August 14, 2025
9 mins
Destination: Wales
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A Guide to Walking Offa’s Dyke
Offa’s Dyke is a long-distance hiking trail that follows the border between England and Wales. One of Britain’s oldest boundaries, the trail is steeped in history, dating back to the 8th century!
Now a recognised National Trail, the route is named after King Offa, who ruled the kingdom of Mercia in the 8th century – an area now known as the Midlands of England. The King ordered a large earth wall, called a dyke, to be built to mark the boundary with Wales and help protect his land.
No one knows for sure if the dyke was ever fully completed, but long sections of it still survive today. It likely served as both a defensive barrier and to help control trade and movement across the border.
In this Guide to Walking Offa’s Trail, we’ll cover everything from how and when to tackle the 177-mile route to where to stay.
Where is Offa’s Dyke
Offa’s Dyke is located in the borderlands of England and Wales. It stretches from the south of England to Prestatyn on the north coast of Wales. The historic trail passes through eight different counties and crosses the border between England and Wales over 20 times.
From the Brecon Beacons National Park to the Wye Valley and the Shropshire Hills, Offa’s Dyke takes in some of the UK’s most iconic Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Offa’s Dyke Map
Where is Offa’s Dyke start and finish?
Offa’s Dyke trail begins at Sedbury Cliffs, near Chepstow, on the banks of the Severn estuary. It runs along the English Welsh border to the coastal town of Prestatyn, on the shores of the Irish sea, where it intersects with Wales Coast Path.
Most people walk the route from south to north but there’s nothing to stop you going from north to south.
How long is Offa’s Dyke?
Offa’s Dyke hiking path is 177 miles (285 km) long.
How fit do you need to be to walk Offa’s Dyke?
As a long-distance walking route, covering over 170 miles, with an elevation gain of around 8,534 meters, Offa’s Dyke requires a good level of general fitness. While you don’t need to be an athlete, a good base is required to tackle the hills.
Walkers say the toughest parts are the switchback section of the Shropshire Hills, between Knighton and Brompton Crossroads, as well as the Brecon Beacons and Clwydian Range.
How long does it take to walk Offa’s Dyke?
Most people complete Offa’s Dyke in 12 and 18 days, although this is based greatly on your daily mileage and how many days of rest you wish to take. Most people walk around 10–15 miles a day and tackle the route in a series of stages, either over two weeks or years.
Is Offa’s Dyke well signposted?
As a National Trail, Offa’s Dyke is clearly marked. All signposts will have the acorn symbols on, which makes them quite easy to spot. In towns and villages, you’ll often find signs pointing you in the right direction – and if you get lost, most people can point you in the right direction.
We recommend taking a guidebook, map or watch / phone with the route on.
When is the best time to walk Offa’s Dyke?
You can walk the Offa’s Dyke Path all year around, although the weather will certainly play a factor in the difficulty – especially if you decide to tackle it during the winter months.
We recommend walking Offa’s Dyke between late spring and early autumn – May to September. During these months, you’ll get the best combination of longer daylight hours, milder weather, and drier ground underfoot.
Outside of these months, especially in winter and early spring, parts of the trail can become muddy, boggy, or slippery, and shorter days make it harder to cover longer distances. Some accommodation and services may also be limited or closed.
Stages of Offa’s Dyke
If you’re planning to hike Offa’s Dyke, you can do so over a series of days or pick and choose sections to complete over a time scale that works for you.
Here’s a walking route for Offa’s Dyke, split into 12 stages.
Stage 1: Sedbury Cliffs – Monmouth
Distance: 18 miles (29 km)
Highlights: Today your adventure begins! Expect beautiful views of the Severn Estuary from Sedbury Cliffs; Chepstow Castle – the oldest surviving castle in Wales, and Tintern Abbey.
Stage 2: Monmouth – Pandy
Distance: 17 miles (27 km)
Highlights: Monmouth town centre. White Castle ruins, the Black Mountains.
Stage 3: Pandy – Hay‑on‑Wye
Distance: 17.5 miles (28 km)
Highlights: This is a big day of climbing but the panoramic views of Vale of Ewyas, Skirrid, and Sugar Loaf make the climb worth it.
Stage 4: Hay‑on‑Wye – Kington
Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km)
Highlights: Enjoy a relaxed, riverside walk along the Wye to begin, before crossing into the hill country where you’ll find Newchurch and the brilliant Royal Oak Pub, at Gladestry.
Stage 5: Kington – Knighton
Distance: 14 miles (23 km)
Highlights: When you arrive in Knighton, you’ll be able to visit the Offa’s Dyke Centre. A great place to visit if you’re after a little more history about the route.
Stage 6: Knighton – Brompton Bridge
Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Highlights: This is recognised as one of the toughest days, with the famous switchbacks section, steep ridge climbs, and descents across Shropshire Hills – but the views are worth it.
