komoot
  • Routes
  • Route planner
  • Features
Discover
Long Distance Hikes

Epic coast-to-coast hike along ancient monument — Offa’s Dyke Path

Discover
Long Distance Hikes

Epic coast-to-coast hike along ancient monument — Offa’s Dyke Path

David

Epic coast-to-coast hike along ancient monument — Offa’s Dyke Path

Hiking Collection by Dan Hobson

12

days

4-9 h

/ day

293 km

7,540 m

7,560 m

Offa’s Dyke Path is an enchanting coast-to-coast hike along the ancient border between England and Wales. The route explores an ever-changing landscape that’s rich in wildlife, affords magical views and evokes a history that stretches back thousands of years.

From Sedbury, on the Severn Estuary, the trail winds north along the historic border to Prestatyn, on the north coast. You climb lofty hilltops and explore majestic woodlands, peaceful farmland, vibrant towns and villages and countless historic sites. The official route is 177 miles (285 km). However, with a few detours to accommodation and places of interest close to the route, this Collection totals 182 miles (293 km).

For more than 60 miles (97 km), the route follows Offa’s Dyke, Britain’s longest ancient monument. The rampart was built in the 8th century under the instruction of King Offa to separate his Kingdom of Mercia from rivals in what is now Wales.

Highlights along the way include: White Castle, one of the best preserved of the Monmouthshire fortresses; Hay Castle, a 12th-century fortress; the mediaeval market town of Knighton; the 13th-century ruins of Montgomery Castle; Beacon Ring Iron Age hillfort; the ‘stream in the sky’ Pontcysyllte Aqueduct; and the hilltop ruins of Castell Dinas Brân.

This hike is not just a step back in time, though. Tackling a relentlessly-hilly terrain through a wild and often challenging landscape, Offa’s Dyke Path will push your fitness and test your technical ability.

The upshot of this ever-undulating adventure — which crosses the Black Mountains, the Shropshire Hills, the Eglwyseg moors, and the Clwydian Range — is plenty of magical views that stretch into the Welsh mountains and the English lowlands.

The most common way to walk the Path is from south to north (as per this Collection). However, there’s no reason why you can't hike the other way.

In this Collection, I’ve divided the route into 12 stages of between 11-18 miles (18-29 km). Of course, you can split up each stage into as many days as you are comfortable with. You can also walk single stages or combine stages as you please. 

Every stage finishes close to accommodation, even if there are only a few options nearby. However, places to stay are not always abundant so it’s worth planning in advance and scheduling any rest days accordingly.

While this trail never ventures too far from civilisation, there are some remote areas to contend with. As such, always ensure you have enough water and snacks to keep you sustained. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs are essential. Be sure to pack sunscreen in the summer months.

You can hike the Offa’s Dyke Path at any time of year and each season offers a unique perspective on the diverse landscapes.

If you’re planning to arrive by public transport, you can catch a train to Chepstow, which has direct trains from Cardiff and Birmingham and has connecting services around Britain. From Chepstow, it’s roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) to the start of the trail in Sedbury. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a train station and bus links in Prestatyn.

On The Map

loading
loading
Do it yourself

Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.

Offa’s Dyke Path — full route

288 km

7,290 m

7,300 m

Last updated: June 10, 2024

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

Learn more
komoot premium logo

Tours

  1. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Stage 1: Sedbury to Monmouth — Offa’s Dyke Path

    08:43
    29.2 km
    3.3 km/h
    900 m
    900 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Breathtaking views from folkloric viewpoints, rolling landscapes, magical woodlands, vibrant towns and history every step of the way — the first stage gives a real taste of what’s to come on the Offa’s Dyke Path.

    

    The trail begins on the banks of the Severn Estuary. You join Offa’s Dyke itself close to

    by

    View
  2. 07:18
    26.6 km
    3.6 km/h
    470 m
    370 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This stage explores a one-of-a-kind bridge, a fine mediaeval church and Monmouth’s best-preserved fortress. After parting ways with the River Wye, the trail winds through a pretty patchwork of farmland, woodland, orchards and sleepy villages.

