Walk along the border of England and Wales at your own pace
The 8th Century ruthless King of Mercia, called Offa, built a huge earthwork to define his territory. It generally followed the high ground with commanding views into the mountains and down into the valleys. Today, the remaining 80 miles of embankment forms the basis of a famous walk: Offa’s Dyke Path. Our walk follows the southern half of this trail from Chepstow to Knighton (±145 km).
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.
Highlights of the Offa’s Dyke Path South Trail
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Offa’s Dyke Path South Trail Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Chepstow
Make your own way to Helensburgh. Train links to Glasgow. Located in Monmouthshire Wales, adjoining the border with Gloucestershire located on the River Wye, Chepstow is lovely to explore.
Accommodation: Beaufort House your first night stop 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Chepstow
Distance: 19.6/29km
Meals: None
Day 2 Chepstow to Redbrook/Monmouth
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Redbrook/Monmouth
Distance: 29/21km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Redbrook/Monmouth to Llangattock Lingoed
From Redbrook, climb up to “naval temple” for one of the best views of the entire route. Head down to Monmouth for a mid-morning refreshment, crossing the 13th century gatehouse bridge. Next climb 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Llangattock Lingoed
Distance: 15.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Llangattock Lingoed to Longtown
The trail continues via Pandy where you leave the lowland farms & 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Longtown
Distance: 24km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Longtown to Hay on Wye
In the morning a steep ascent to regain the Hatterrall Ridge and then over the Cat’s Back and up to the highest point to the path near Red Darren at 703m. The ridge ends at Hay Bluff: a great northerly viewpoint towards Hay & 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.
Falkirk is famous for two battles, the one where Sir William Wallace was defeated in 1298 and the one in 1746 when Bonny Prince Charlie‘s forces were victorious over the government troops, but for the Jacobites it was a pyrrhic victory.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Hay on Wye
Distance: 23.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Hay on Wye to Kington
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Kington
Distance: 23.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Kington to Knighton
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 almost 50km 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in South Queensferry
Distance: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Depart
Arrangements end after breakfast.
Overnight Location: Hotel/BB in Edinburgh
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily, from March 23rd to October 7th. All the prices below are per person.
- Solo traveller: $1,475 USD
- Single room (travelling with group): $1,350 USD
- Sharing a double room: $925 USD
Accommodation on Offa’s Dyke Path South Trail
There is a variety of accommodation along the route ranging from bed and breakfasts, country inns and small hotels. They are run by walker friendly hosts offering rooms and a tasty breakfast to get you ready for the walk ahead. Further facilities such as washing and drying facilities, packed lunches and packed lunches are available in some accommodations, you will be advised on your listing of what is available.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel/BBs along the Offa’s Dyke Path
Stay in cozy BB’s along the route.
What’s Included in the Offa’s Dyke Path South Trail?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. Packed lunches can be booked and paid for on arrival at your accommodation.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers for your luggage; however, you are in charge of any personal transfers needed.
Also Included
- Detailed documents, guides, route maps, and GPX tracks
- Emergency telephone support hotline for the duration of the tour
- Pre-planned route
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Tourist hotel tax, payable each night at hotel
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities for drivers, servers, or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about Offa’s Dyke Path South Trail
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