The governments in England and Wales have issued guidance on access to green spaces.
Please be aware that the Offa’s Dyke Path crosses the Welsh-English Border many times along the route. During national lockdowns and local restrictions, undertaking longer walks may not be possible between the Welsh-English Border.
Please note the advice below which applies to England
Exercise is important for health and wellbeing, but please follow guidance to stay safe and protect others.
Read the new measures effective in England from 5th November 2020 here.
• You must not leave or be outside of your home except for specific purposes. These include to exercise outdoors or to visit an outdoor public place – with the people you live with, with your support bubble or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household.
• Outdoor public places include parks, beaches and the countryside.
• Spending time or exercising outdoors – this should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space).
• If you need to travel you are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible, and to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practice social distancing while you travel.
• Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences are not allowed.
• You should minimise time spent outside your home.
Remember – ‘Hands. Face. Space’
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
You should read the full advice and regulations for England here before visiting.
Relevant advice when using of public rights of way in England:
• Wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
• Make space and stay at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household or support bubble where possible, or at least 1 metre with precautions, such as wearing a face mask.
• Take hand sanitiser with you in case there are no handwashing facilities.
• Follow the Countryside Code. Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home and don’t light fires or barbecues.
•Keep dogs under effective control and on a lead when you are around farm animals.
• Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions on signs.
• Use footpaths and follow signs where they suggest alternative route other people and protect the natural environment.
• Remember your actions can affect people’s lives and livelihoods.
Please note the restrictions below which apply to Wales
Wales is taking new measures from 9th November 2020 and they replace the ones issued before this date. These measures are different to those in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Travel restrictions
There are no travel restrictions within Wales however people should avoid non-essential travel as much as possible and there are travel restrictions in and out of Wales. Follow Welsh Government coronavirus updates and guidance for further information https://gov.wales/coronavirus
Visiting the path safely
Please follow our guidance for a great time walking whilst keeping yourself and others safe.
Plan Ahead
Follow the Countryside Code
Please bear in mind these simple steps for an enjoyable and safe time in the great outdoors.
Respect other people
Protect the natural environment
Enjoy the outdoors
Download a summary of the Countryside Code to print
https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/the-countryside-codes/?lang=en
Information for the Offa's Dyke Path
To promote the conservation, improvement and better knowledge of the Welsh Border region along the Offa’s Dyke Path.
Find out more about the Association and Shop.
I ennyn diddordeb yn nhiriogaeth Clawdd Offa yn ogystal a’i ddiogelu a’i ddatblygu.
Darganfyddwch fwy am y Gymdeithas a’r Siop.
Discover a borderland full of history, with castles, canals, spectacular bridges and bustling market towns.
128.5 KM
Challenging
Well signed
You will now be redirected to our booking partner where you can find out more information about the itinerary that you are interested in and make an enquiry or a booking.
Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please enquire with them directly about this.
From this point in your enquiry any personal data that you give to our booking partner will be their responsibility to keep safe and use properly.
We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
Find useful facts and learn more about Offa's Dyke Path below.
Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail. It is named after, and often follows, the spectacular Dyke King Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century, probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales
There are route descriptions in the Further Information section of this website
The Trail, which was opened in the summer of 1971, links Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary with the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea. It passes through no less than eight different counties and crosses the border between England and Wales over 20 times. The Trail explores the tranquil Marches (as the border region is known) and passes through the Brecon Beacons National Park on the spectacular Hatterrall Ridge. In addition it links no less than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Wye Valley, the Shropshire Hills and the Clwydian Range / Dee Valley.
The Trail passes through many different types of landscape. The upland stretches in the Brecon Beacons and Clwydian Range can be hard going in poor weather or visibility. The flattest stretch is the section which largely follows the River Severn and the Montgomeryshire Canal. Elsewhere it is largely a case of gentle ups and downs.
The National Trail is very well way-marked so following the route is easy. But it is always a good idea to take a guidebook or map.
Offa’s Dyke Path can be walked right through the year. Most people walk between April and October. Spring and early summer are best times to see the flora along the way.
The journey of the Offa’s Dyke Path through the borderlands of England and Wales truly offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a gentle stroll for an hour or two, or wish to undertake the whole Trail over a couple of weeks or more, a memorable walk amid spectacular countryside is guaranteed.
The landscape is always stunning, from the riverside meadows of the Wye and Severn valleys to the peaceful rolling hills of Shropshire and Powys and the dramatic heather clad uplands of the Black Mountains and the Clwydian Range / Dee Valley.
The Path passes through or near to many historic towns, including Chepstow, Monmouth, Hay-on-Wye, Kington, Presteigne, Knighton, Bishop’s Castle, Montgomery, Welshpool, Oswestry, Llangollen, Mold, Ruthin, Denbigh, and Prestatyn. Along the way you will discover majestic castles, quiet country churches, enigmatic Iron Age hillforts and enticing country pubs.
And, of course, the Trail frequently follows the impressive Offa’s Dyke itself. This amazing hand-dug bank and ditch was built in the 8th century by command of King Offa of the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. It was probably intended to divide Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales, and some sections still form the England/Wales border today.
Visit our News Page for the latest interesting and exciting news on the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail
Take a look at our Events calendar to find details of the enjoyable events that are taking place along the trail. If you want, you can even add your own event.
Explore the rolling hills of the English-Welsh border from Chepstow to Prestatyn. Discover majestic castles, quiet country churches, enigmatic Iron Age hillforts and enticing country pubs.
Feeling inspired? Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to this great National Trail here.