    

    Before leaving Monmouth, you cross Monnow Bridge, the only

    by

    View
  3. Sign Up To Discover Places Like This

    Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

  4. 07:49
    26.9 km
    3.4 km/h
    680 m
    700 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    This stage takes you into the Black Mountains and onto the highest point along the entire trail.

    

    From Pandy, the trail climbs gradually through farmland into rugged upland terrain over Hatterall Ridge, where you are afforded breathtaking views in both directions.

    

    A while later you see the ruins of Llanthony

    by

    View
  5. 06:52
    23.9 km
    3.5 km/h
    620 m
    520 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    This stage takes you high into the hills along the English and Welsh border and affords stunning views into both countries.

    

    From Hay, you pick up the River Wye once again for a short section before a long but gradual climb through peaceful farmland, woodland and sleepy villages.

    

    As you pass through Gladestry

    by

    View
  6. 06:34
    22.1 km
    3.4 km/h
    670 m
    670 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    You experience spellbinding views along this hilly stage, which finishes in Knighton, the spiritual home of Offa’s Dyke.

    

    Before you leave Kington, it’s worth visiting the Grade I-listed Church of St Mary. Founded in the late Norman period, the oldest part of the church you can see is the tower, which

    by

    View
  7. 09:04
    30.1 km
    3.3 km/h
    930 m
    950 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This challenging stage takes you through the stunning Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

    

    From Knighton, it’s a steep climb onto the tops and over Cwm-Sanaham Hill. The trail then descends into farmland before it climbs over Llanfair Hill.

    

    You descend near Newcastle on Clun, where

    by

    View
  8. 05:00
    17.3 km
    3.5 km/h
    400 m
    500 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    You can expect fascinating history on this hike, which literally has one foot in England and one in Wales. You see plenty of the Offa’s Dyke, a mediaeval castle and an Iron Age hillfort, plus get plenty of breathtaking views along the way.

    

    Before leaving Montgomery, it’s well worth spending some time

    by

    View
  9. 04:28
    17.7 km
    4.0 km/h
    30 m
    30 m
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    After some tough previous stages, this hike affords some rare level walking on a trail that is typically hilly as heck. With only 100 feet (30 m) of ascent and 11 miles (17.7 km) of distance, this stage is the easiest on the entire trail.

    

    Before you leave Buttington, it’s worth paying a visit to the Church

    by

    View
  10. 06:51
    23.2 km
    3.4 km/h
    680 m
    650 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    It’s back into the hills on this stage, which sees the trail return to its normal form. Expect big views, tough climbs and some exceptional nature.

    

    As you climb out of Llanymynech, it’s worth a detour into Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve (as this Tour does). A busy quarry 200 years ago, it’s now home

    by

    View
  11. 07:42
    26.7 km
    3.5 km/h
    710 m
    550 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This stage takes you along the final stretch of the Dyke, past two enchanting castles, and over the ‘stream in the sky’. The trail voyages into the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on this hike, which remains the case until its ultimate conclusion in Prestatyn.

    

    To begin, it’s possible

    by

    View
  12. 08:54
    29.2 km
    3.3 km/h
    920 m
    1,140 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This stage continues through the hills on a journey that affords awe-inspiring views and history.

    

    From Llandegla, climb steadily and watch the landscape change from green fields to rugged upland. The trail passes the summits of Moel Y Gelli, Moel Y Plas, Moel Llanfair, and Moel Gyw and eventually reaches

    by

    View
  13. 05:56
    20.2 km
    3.4 km/h
    540 m
    580 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    As you hike the final leg through the Clwydian Range, tantalising glimpses of the ocean open up to reveal the finish line. Whilst the hills are smaller along this final stage, they still afford sublime views and serenity to make the last leg a special one.

    

    From Bodfari, it’s a steep climb to Moel y Gaer

    by

    View

Like this Collection?

Questions and Comments

    loading

Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.

Collection Stats

  • Tours
    12
  • Distance
    293 km
  • Duration
    85:12 h
  • Elevation
    7,540 m7,560 m

You Might Also Like

Legends, history and hills — hikes in the Shropshire Hills AONB

Hiking Collection by Dan Hobson

Fun, flow and elevation gain - MTB trails in the Vienna Woods

Mountain Biking Collection by Wienerwald Tourismus