The Offa's Dyke National Trail runs for 177 miles from the North Wales coast at Prestatyn to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary, following the hand-dug bank and ditch built in the 8th century by command of King Offa, the ancient Anglo-Saxon King of Mercia to protect his kingdom. The full trail passes through eight counties and criss-crosses the Welsh-English border no fewer than 20 times.
Walking southwards enjoy the changing landscape from the dramatic heather clad uplands of the Clwydian Range and Black Mountains, to the peaceful rolling hills of Shropshire and Powys and the riverside meadows of the Wye and Severn valleys as you walk through three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Along the way you'll pass through areas of Site of Special Scientific Interest and discover a rich history from Iron Age forts, to Norman castles and to more recent areas of industrial heritage.
Accommodation is in a range of friendly guesthouses, pubs and hotels with many places including Llangollen, Hay-on-Wye, Montgomery and Chepstow offering a wide range of places to relax in the evening.
Arrive in the small village of Rhuallt, near the start of the trailhead at Prestatyn.
Evening meal included
Stay overnight at The White House, Rhuallt
After a short transfer to Prestatyn start your journey along the trail. From the beach head into the first of three AONB's you'll discover; the Clwydian Range. The stone stiles you'll go over today are unique to this section of the trail. There are spectacular views across to Snowdonia as you head toward Bodfari where you will be collected for a transfer to Rhuallt.
Breakfast and evening meal included
Stay overnight at The White House, Rhuallt
The day starts with a transfer back to the route at Bodfari. You'll walk the Clwydian peaks and discover a series of Iron and Bronze Age hillforts at Foel Fenlli, Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau. The tallest summit in the range is Moel Famau at 554m and is crowned with the remains of the Jubilee Tower. Leave the trail to arrive in Llanarmon-yn-Ial.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Raven, Llanarmon-yn-lal
Today your walk takes you through Llandegla Forest and over heather-clad moorland. You'll then pass through World's End to reach the dramatic limestone crags of the Eglwysegs above Llangollen.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Riverbanc, Llangollen
From Llangollen walk up to the remains of the medieval Castell Dinas Bran before reaching the Pontcysllte Aqueduct. Built in 1805 and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is the world's highest navigable aqueduct. Continue on through rolling farmland to Llwynmawr, perhaps taking a small detour to visit Chirk Castle.
Breakfast and evening meal included
Stay overnight at Mulberry Inn, Llwynmawr
Walk across open farmland to reach Oswestry Old Racecourse, used for horse races in the 18th Century. Ascend Moelydd to enjoy stunning views, with a toposcope provided to show the hills in the area. Discover some of the industrial heritage of the area at Nantmawr and the limestone quarry of Llanymynech.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Dolphin Inn, Llanymynech
A more gentle day today as you enter the Welsh Marches and walk along stretches of the Montgomeryshire Canal and the River Severn.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Moors Farm B&B Buttington
Today is another relatively flat stage, allowing time for a detour to Montgomery town to get refreshments and visit the ruined castle above the town. The Trail and the Dyke itself closely follow the true national boundary here.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Oakley B&B, Mellington
Often thought of as one of the toughest sections of the Trail you reach the Shropshire Hills AONB and can view some of the best preserved sections of Offa's Dyke on Llanfair Hill.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Horse & Jockey Inn, Knighton
Enjoy a day off walking and spend time in Knighton, home to the Offa's Dyke Centre.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Horse & Jockey Inn, Knighton
Today you'll get stunning views from Hawthorn Hill, including 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. Then, on to Brandor Hill, home to Kington Golf Club, the highest golf club in England before reaching the market town of Kington.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Swan Hotel, Kington
The day starts with a climb to where the Trail rises to 400m at Hergest Ridge. On a clear day you'll have 360 degree views to Pen y Fan to the south, the Malverns to the east and the hills of Shropshire to the north. Hergest Ridge has an old racecourse, and was also inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles. Heading back down to the valley you'll follow the River Wye towards Hay-on-Wye. This quaint town was founded by the Normans after the Conquest and is nowadays famous for its numerous book shops. There is a choice of pubs and restaurants in which to spend the evening.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Old Black Lion, Hay-on-Wye
Start your journey through the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park with views to the Vale of Ewyas before reaching Longtown with its 12th century Norman motte-and-bailey fortification.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Crown Inn, Longtown
Continue through the Brecon Beacons National Park and along Hatterrall Ridge - enjoy stunning views to Sugar Loaf. Much of the ridge is a designated SSSI area.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Old Rectory, Llangattock Lingoed
The dyke is not visible along here but the area is rich with medieval history with White Castle worth a visit. The Rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy converge at Monmouth and the trail passes below Monnow Bridge, the only remaining medieval fortified bridge in Great Britain.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at Creates B&B, Monmouth
Over the next two days you'll walk through the third and final Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of this holiday, the Wye Valley. Enjoy views from The Kymin, an 18th Century Round House and Naval Temple. At Redbrook the trail crosses the border out of Wales for the final time.
