Offa’s Dyke Path
Be surrounded by history and wildlife beside the 8th Century ancient monument along the English-Welsh Border.
Welcome to the Offa’s Dyke Path home page where you’ll find an introduction to the trail. You can access the trail’s main pages using the links above. Here you’ll find links to the Information & Map page, Trail Holidays page and the Add your information page.
If you’re thinking about planning a visit to the trail, please view the Interactive Map on the Trail Information & Map page. The map allows you to view the line of the trail alongside accommodation, things to do, services such as food and drink, transport, water points and more.
You can also find additional Offa’s Dyke Path pages by going to ‘The Trails’ dropdown menu at the top of the page, clicking on the trail name and browsing the pages in the Further Information column. Here you can access pages such as the trail’s Route Description page, Leaflets page, Circular and Linear Walks page and Events.
Introducing the Trail
Find useful facts and learn more about Offa's Dyke Path below.
- About the Trail
- What is special about the Trail?
- Holiday Inspiration
- Blog and news
- Events
About the Trail
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.
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 beauty of the landscape has inspired artists for decades, you find out more in our blog.
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. Visit the Route Description page to get a day by day breakdown of the trail.
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.
What is special about the Trail?
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. It has inspired artists and musicians for generations, you can find out more in our blog.
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.
Holiday Inspiration
Visit our Walking Holidays Page for holiday inspiration for the Offa’s Dyke Path.
Blog and news
Visit our Blog & News page to find out what is happening on the trail.
Events
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.
Offa's Dyke Association & Centre
The Association is the friends’ group for Offa’s Dyke Path and Offa’s Dyke the ancient monument. To find out more about the Association and to buy guidebooks, maps and walkers’ Passports visit their online shop.
View the Trail
Click the play button below to learn more about the Trail. You can also watch other Offa’s Dyke Path videos on YouTube.
Discover dramatic landscapes, ancient castles and amazing aqueducts.
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.
Try the trail
View short walks on the trail's interactive map or browse the list by clicking the button below.