Stage 7: Brompton Bridge – Buttington
Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
Highlights: The route is much gentler than the previous day. Enjoy a leisurely rolling hill stroll, and look out for Beacon Ring Iron Age hillfort.
Stage 8: Buttington – Llanymynech
Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
Highlights: A gentle, shorter day, this section follows alongside Montgomery Canal and the River Severn.
Stage 9: Llanymynech – Chirk
Distance: 13.5 miles (22 km)
Highlights: Start the day with a climb up Moelydd hill, offering panoramic vistas, before making your descent towards Chirk Castle and Llangollen Canal aqueduct.
Stage 10: Chirk – Llandegla
Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Highlights: Today offers a mix of terrain, from canal towpaths to forest trails. Expect some moderate climbs.
Stage 11: Llandegla – Bodfari
Distance: 17.5 miles (28 km)
Highlights: This section begins with a ridge walk across the Clwydian Range, summiting Moel Famau, where you’ll find the Jubilee Tower ruins. Enjoy views towards Snowdonia and the coast.
Stage 12: Bodfari – Prestatyn Seafront
Distance: 12 miles (20 km)
Highlights: The final stage of Offa’s Dyke is a relaxed ramble, through fields, farmland and country lanes. You’ll know you’re near the end when you can see the coastline of North Wales.
Best Accommodation on Offa’s Dyke
There are plenty of places to stay on the Offa’s Dyke trail, from camp sites and hostels to Air B&Bs and hotels. Here are a few spots we recommend checking out when you’re planning your walk.
The Three Tuns Hotel, Chepstow
A historic 17th-century inn located in the centre of Chepstow, just a short distance from the southern trailhead of Offa’s Dyke Path. This is the ideal place to stay the night before starting your journey. It offers cosy en-suite rooms, hearty food, and a warm welcome for walkers.
The Skirrid Inn, near Pandy
Said to be one of Wales’s oldest pubs, this rustic inn is located just a short detour from the Offer’s Dyke path, near Pandy. It offers simple rooms, pub meals, and plenty of atmosphere – perfect for walkers looking for a bit of character and history.
Offa’s Dyke Lodge B&B, between Hay-on-Wye and Kington
Situated right on the Offa’s Dyke Path near Gladestry, this B&B is a favourite among hikers. It offers comfortable rooms, camping, evening meals, and even packed lunches – all tailored for walkers. Great as a midway stop between Hay and Kington.
The Walking Hub B&B, Kington
This B&B is right in the heart of Kington, just a few minutes off the Offa’s Dyke Path. Known for its friendly service and local walking knowledge, this is a great spot to rest and recharge.
The Horse & Jockey Inn, Knighton
This centrally located 14th-century coaching inn is just minutes from the Offa’s Dyke Centre, making it very convenient for walkers. Comfortable rooms, good food, and a classic pub atmosphere.
Panpwnton Campsite, Knighton
A simple, quiet farm campsite right beside the trail, ideal for budget-conscious walkers or those carrying tents. It offers basic amenities and beautiful views across the valley.
Hayfield Glamping, Four Crosses, Llanymynech
Located close to the path near Llanymynech, this glamping site offers bell tents and comfortable shepherd’s huts with fire pits and showers. A great mix of rustic charm and comfort for walkers looking to treat themselves.
Pen-y-Dyffryn Hotel, near Chirk
A peaceful country house hotel just a short drive off of Offa’s Dyke, offering spa treatments and fine dining. Ideal for walkers wanting a rest day or extra comfort after a longer stretch.
The Golden Lion Inn, Llangynhafal
A welcoming country pub and inn located near Moel Famau, just off the Path. It’s a popular stop for walkers in the Clwydian Hills section, offering food, drinks, and a warm bed.
Llety’r Eos Ucha B&B, Bodfari
A well-regarded, walker-friendly B&B in Bodfari, just minutes from the trail. Offers comfortable rooms, a drying area, packed lunches, and a peaceful rural setting – perfect before the final stretch to Prestatyn.
Plas Ifan, Prestatyn
Located in Prestatyn and just a short walk from the northern trailhead, this guesthouse is a popular finishing-point stay. Plas Ifan offers en-suite rooms, home-cooked meals, and a garden for tired feet.
The Beaches Hotel and Spa, Prestatyn
Treat yourself after a long hike at The Beaches, a modern seafront hotel. It’s perfect for celebrating the end of your walk, with spa access, a swimming pool, restaurant, and coastal views.
For hikers looking for a unique England walking tour, Offa’s Dyke could very well be the one!Whether tackled in sections or walked end-to-end in one trip, Offa’s Dyke offers the achivement of walking from coast-to-coast, seeing some of the UK’s finest scenery along the way.
