Offa's Dyke

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tourhub | Walkers' Britain | Offa's Dyke | WOF | Map

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~~$1053~~

$1006

Offa's Dyke

8 Days Starting in Chepstow and ending in Knighton

Visiting: Wales

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

WOF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

moderate

From:

$1053

$1006 (USD) Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$47

NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Once upon a time in the 8th century, there was a ruthless King of Mercia called Offa. Such trouble had he from Welsh marauders nibbling at the toes of his kingdom, that once and for all he decided to define his territory and built a huge earthwork to do so, generally following the high ground with commanding views into the mountains and down into the valleys. 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). Our walk follows the southern half of this trail from Chepstow to Knighton, (about half this walking distance in total). It is a journey packed with interest through patchworks of fields, over windswept ridges, across infant rivers, by ruined castles and into the old border market towns. Traditional farming methods have more or less remained intact and the hedgerows, oak woods and hay meadows form good wildlife habitats, home of buzzards and the rare Red Kite. You might even discover the even rarer Welsh Red Dragon!

Highlights

Walking the Boundary of King Offa’s Mercia
Historic Castles and Abbeys Dating From 1066
Border Country of England and Wales
Walking in the Wye Valley

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Chepstow

Make your own way to Chepstow. Located in Monmouthshire Wales, adjoining the border with Gloucestershire located on the River Wye, Chepstow is lovely to explore. If there is time, visit the ruins of Chepstow Castle, Town Gate and Wye Bridge, constructed in 1816.
Accommodation: Beaufort House your first nightstop was a 16th century coaching Inn. The rooms are ensuite and there is an award winning restaurant offering Welsh menus. Bar meals are also available.

Day 2 : Chepstow To Monmouth 29Km/18 Miles

Meals Included: B

This morning, the route starts from the mud flats of the River Severn at Sedbury. The trail then climbs quite steeply in places up to follow the sheer valley side of the River Wye with some fantastic viewpoints. As you head towards the Tintern Abbey meander, you will notice that you are actually walking on the Offa' s Dyke. You can really marvel at the meandering river, the cliffs and the little settlements. Descend to Redbrook, a 19th century industrial village, or up and over the hills again to the famous border town of Monmouth.
Accommodation: We stay at the 2 * Riverside Hotel. It was originally a 19th century coaching Inn.

Day 3 : Monmouth To Llangattock Lingoed 21 Km/13 Miles

Meals Included: B

Climbing through boggy King’s Wood and then cross the Trothy River. The countryside becomes quite domesticated. The views to the north are dominated by the shapes of Skirrid and Sugfarloaf Hills. Stop in at Llantillo Crosseny village with its fine 13th century church. The village pub has features dating from the 15th century. The next stop is White Castle a 12th century Norman Castle built to protect the route from Monmouth into Wales. It is in a picturebook setting with intact walls and a little moat. Descending from the castle, bypass the village of Llanvetherine and undulate the last couple of miles along to Llangattock Lingoed.
Accommodation: The Old Rectory is an attractive 17th century property which stands in an acre of garden, in this unspoilt rural hamlet that nestles in the Welsh border countryside.

Day 4 : Llangattock Lingoed To Longtown 15.25 Km/9.5 Miles

Meals Included: B

The trail continues via Pandy where you leave the lowland farms and rivers and climb up onto the Hatterrall Ridge and into the Black Mountains. The ridge in the main follows the border of England and Wales and the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Spectacular views all around.
Accommodation: The Crown Inn is family run and dates back to 1751. All rooms are ensuite.

Day 5 : Longtown To Hay On Wye 23.3 Km/14.5 Miles

Meals Included: B

Morning steep ascent to regain the Hatterrall Ridge and then over the Cats Back and up to the highest point to the path near Red Darren at 2306 feet (703m). The ridge ends at Hay Bluff, a great northerly viewpoint towards Hay and the Wye Valley, the Hills of Radnorshire and also the Black Mountains to the west and parts of the Brecon Beacons. Next drop off the ridge and stroll via a set of five kissing gates into Hay on Wye, the capital of the second hand book trade. The town with its 12th century Keep was the site of the Anglo – Welsh power struggles in the 13th century.
Accommodation: Tonight we stay at Seven Stars, it is centrally located and boasts an indoor swimming pool. However alternative accommodation may be used in this busy town.

