BOOK EARLY AND SAVE 10% ON SELECTED TRIPS
Book before 12 Nov 2024. Find out more here.

United Kingdom : Wales

Walking Offa's Dyke Path (South)

Trip code: W08OS

Self-guided walking

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

12.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Walk the southern section of Offa's Dyke National Trail
  • Reach the highest part of the trail on the Hatterrall Ridge
  • Stay in the market towns of Kington, Hay-on-Wye and Monmouth
  • Delight in the flora and fauna of the Black Mountains and Wye Valley.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Breakfasts and 1 evening meal
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Walk the southern part of the Offa's Dyke National Trail from Knighton to Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn Estuary, following the trail of the hand-dug bank and ditch built by King Offa in the 8th century along the English/Welsh border.

Enjoy the landscapes of the Brecon Beacon National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as you walk southwards from Knighton, home to the Offa's Dyke Centre. On your journey you'll ascend the highest part of the trail on the Hatterrall Ridge crossing the Black Mountains and follow riverside trails along the River Wye; explore the 'town of books' Hay-on-Wye and enjoy views to Tintern Abbey from Devil's Pulpit. Discover the historical sites of Monnow Bridge, White Castle and Chepstow Castle and look out for some spectacular birdlife - dippers and kingfishers on the rivers and red grouse on the heather moorland of the Black Mountains.

Accommodation is in small towns and villages in a mix of friendly guesthouses, pubs and hotels.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Knighton

Arrive in Knighton, home to the Offa's Dyke Centre.

You stay at The Horse and Jockey Inn.

hotel details



The Horse and Jockey Inn, Knighton

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Situated in the heart of the market town of Knighton, close to the Offa's Dyke centre. This traditional 14th Century coaching inn boasts a lot of character with its original beams and open fires. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped.

Day 2: Knighton to Kington (22km/13.7mi)

Walk across a patchwork of farmland to Hawthorn Hill for far-stretching views, including to the site of Owain Glyndwr's Battle of Pilleth. The trail passes through Granner Wood, a Woodland Trust site which is being restored to broadleaf woodland. Before reaching the market town of Kington cross Kington Golf Club, the highest golf club in England on Brandor Hill.

elevation

You stay at Swan Hotel.

hotel details

 equivalent

Swan Hotel, Kington

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


The Swan Hotel offers 7 en-suite bedrooms above the pub, each with tea and coffee making facilities, a colour television and a comfy bed so you can guarantee a good nights sleep.

Day 3: Kington to Hay-on-Wye (24km/14.9mi)

You reach Hergest Ridge early today with 360 degree views to Pen y Fan to the south, the Malverns to the east and the hills of Shropshire to the north and which served as inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles. On the ridge is a Victorian racecourse which you walk through the centre of. Continue on across farmland and down into the valley. The final stretch is along the River Wye to the 'town of books' Hay-on-Wye.

elevation

You stay at The Old Black Lion.

hotel details

 equivalent

The Old Black Lion, Hay on Wye

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


An historic 17th Century Inn, it is situated close to what was known as the Lion Gate, one of the original entrances into the medieval walled town of Hay-on-Wye. It is believed that parts of the building date back to the 1300’s. The Old Black Lion certainly has a colourful history and it is reputed that Oliver Cromwell stayed at the Inn whilst the Roundheads besieged Hay Castle. The rooms are traditional and comfortable.

Day 4: Hay-on-Wye to Longtown (21km/13.0mi)

Pick up lunch supplies (and books!) in Hay-on-Wye and head out of town to climb gently to the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Look out for wild ponies and birds of prey and admire views to the Vale of Eywas. Descend to Longtown where you can visit the ruins of its 12th century Norman castle.

elevation

You stay at The Crown Inn.

hotel details

 equivalent

The Crown Inn, Longtown

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

TV
Tea/coffee


The Crown Inn is a family run country inn in the heart of the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, on the border of Wales, set in the shadow of the magnificent Black Mountains. Located in the Olchon Valley, just off the Offa’s Dyke pathway and in the middle of the Golden Valley. There are 7 comfortable rooms available, all with ensuite bathroom/shower, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.

Day 5: Longtown to Llangattock Lingoed (14km/8.7mi)

Continue with a climb back up into the Black Mountains and cross the highest point along the Offa's Dyke Path at Hatterrall Ridge - enjoy stunning views to Sugar Loaf and look out for paragliders! Wind your way through farmland to the tiny village of Llangattock Lingoed and its pretty white church.

elevation

You stay at The Old Rectory.

hotel details

 equivalent

The Old Rectory, Llangattock Lingoed

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
Tea/coffee


The Old Rectory is a 17th century property which stands in an acre of garden, in the unspoilt rural hamlet of Llangattock-Lingoed nestling in the Welsh border countryside. The Offas Dyke Trail passes the garden gate. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.

Day 6: Llangattock Lingoed to Monmouth (23km/14.3mi)

The dyke is no longer visible on this section but there is a wealth of history with White Castle, part of a trio of Norman fortresses in Monmouthshire and Monnow Bridge, a 13th century gatehouse bridge in Monmouth itself.

elevation

You stay at Creates B&B.

hotel details

 equivalent

Creates B&B, Monmouth

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


This new venue is a beautiful Café and Bistro combined with an Art Gallery. The boutique rooms are beautifully decorated and modern. Creates in Monmouth was also crowned the winner of Channel 4’s - Four in Bed!

Day 7: Monmouth to Tintern (18km/11.2mi)

Over the next two days you'll walk in the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you'll be walking through ancient woodland for much of the day. The trail rises first to The Kymin, an 18th Century Round House and Naval Temple and at Redbrook the trail crosses the border out of Wales for the final time. Follow the River Wye to Tintern and perhaps visit the vineyard opposite your accommodation.

elevation

Day 8: Tintern to Chepstow (13km/8.1mi)

Start the day with a visit to Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks. The route takes you up a tree lined limestone escarpment to Devil's Pulpit offering stunning views down to the Abbey and then continues through woodland before passing Chepstow and arriving at the end of the Trail at Sedbury cliff on the Severn Estuary. A short transfer takes you to Chepstow for your last night and a chance to visit Chepstow Castle, the oldest surviving post Roman fortification in Britain.

elevation

You stay at The Three Tuns.

hotel details

 equivalent

The Three Tuns, Chepstow

TRIP ADVISOR


The Three Tuns Inn is located in the old part of Chepstow just in front of the Castle and the lower end of Bridge Street, with its elegant row of early 19th century houses, the street descends to the River Wye which is crossed by the beautiful cast Iron bridge dating back to 1816. The rooms are comfortable and refurbished to a high standard.

Day 9: Leave Chepstow

Depart after breakfast.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
£1419
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
 
18
 
19
 
20
 
21
 
22
 
23
 
24
 
25
 
26
 
27
 
28
 
29
 
30
 
 
 

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £500.

TRAVEL DETAILS

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

REVIEWS

Very good holidays and good people to work with to find a holiday - used them twice now

Martin Reynolds, 23 Oct 2024

Great service, Toni has been looking after me and nothing is too much trouble for her

28 Feb 2024

Excellent so far. Katie Hatton could not have been more helpful and understanding

15 Feb 2024

Absolutely responsive and accommodating.

14 Nov 2023


Self-guided walking

8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2+
Moderate plus

12.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

8 nights from £1419

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199