The Offa's Dyke Path

The Offa's Dyke Path is a long distance national trail running along the border between England and Wales for 177 miles. It begins in the south at Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire, England to the east of the River Wye and finishes at Prestatyn on the North Wales coast. For about 70 miles of the southern section it follows the course of the Offa's Dyke earthwork, which was constructed in the late 8th century on the orders of King Offa of Mercia.

The path, while not being the longest of the UK's long distance trails, is certainly one of the most attractive and varied of them. The route crosses well cultivated wide river valleys and ancient woodland, stunning viewpoints and dramatic vistas. It passes through historic towns and isolated hamlets, en route can be seen hill forts, castles, abbeys and surviving remains of the habitations of former occupants of the beautiful corridor of the path. The flora and fauna are as rich and as varied as the scenery.

In the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley the Offa's Dyke Path runs from the River Severn in the south in Gloucestershire along the River Wye north to Monmouth in Wales and then travels north west towards Abergavenny and the Brecon Beacons. There are many small sections which can be completed in a few hours or a day, including around some of the most beautiful sections of the Wye Valley such as the Devil's Pulpit overlooking Tintern Abbey, Wintour's Leap, Brockweir, Redbrook and Tidenham Chase. Crossing the Wye you can also travel on the Wye Valley Walk which is another national trail which follows the River Wye and offers the opportunity for circular walks taking in both sides of the river.

More information:

The Long Distance Walkers Association has a wide variety of route information, maps including an interactive Ordnance Survey map, information on guidebooks and downloadable GPX files.

The National Trails website has an interactive map here and further information on completing the trail.

The Offa's Dyke Association also provides information including on the Offa's Dyke Path stamps.

The Offa’s Dyke National Trail celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021 and ITV have produced a wonderful programme about it called Wonders of the Border, which sees Sean Fletcher walking the entire 177 miles from Chepstow in the south to the north Wales coast. The first episode of Wonders of the Border is available to watch here.