Day 6 : Hay On Wye To Kington 23.3 Km/14.75 Miles

Meals Included: B

Crossing the River Wye, today’s walk rises into the Radnorshire Hills. The walking undulates past sites of Roman encampments until you reach Glades try for a lunchtime pub break. For the last few miles today you have to climb up and walk along the Hergest Ridge amongst thyme, gorse and Welsh ponies. Eventually drop down to Kington, actually situated in Herefordshire with its 13th century church and the parallel lanes and long back gardens that may preserve the pattern of the strips in the former open field system.
Accommodation: Relax when you arrive at the The Burton Hotel and take advantage of the facilities including the swimming pool & spa.

Day 7 : Kington To Knighton 22 Km/13.5 Miles

Meals Included: B

Some say this is the finest walk of the whole path, with Offa’s Dyke as your constant companion. First pass the highest golf course in England on Bradnor Hill. The trail then undulates spectacularly, but is never too steep. Beautiful westward panoramas open up across the Radnor Valley. On a clear day you get views 30 miles in each direction, over both the Brecon Beacons and The Malverns. The route climbs over a hill called Ffridd, before descending very steeply to Knighton (town of the horsemen) or Tref y Clawdd in Welsh (Town on the Dyke) as the town is on The Shropshire / Powys border. It is a very busy little market town. The market place has mainly 17th century shops and enough general entertainment to keep you amused for an evening.
Accommodation: The Red Lion is a relaxed and contemporary pub.

Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast

Meals Included: B

After breakfast make your way to the train station for your onward journey.

What's Included

Accommodation
7 nights in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses
7 nights accommodation in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
7 breakfasts
One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg
Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
Emergency hotline
GPX files

What's Not Included

Lunch, Dinner and drinks
Entrance fees
Travel insurance
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation

7 nights in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses
Described is the normal accommodation that we use on this tour. At the time of booking please be aware that other places might be used instead, if these choices are full or closed for whatever reason. Rooms generally do not have baths. The main reason being that they take up a lot of space, some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but in the main it is showers.

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.

Grading

Moderate. Some long days and steep climbs and descents. Generally however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected. We would not recommend the route for first time walkers.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

P. Nias(United Kingdom)

Offa's Dyke

Excellent help and service in arranging our walk o

Excellent help and service in arranging our walk of Offa's Dyke from Chepstow to Knighton for a group of five. The countryside is quite stunning. The accommodation arranged was variable but generally of a reasonable or good standard. After some initial labelling issues, the baggage transfer worked well. Route notes, guide book and map and GPX files were helpful, except in one specific route detail near Longtown. I would recommend them if one does not have the time or inclination to arrange accommodation oneself.

J. Everett(Delta, British Columbia, CA)

Offa's Dyke

Tough but rewarding hike. Beautiful scenery.

V. Baldwin(United States)

Offa's Dyke

Beautiful walk through nice country and towns.

W. Vik(Indiana, USA)

Offa's Dyke

Lovely hiking on easy to follow trails, loved the

Lovely hiking on easy to follow trails, loved the Welsh ponies!

P. Carne(UK)

Offa's Dyke

This was one of my best walking holidays. The walk

This was one of my best walking holidays. The walk is so varied - a lovely mix of farmland, woodland, wildflowers, remote moorland and ridges, river valleys, historic castles and isolated villages and small towns, with the iconic Offa's Dyke to be followed on some days. Wonderful and different walking on every day! Accommodation was mostly excellent; comfortable, with a friendly welcome throughout and great breakfasts. Lots of good places to eat each evening. The organisation and support was superb. Their maps, detailed route notes and local information helped to make the whole trip both more interesting and stress-free. Thank you so much for an amazing holiday!

P. Mower(Blandford Forum)

Offa's Dyke

We thoroughly enjoyed our weeks walking. The maps

We thoroughly enjoyed our weeks walking. The maps and notes worked very well and we only got lost once!!! Most of the accommodation was good or very good but two b&bs were not what we expected. The notes about booking evening meals were very helpful.

Read all 6 reviews

Dates & Availability

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May
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2024

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Sunday - Sunday

May 19, 2024 - May 26, 2024

~~$1053~~ $1006 (USD)