National Trail

Rob and Kitty Thompson on the National Trail in South Shropshire

The Path runs for 177 miles from Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn Estuary near Chepstow to the North Wales resort of Prestatyn on Liverpool Bay. For about 70 miles it follows the course of the Eighth Century Offa’s Dyke earthwork.

Offa’s Dyke Path, while not being the longest of the National Trails, is the most attractive and varied of them. The route crosses high wild moorland, attractive, well cultivated wide river valleys and ancient woodland. It passes through historic towns and isolated hamlets. En route can be seen hill forts, castles, abbeys and surviving remains of the habitations of former occupants of the beautiful corridor of the path. The flora and fauna are as rich and as varied as the scenery. At the halfway point in Knighton is the Offa’s Dyke Centre with its Interactive Exhibition for the Dyke and a range of services for walkers.

The management of the fabric of the National Trail is co-ordinated by the Offa’s Dyke Path Officer (not the Offa’s Dyke Association). Nine local authorities work with the Offa’s Dyke Path Officer to maintain Offa’s Dyke Path in their respective areas.

Information on accommodation and route planning for users of the National Trail, including transport, can be obtained from Offa’s Dyke Association at the Offa’s Dyke Centre at Knighton, tel 01547 528753 or E-Mail oda@offasdyke.org.uk and Tourist Information Centres along the route.