Offa's Dyke Path
This incredible 177 mile trail starts on the River Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire in England before taking you over the border into Wales and on through some truly splendid mountainous scenery. Highlights on the route include the
gorgeous Wye Valley AONB, crossing from England into Wales along the splendid Hergest Ridge and the awe inspiring Brecon Beacons National Park. You'll also pass the popular Moel Famau and Moel Arthur in the stunning Clwydian Range.
For more information on this trail please visit the National Trail web site
Offa's Dyke Path Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map
Offa's Dyke Path Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map
Offa's Dyke Path OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Offa's Dyke Path Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the route you will pass the pretty village of Bodfari near Moel Arthur in the Clwydian Hills. In the village you will find The Dinorben Arms, a traditional pub steeped in history. It has an attractive interior, a great menu and good selection of drinks. There's also a fabulous outdoor terrace where you can relax outside and soak in the views of the surrounding hills and countryside. You can find the pub at postcode LL16 4DA for your sat navs.
It's worth exploring the pretty village too where you can visit the Church of St Stephen, which lies at the heart of the settlement, and has its origins in medieval times, dating back to at least the eleventh century.
In Powys based Knighton there's the noteworthy Horse and Jockey to consider. The traditional 14th century coaching inn includes a cosy interior with original beams and open fires. There's a nice garden area for warmer weather and a fine restaurant which serves good quality dishes. You can find them at Wylcwm Place, Station Rd, LD7 1AE.
You could also head to the Knighton Hotel for high quality accommodation. You can find them at Broad Street with postcode LD7 1BL for your sat navs.
Just to the west you'll find the Ponderosa Cafe on the Horseshoe Pass. The large cafe serves a good range of meals and snacks. There's a splendid outdoor seating area with excellent views over the surrounding hills. At 1,400 ft above sea level you can see the Clwydian Mountain range and on a very clear day the three peaks of Snowdon. There's also Bed & Breakfast Accommodation and a large car park here.
Just to the west of the scenic World's End in Llangollen you'll find the Ponderosa Cafe on the 'Horseshoe Pass'. The large cafe serves a good range of meals and snacks. There's a splendid outdoor seating area with excellent views over the surrounding hills. At 1,400 ft above sea level you can see the Clwydian Mountain range and on a very clear day the three peaks of Snowdon. There's also Bed & Breakfast Accommodation, a gift shop and a large car park at the extensive complex. Postcode is LL20 8DR.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
In the Black Mountains near Hay Bluff you could take a small detour from the route to pick up the circular Cat's Back Walk. The wonderful knife edge ridge walk is a popular local climb and considered to be Herefordshire's own Striding Edge. The route provides great views into England on one side, and Wales on the other. There's a handy car park just south of the ridge or you could start from the pretty little village of Michaelchurch Escley where there's a nice riverside pub to visit.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
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Route Highlights
SedburyThe trail starts on the River Severn Estuary near the village of Sedbury in the Forest of Dean district of west Gloucestershire, England. It sits on the eastern bank of the River Wye, facing the Welsh town of Chepstow. |
Vyrnwy BridgeThe trail crosses the River Vyrnwy over an aqueduct with the Vyrnwy Bridge just to the west. |
Chepstow and the River WyeThe trail begins following the River Wye past the Welsh town of Chepstow |
Tintern AbbeyFounded in 1131 this historic abbey is situated on the Welsh bank of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales. |
Bigsweir, Wye ValleyLocated in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the scenery on this section is truly breathtaking. |
MonmouthSituated where the River Monnow meets the River Wye, Monmouth is the traditional county town of the county of Monmouthshire. Highlights are the 11th century castle and 14th century medieval Monnow bridge. |
White Castle12th century medieval castle situated right on the trail. |
Black MountainsThis range of hills provide a splendid backdrop on the trail as you pass through the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park |
Llanthony PrioryDating back to around the year 1100 this ruined Augustinian priory is situated in the Black Mountains area of the Brecon Beacons National Park |
Twmpa or Lord Hereford's KnobThis striking mountain stands at 2260ft and is part of the Black Mountains range in the Brecon Beacons National Park |
Hay on WyeThis small town lies on the east bank of the River Wye and is within the Brecon Beacons National Park. There are 2 Norman castles which are a must see on this section of the trail |
KnightonThis small market town lies on the River Teme (right) and straddles the English-Welsh border. |
TrevorThe trail runs through the village of Trevor which lies on the Llangollen Canal at the northern end of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct |
Eglwyseg ValleyWith an incredible landscape and dramatic rock formations this section of the trail is truly stunning |
World's End LlangollenThe atmosphere and scenery through this narrow vale in the Eglwyseg Valley is something special. It is enclosed by the cliffs of Craig y Forwyn, Craig y Cythraul, and Craig yr Adar. The nearby Llandegla Forest is a great place for walking and mountain biking. |
Moel FamauThis mountain and country park stands at 1,818 ft. From the summit, it is possible to see the Isle of Man, and much of the North West of England such as Liverpool, Manchester and Blackpool Tower. The Jubilee Tower on the peak of Moel Famau was built to commemorate the golden jubilee of George III in 1810. |
DyserthNear the end of the route you can try the circular Dyserth Waterfall Walk and visit the splendid 70ft falls in this pretty village. There's also caves, woodland trails, a 16th century church and some nice tea rooms to see in this historic and scenic area. Just north of the village there's the climb to Graig Fawr where you can enjoy some wonderful views to the coast. |
PrestatynThe seaside resort of Prestatyn, on the Irish Sea, marks the end of the trail. |