Offa's Dyke Path

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Offa's Dyke Path



Offa's Dyke Path (Llwybr Clawdd Offa in Welsh) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of Wales and England between Prestatyn on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south.

Understand

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Markers are not standardised

Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (Clawdd Offa in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20m wide and 2.5m high. In particular, there is an 80 mi (130 km) section between the Wye Valley and Wrexham where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately 177 mi (285 km) in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year.

Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after Offa, King of Mercia between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later.

Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in Wild Wales: "It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it." Thankfully it's more civil these days.

There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, Hay-on-Wye and Monmouth, some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as Tintern Abbey near Chepstow.

All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists.

Prepare

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The trail isn’t particularly remote, but the route can be a bit convoluted in places. Most hikers today will likely rely on tools like OpenStreetMap or GPS apps. For those who prefer paper maps, a full set of Ordnance Survey maps covering the area can be useful. Alternatively, the National Trail Guides South and North by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) are a more lightweight option, including OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you’ll need.

Get in

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The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near Chepstow. The train station at Chepstow is about 2 mi (3.2 km) from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye.

The north trailhead is at Prestatyn which is 0.3 mi (0.48 km) from the train station.

After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea.

Walk

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There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, B&Bs, campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities.

Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food.

Map
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Map of Offa's Dyke Path (Edit GPX)'"`UNIQ--indicator-00000002-QINU`"'

A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows:

Prestatyn to Bodfari

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Distance
13 mi (21 km)

Beginning at the Irish Sea in 1 Prestatyn, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort.

After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates.

Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in 2 Bodfari with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront.

  • 3 Downing Arms Inn, Mold Road, Bodfari LL16 4DW, ☏ +44 1745 710265. Camp in garden or use bunk room. 
  • 4 Valeside B&B, Bella Vista, Tremeirchion Road, Bodfari LL16 4EG (B5429, Bodfari), ☏ +44 1745 710495. Two double rooms (one en suite) and one en suite twin room. £50 single, £75 double, £80 twin. (updated Jun 2025)
  • 5 Station House Caravan Park, Station House, Bodfari LL16 4DA, ☏ +44 1745 710372. Campground with a local pub nearby. 

Bodfari to Llandegla

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Distance
17 mi (27 km)

Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history.

The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather.

Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of 6 Llandegla.

Llandegla to Froncysyllte

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Distance
12 mi (19 km)

Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley.

The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture.

After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering 9 Froncysyllte.

Froncysyllte to Trefonen

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Distance
13 mi (21 km)

Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork.

The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon.

The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near 16 Trefonen, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths.

Trefonen to Buttington Bridge

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Distance
15 mi (24 km)

Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire.

After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn.

Near 19 Buttington Bridge, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of Welshpool, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion.

  • 20 Moors Farm, Oswestry Rd, Welshpool SY21 9JR, ☏ +44 1938 553395. Six en suite B&B rooms, all with TV. Also offers self-catering accommodation. Campsite closed. £60 single, £70-90 double, including breakfast. (updated Jun 2025)
  • 21 Leighton Arches Caravan Site, Welshpool (East of Welshpool on B4381). Campground. 

Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads

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Distance
12 mi (19 km)

Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions.

A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at 22 Brompton Crossroads.

  • 23 Blue Bell, Churchstoke, Montgomery (East of B4385-A489 junction), ☏ +44 1588 620231. Hotel. 
  • 24 Dragon Hotel, Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA, ☏ +44 1686 668359, . 12:00-14:00, 18:45-21:00. Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. 2 courses from £11.95. 
  • 1 Mellington Hall Country House Hotel, Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX, ☏ +44 1588 620456, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (12:00–14:00) and dinner (18:30–21:00) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. £90–140. 
  • 2 Mellington Hall Caravan Park, 1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX, ☏ +44 1588 620011. A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. £5 pppn (2014). 

Brompton Crossroads to Knighton

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Distance
15 mi (24 km)

Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest.

From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of 25 Knighton. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the Offa's Dyke Centre, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits.

Knighton to Kington

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Distance
13 mi (21 km)

Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes.

The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides.

Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail.

The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of 27 Kington. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town center, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage.

Kington to Hay-on-Wye

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Distance
14.5 mi (23.3 km)
Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216

Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church.

Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to 30 Hay-on-Wye is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles.

Hay-on-Wye to Pandy

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Distance
17 mi (27 km)

Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills.

The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of 34 Pandy. This section is either within or abutting the Brecon Beacons National Park and includes the "summit" of the route at 700m (2,300ft).

  • 35 White Castle, Llanthony Crosseny, Abergavenny NP7 8UD. 4 Nov-31 Mar daily 10:00-16:00; 1 Apr-3 Nov daily 10:00-17:00 (last admission 30min before close and closed 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan). One of the best preserved of 3 castles near the Dyke south-east of Llanvetherine. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 4 Nov-31 Mar: Free, 1 Apr-3 Nov: adult £3 family £9. 
  • 36 The Park Hotel, Pandy, ☏ +44 1873 890271. Accommodation and food services. 

Pandy to Monmouth

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Distance
17.5 mi (28.2 km)

Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.

After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into 37 Monmouth follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on Monnow Bridge, a striking entry into the historic centre.

Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse
  • 38 Monnow Bridge & Gate, Monmouth. The only medieval fortified bridge in Britain with the gate tower in the middle of the bridge. 
  • 39 The Bell Inn, Redbrook Rd, Redbrook, ☏ +44 1600 713612, . Accommodation and food services. 
  • 40 The Boat Inn, Lone Lane, Penault (Redbrook) NP25 4AJ, ☏ +44 1600 712615. Lunches served W-M 12:00-14:30 ; Evening meals W-Sa 18:30-20:30 Amazing old style pub. 
  • 41 Robin Hood Inn (pub), 126 Monnow St, Monmouth, ☏ +44 1600 715423. Wetherspoons, Kings Head, Monmouth. 

Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs

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Distance
17.5 mi (28.2 km)

Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of Tintern Abbey.

The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to 42 Sedbury Cliffs, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary.

Tintern Abbey
  • 43 Tintern Abbey. View the Abbey from Devil's Pulpit on the opposite east bank of the River Wye. 
  • 44 The Village Inn (Pub), Beachley Rd, Sedbury NP16 7AA, ☏ +44 7798 866569, . M-Tu 16:00-23:00; W-Th 12:00-23:00; F-Sa 12:00-24:00; Su 12:00-17:00. Probably the closest a pub could be to the end of the hike. 
  • 45 Chepstow Castle, Chepstow. Possibly the oldest (surviving) stone castle in Britain. 

Stay safe

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Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial 999. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services.

When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Don't refer to the Welsh as "English".

Connect

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Cell phone coverage is patchy in some parts, but all towns and most villages along the trail have a public phone box. Most of them need coins and do not accept cards.

Many of the pubs and hotels will have Wi-Fi service.

Go next

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  • Clwydian Way - If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider this 122 mi (196 km) circle route that connects at Prestatyn and Llangollen. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen actually intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path.
The stone at Chepstow marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.
  • The Wales Coast Path (Welsh: Llwybr Arfordir Cymru) intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a 870 mi (1,400 km) long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales - the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves and Lonely Planet rated the coast of Wales first in its Best in Travel: top 10 regions for 2012.
  • Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to Bath, Bristol or Cardiff would be worthwhile.
This itinerary to Offa's Dyke Path is a usable article. It explains how to get there and touches on all the major points along the way. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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