Offa's Dyke Path

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.

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 use a number of accommodations here

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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