What is the Offa's Dyke Path?

Running alongside the border between England and Wales, Offa's Dyke Path is a beautiful 177-mile National Trail. On average, fell-runners take five days to complete it while hikers take 12 days. For everyone else, Offa’s Dyke Path is a walk to tick off in stages. If you prefer to explore bits of the trail check out the Offa's Dyke Path Circular and Linear Walks options. You can discover more of the history of the monument and trail with a visit to the Offa's Dyke Centre in Knighton.

Whether you have two hours, two days or two weeks to play with, you can discover why Lonely Planet names Offa's Dyke Path National Trail among the world’s greatest walks.

We've got Saxon monarchs to thank for the Offa's Dyke Path. In the 8th century, King Offa of Mercia erected a wide border rampart to separate Wales and England: Offa's Dyke. Much later, in 1971, the path was placed alongside it so that everyone could enjoy the ancient monument and the places it cuts through as it works its way from coast to coast.

The Offa's Dyke Path passes through eight counties and two of Wales' Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the Wye Valley and Clwydian Range). With excellent transport links to pretty market towns en route and plenty of accommodation (including obliging B&B owners who'll collect you from the trail), the path is the stuff walking weekends are made of.

There are many places along Offa's Dyke Path which are classed as strenuous walks. Please take care, remember to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and follow the Countryside Code. Adventure Smart UK has plenty of advice on how to ‘make a good day better’, and we recommend you read it before planning your walking adventures. 

Wondering whether to stride a windswept moor or stile-hop through forgotten valleys? Well, here are a couple of our favourite sections of the path for inspiration. 

A day on the Pandy to Hay-on-Wye walk starts with an early section of upland drama that takes you into the Black Mountains on the Hatterrall Ridge. Beneath this you'll spot the toothy ruins of Llanthony Priory, built in the 12th century in the Ewyas Valley.

Beyond this section are some of the peaks of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, so the walk is understandably undulating. But, after all that walking, make sure to embrace the prize at the end: book-browsing, fine dining and a cosy overnight stay in lovely Hay-on-Wye.

This is a challenging two or three-day walk that makes the most of the Clwydian Range's spectacular scenery. The route takes you past the dramatic Eglwyseg Escarpment near Llangollen, over heather-laden hills, to Iron Age hillforts and to the literal highpoint of the Clwydian hills, Moel Famau. Once you reach Prestatyn, rest up then hit the seaside amusements.

If you want to sleep in a proper bed each night, opt for towns such as Llangollen and Ruthin. They are a few miles off-trail, but most B&Bs will collect walkers needing a spot of comfort.