Offa's Dyke Path 14-Day Walking Holiday

Officially opened in 1971, this long-distance path follows an earthwork of much greater antiquity. Built by King Offa of Mercia in the 8th century, Offa's Dyke once formed the ancient frontier between England and Wales. You'll find miles of quiet, uninterrupted countryside, stunning upland scenery and a plethora of wildlife. Market towns and cultural heritage sites are dotted along the route and you'll encounter the Severn and Wye Rivers as the path winds southwards from Denbighshire to Monmouthshire.

Please note: Although our route description runs North to South, we’re also very happy to arrange a holiday starting in Chepstow for those who prefer to walk northwards.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Prestatyn.

Day 2: Prestatyn to Bodfari - 11 miles (18 km)
You'll leave Liverpool Bay and the coast, heading inland through Denbighshire on the first day.

Day 3: Bodfari to Clwyd Gate - 13 miles (21 km)
A more challenging day today as you cross the Clwydian Hills where you'll be rewarded with wonderful views and a number of Iron Age hill-forts to explore.

Day 4: Clwyd Gate to Llangollen - 14 miles (22 km)
Down from the hills and through the conifer forests to Llangollen. Don't miss Plas Newydd, a beautiful black-and-white timbered building at the heart of this traditional town.

Day 5: Llangollen to Craig Nant - 10 ½ miles (17 km)
Craggy limestone cliffs replace gentle hills today, as you head south past Dinas Bran Castle and onto a highlight of Offa's Dyke – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. A thousand feet in length and 126 feet above the River Dee, this is one section of the walk you will certainly remember.

Day 6: Craig Nant to Llanymynech - 11 miles (18 km)
Chirk Castle makes a worthwhile detour today. A 700-year old fortress surrounded by a medieval hunting park, you can enjoy views over nine counties from the roof.

Day 7: Llanymynech to Buttington - 10 ½ miles (17 km)
The path now crosses a flat plain and follows the Tir-y-Mynach Embankment for several miles, making for easy walking and good views as your group travels south towards the town of Welshpool.

Day 8: Buttington to Brompton Crossroads - 12 ½ miles (20 km)
Leaving the River Severn, there's a stiff climb to the Beacon Ring Hill Fort before the gradient eases, crossing the Plain of Montgomery.

Day 9: Brompton Crossroads to Knighton - 14 ½ miles (23 km)
Cross the ancient drovers' road, the Kerry Ridgeway today, which has survived almost intact for centuries in this unspoilt corner of the Marches. Picturesque villages lie en route, before an exhilarating stretch onto Llanfair Hill. The dyke itself is well-preserved on this airy section of the path, leading down to Knighton, the “Town on the Dyke”.

Day 10: Knighton to Kington - 13 ½ miles (22 km)
Spectacular views and lovely walking across lush countryside as you continue through the county of Powys. A stiff climb up Hawthorn Hill gives you a good excuse to pause to watch the once-endangered Red Kite, a striking bird of prey.

Day 11: Kington to Hay-on-Wye - 14 ½ miles (23 km)
More great scenery as the route heads down to the Wye Valley through an area of atmospheric conifer woods known as Bettws Dingle. End the day by sampling the delights of Hay-on-Wye, the world-famous book town.

Day 12: Hay-on-Wye to Longtown/Llanthony - 12 ½ miles (20 km)
A strenuous but very scenic day through the Black Mountains, beginning with a climb up to Hay Bluff and the Gospel Pass – Wales' highest motorable road. Wonderful views of the Wye Valley and the ruins of 11th century Llanthony Priory, deep in the quiet Vale of Ewyas.

Day 13: Longtown/Llanthony to White Castle - 13 miles (21 km)
Easier walking as you leave Powys and enter the gentler landscapes of Monmouthshire, skirting north of Abergavenny. It's an area rich in castles and traditional villages.

Day 14: White Castle to Redbrook - 15 miles (24 km)
Walk through the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) today, with spectacular craggy limestone cliffs and dense woodland, which is carpeted with flowers in the spring. It's a good chance to spot bird life and even otters at the water's edge.

Day 15: Redbrook to Sedbury Cliffs – 14 ½ miles (23 km)
The route passes close to Tintern Abbey before continuing on to Chepstow with its fine, 11th century castle.