Some frequently asked questions about the Offa’s Dyke Path, Association and Centre
Q. When is the Centre open?
A. In 2023 the Centre re-opens on Friday 28th April. We will be open Friday – Sunday each week until further notice.
Q. How do I join the Association and what does it cost?
A. As a charity, we rely on members support for the operation of the Association and it’s work. Individual membership is £20 per year with joint / family membership £25 per year. You can join online from this website or request an application form from the Centre. Charity and community not for profit groups can also join for £20 per year. Members receive a Newletter each spring and autumn and are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting.
Q. How do I advertise my property as a B&B for Walkers on your website?
A. Please email oda@offasdyke.org.uk and we will get back to you to explain the options for advertising on our website.
Q. Can I advertise my small shop, tea room or pub ?
A. Yes, you can advertise any business on our website. For more information contact oda@offasdyke.org.uk
Q. Where can I park in Knighton to walk the Trail?
A. The parking spaces beneath the eaves of the building are for visitors and staff to the Offa’s Dyke Centre only. Overnight parking must be pre-arranged with the Centre for which we invite a suggested donation of £5 per night, paid in advance. The Offa’s Dyke Association accepts no responsibility for cars which are left at owners’ risk.
Q. How long is the National Trail and how long does it take to walk it?
A. It is 177 miles / 283km long and allow typically two weeks to walk its full length. There are though no hard and fast rules! To find a guide to distances between various points use this link.
Q. Is it hard going?
A. The Offa’s Dyke Path is not as high or windswept as some National Trails but it does undulate continually. This gives some stunning views but also some steep climbs, especially in South Shropshire. The most mountainous parts are in the Black Mountains (Pandy to Hay) and the Clwydian Hills (Llangollen to Prestatyn). The ‘Switchbacks’ between Knighton and Montgomery are considered particularly tough also.
Q. Which is the best bit?
A. The path passes through one National Park, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and at least two Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The parts in between are also very attractive so it is difficult to make recommendations!
Q. How easy is it to follow?
A. The path is well waymarked and signed, but you should not attempt to walk it without a good map and / or guide book. Follow this link to our online shop.
Q. Where do I find out more?
A. Follow this link for the best source of maps, guides and advice on the National Trail.
Q. How do I find out about accommodation along the path?
A. The ODA has various guides to accommodation on the path;
- a pdf copy of the accommodation listing is also available to purchase online.
- Check our website under the section ‘Plan Your Holiday for accommodation on Offa’s Dyke Path & Glyndwr’s way ‘. You can select a section of the map to view properties via coloured icons, or further down the page you can select a ‘List’ format which details every property from North to South.
Q. Can I cycle or ride the National Trail?
A. Only along short sections. The greater part of the route is on Public Footpaths only, where bicycles and horses are not allowed unless the landowner gives permission. For a National Trail which does cater for riders and cyclists try the South Downs Way, the Ridgeway (Western section) or the Pennine Bridleway. The Trans Cambrian cycleway also starts from Knighton.
Q. What is the weather like?
A. At any time of year you should be prepared for rain, wind and mud. In summer (May – September) temperatures can range as high as 25-30C, but are more commonly around 20C. Night frosts can occur from October, snow is unusual outside January and February. Hours of daylight can also restrict walking in the months October to March.
Q. So when is the best season to walk?
A. The main walking season is Easter to October. To encourage walking during this period we operate a seasonal Passport whereby you collect souvenir stamps along the way only during this time. Spring, summer and early autumn are the times of year when the underlying soils are drier and therefore at less risk of erosion and damage from walkers’ boots. The busiest and warmest months are June to August. Sales of the Passport provide much needed input for our charitable Conservation Fund. Follow this link to buy yours.
Q. What about luggage transfer?
A. We also have a section ‘Guides, Taxis and Luggage’ under ‘Plan your Holiday’, which features firms that offer luggage transfer services. Follow this link.
Q. Where do I start?
A. We have found that most people walk from south to north because the majority of guide books describe the route in that direction but it is really up to you. The only guidebook at present that describes the route in both directions is the ‘Trailblazer’ guide. Here is the link for it. Some people walk the whole path in one go (10 to 14 days as stated above), others walk south to Knighton or north to Knighton then repeat the other half at a later date and other walkers have previously done the path in smaller sections over a number of years.
For more information contact the Offa’s Dyke Association and Centre via e-mail: oda@offasdyke.org.uk or via telephone: 01547 528 753.