walk its full length. The Offa’s Dyke Path starts in Sedbury, near Chepstow, and finishes in Prestatyn 177 miles later (285km). Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included. Discover open sections of the England Coast Path in the North West between the Welsh and Scottish borders. There are parts of the Dyke that remain today so you will get a real feel of the Historic areas that we are walking through each day. It is named after King Offa, who ordered the dyke to be constructed in the 8th century, probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales. Discover open sections of the England Coast Path in the North East, from the Scottish border down to the Wash. Elsewhere it is largely a case of gentle ups and downs. There will be more room for visitors to maintain their social distance while…. Be inspired and book short walks and breaks, longer walks and escapes or use the interactive map to plan your own trip using the distance calculator. It is 180 miles long, and built by Offa, King of Mercia, in the latter half of the 8th century to separate the Welsh from the English. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. It’s not a defensive structure; it would be impossible to make one this long. Offa’s Dyke, great English earthwork extending linearly, with some gaps, from the River Severn near Chepstow to the seaward end of the Dee estuary, passing for 169 miles (270 kilometres) through the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Radnorshire, … Which are the largest and most northerly of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides islands? There are though no hard and fast rules! Along the way you will discover majestic castles, quiet country churches, enigmatic Iron Age hillforts and enticing country pubs. In places, it is still visible as a bank up to 25-feet high with a deep ditch alongside. Walk Offa's Dyke Path on a 2-16 day walking holiday through the Welsh Borders, with maps, cosy accommodation and daily luggage transfers all included. The river waters flow smoothly beside us, sometimes glinting in the sun, and tall trees, of several species, line the steep sides of the valley side to the east. Visit our Walking Holidays Page for holiday inspiration for the Offa’s Dyke Path. It is named after, and often follows, the spectacular Dyke King Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century, probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales, There are route descriptions in the Further Information section of this website. One end is in the south at Chepstow and the other in the north at Prestatyn, with 186 miles of breathtaking countryside in between. Offa's Dyke Path is a 177 mile (285km) long distance trail that follows closely the Wales-England border. A designated National Trail, Offa’s Dyke Path measures 177 miles and can therefore take several days to complete – usually 12 for decent hikers who can keep going for six hours at a time. In Offa of Mercia’s reign in the 8th century CE, a great earthwork boundary was built that delineated the border between what would become England and Wales. 2020 is a year that none of us will forget quickly, especially if you run a hotel or B&B, or like us here in Knighton at the Offa’s Dyke Centre, a heritage visitor centre. Offa's Dyke is like Hadrian's Wall, it appears in only bits and pieces making each real touch with it all the more fulfilling. Explore the rolling hills of the English-Welsh border from Chepstow to Prestatyn. If you prefer to explore bits of the trail check out the Offa's Dyke Path Circular and Linear Walks options. This path follows the line of the original Offa’s Dyke from Chepstow on the Severn estuary, to Prestatyn on the North Wales coast. To celebrate these facts the town has built the Offa’s Dyke Centre, which is a good place to start if you wish to understand the history of the dyke and the skill and effort required to build it. The dyke is often present, but in Trefonen, the Barley Mow is closed and so is the enticingly named Offa's Dyke Brewery. Many sections are still visible, and a modern long-distance path for touring walkers runs its length, through beautiful country. Running alongside the border between England and Wales, Offa's Dyke Path is a beautiful 177-mile National Trail. Test your knowledge of the geography of Great Britain by taking this quiz. The Offa’s Dyke Path walking holiday follows this National Trail which is 177 miles long. I was walking a section of the Offa’s Dyke Path, a 285km-long trail that travels the ruined sections of the dyke and weaves in and out of England and Wales, like a needle sewing a stitch. The Trail explores the tranquil Marches (as the border region is known) and passes through the Brecon Beacons National Park on the spectacular Hatterrall Ridge. The walk far exceeded my expectations, and after getting into a rythym of walking all day through peaceful countryside it was an experience that I was sad to see end. Omissions? However, only in a few places does it follow the English–Welsh boundary as it is now fixed. We’re now high above the river, with a steep slope to our left. We then at long last spy Knighton and start another long steep end-of-day descent. This pretty market town lies on the east bank of the River Wye just inside the Brecon Beacons National Park. Some frequently asked questions about the Offa’s Dyke Path, Association and Centre. Following the spectacular dyke King Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century Offa’s Dyke Path provides 177 miles (285 Km) of stunning walking. He had read about the new long-distance trail in the Ramblers’ magazine and ordered Arthur Roberts’ guide in preparation. Offa was able to draw on immense resources to build a dike to demarcate his frontier against Wales. It is named after King Offa, who ordered the dyke to be constructed in the 8th century, probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales. A. Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail. Spring and early summer are best times to see the flora along the way. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The Offa’s Dyke Path is a long distance trail that follows an ancient earthwork fortification along the Wales/England border. Wales dating from the 8th Century by command of King Offa in 8th. 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