Offa's Dyke Path National Trail 40th Anniversary
We will give details of events and walks that are happening up and down the Trail throughout the year. There will also be a walkers page dedicated to those walking the Trail this year, both the whole length or just a section. You will be able to send a picture of yourself including a short comment in return for a commemorative gift. Click Here
To take a look at the list of walks happening throughout the year Click Here
The Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail was officially opened in Knighton by Lord Hunt on July 10th 1971, it was the 4th of the now 15 National Trails in England and Wales. Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the work of creating and completing the route involved a pioneering partnership effort by government agencies, local authorities and the volunteers of the then newly formed Offa’s Dyke Association. Over the last 40 years, the Offa’s Dyke Path has become one of Britain’s best loved walking routes, and an important mainstay of the local tourism economy. During that time, hundreds of thousands of visitors have discovered a unique walking experience which combines spectacular landscapes and wildlife, the extraordinary history of the Welsh Marches
(most obviously represented by the ancient bank and ditch of Offa’s Dyke itself), and the warm welcome to be found in the market towns, villages and rural communities along the route. Today, the care of the path is jointly funded and strategically managed by Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales and their local authority and national park partners . Practical management and repair is undertaken by the relevant local authorities (Denbighshire (Flintshire), Wrexham, Powys, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Brecon Beacons National Park, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire Councils). This work is coordinated by the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail Officer (hosted by Powys Council), who works closely with the Managing Authorities to ensure the path meets National Trail Quality Standards. The Trail Officer is also engaged in the promotion, marketing, media coverage and managing the dedicated website for the Trail with the partners. Recent work has included replacement of stiles with gates to further improve accessibility for all, improved waymarking and a range of interpretive projects.
If you have any interesting stories or pictures of Offa's Dyke Path over the last 40 years that you would like to share then please get in touch by clicking HERE.