Self-guided Offa's Dyke Path: North

Arrive in Llanymynech, ready to check into your accommodation at the local pub. Enjoy this small village and a relaxing evening before you begin the final section of this iconic long distance hiking trail.

Tuck into breakfast before setting off to begin your journey on the Offa’s Dyke Path. As you leave Llanymynech behind, you’ll pass the Llanymynech Quarry. Mining and quarrying on a small scale were carried out here for more than 2,000 years, right up until the First World War.


Reminders of this ancient industry can be seen in the old stone tramways and a winding house. The old quarries were designated a nature reserve in 1972 and much of it has now regenerated as woodland; ash trees entwined in wild clematis, or old man’s beard, as it is also known, on account of the smoky wreathes of seed-heads that turn bushes and trees white here in autumn.
Take in the spectacular 360-degree view from the summit of Moelydd.

Your overnight stop is in the small village of Llwynmawr in the Ceiriog Valley. Check into your Welsh inn this evening, where your luggage will be waiting, and enjoy a tasty meal before resting your head.

After a delicious and hearty breakfast it’s time to continue along Offa’s Dyke Path, crossing the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site is 38m high, making it the world’s highest navigable aqueduct. Carrying the Llangollen Canal high above the valley of the River Dee, the towering Victorian aqueduct is a testament to the engineering skill of Thomas Telford.

As you near your destination, explore the 12th Century ruins of Castell Dinas Bran, the Welsh castle sitting high above the town of Llangollen. Then it’s time to drop down into the bustling town, situated on the River Dee and with many independent shops to browse and interesting places to visit. Take a stroll along the river on the Victoria Promenade, explore the home and gardens of the famous Ladies of Llangollen at Plas Newydd or simply relax with a beer overlooking the fast flowing water of the River Dee.

Take the evening to relax and give your feet a well-earned rest.

Head out from Llangollen up to the dramatic limestone crags of the Eglwysegs. The entire valley has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Landscape of Special Historic Interest. The upland moors have several Bronze Age burial mounds and there is evidence of agricultural use of the area from the Bronze Age.

Cross through the heather-clad moorlands, home to the largest population of Black Grouse in Wales, and continue on through Llandegla Forest, a popular destination for mountain bikers and families.

As you ascend up into the Clwydian range, enjoy the panoramic views from the summit of Moel-y-Plas, before dropping down into the village of Llanarmon-yn-Ial. This small village is home to one of Wales’ first community pubs: the heart of the village and the perfect place to relax this evening.

After taking the opportunity to stock up at the village shop, rejoin Offa’s Dyke Path to continue through the Clwydian Range. This area is steeped in history, witnessed by the many Iron Age and Bronze Age hill forts atop Foel Fenlli, Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau. The tallest hill in this range is Moel Famau, standing at 554 metres and crowned with the remains of the Jubilee Tower, built in 1810 for the Golden Jubilee of King George III.

The heather covering a large portion of the hill creates excellent nesting and feeding areas for upland birds, including the Black Grouse, one of the rarest birds in Wales but found here in good numbers.

Your walk today ends at the small village of Bodfari, from where you will be collected for the short transfer to your family-run hotel in Rhuallt serving traditional home-cooked meals.

A short transfer will return you to Offa’s Dyke Path at Bodfari this morning to pick up where you left off. Soak up the incredible views across to Snowdonia as you leave Bodfari behind and continue over the Clwydian Range. This final section of Offa’s Dyke Path leads you across a series of stone stiles unique to this section of the ancient trail.

Leave the hills behind as you descend into Prestatyn town, headed toward the beach and the tall sculpture that marks the end of the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail. Tradition says this iconic route is complete when you dip your toes into the Irish Sea!

After a short transfer back to your family-run hotel, it’s time to celebrate your achievement of reaching the end of Offa’s Dyke Path!

After breakfast it’s time to depart, having completed the final section of the iconic Offa’s Dyke Path national trail.
If you require assistance with onward travel or accommodation to extend your time in Wales, please let us know when you enquire about dates. We’ll be happy to help with any additional arrangements you need.