Breakfast and evening meal included
Stay overnight at Parva Farmhouse, Tintern
A short detour off the route at the start of the day takes you to the ruins of Tintern Abbey, then follow a tree lined escarpment to Devil's Pulpit for a spectacular view back to the Abbey. As you near Chepstow, you'll have views of the Castle, the oldest surviving post Roman fortification in Britain. Arrive at Sedbury cliff at the Severn estuary, a Maritime Natural Area which has the second highest tidal range in the world thanks to its shape and the 5 rivers that feed into it. A transfer will meet you for the short ride to Chepstow for your last night.
Breakfast included
Stay overnight at The Three Tuns Inn, Chepstow
Depart after breakfast
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
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The Dolphin Inn is a family-run country pub with rooms. It is one of the oldest buildings in Llanymynech which evolved into a coaching inn in the 19th century with some parts dating back to 1517.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Find out more on the hotel website.
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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!
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Parva Farmhouse is a 17th Century former farmhouse set just 50 yards from the banks of the River Wye, less than a mile from historic Tintern Abbey. The rooms are individually decorated and comfortable.
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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.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Initial enquiry not addressed but after second attempt all the hotel bookings and flights gathered pace. I did wonder because of the delay whether that caused some of the hotels to be booked up meaning we didn't get our first choices. Communication has been frequent and we've been kept informed and advised about changes in hotels and prices. Andrew has been very good a surfing the Web to get us alternative suitable deals.
Really knowledgeable, nice and engaging. Letting us know options to extend our stay and finding a flight near where we live. Good communication. With Megan Wyatt
I am at the beginning of the booking process. So far everything has been ok. There was some confusion about the insurance position in the event of theft or damage to the bicycle, but this was cleared up to my satisfaction. The sales and admin staff I have dealt with so far have been pleasant and helpful, and service has been good and timely. Telephone answering times are good.
Reservation process efficient with very helpful adviser.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 17 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , , and hotels
Breakfasts and 4 evening meals
Briefing at the start of your holiday
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
| Departing | Tour only | Prices  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd May 2024 | US$4565 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4565 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 9th May 2024 | US$4565 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4565 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 16th May 2024 | US$4565 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4565 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 23rd May 2024 | US$4565 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4565 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 30th May 2024 | US$4565 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4565 Single supp: US$156 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th Jun 2024 | US$4820 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4820 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 13th Jun 2024 | US$4820 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4820 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 20th Jun 2024 | US$4820 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4820 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 27th Jun 2024 | US$4820 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4820 Single supp: US$156 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Jul 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 11th Jul 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 18th Jul 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 25th Jul 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Aug 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 8th Aug 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 15th Aug 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 22nd Aug 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 29th Aug 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Sep 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 12th Sep 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 19th Sep 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 26th Sep 2024 | US$4895 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4895 Single supp: US$156 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Oct 2024 | US$4685 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4685 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 10th Oct 2024 | US$4685 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4685 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 17th Oct 2024 | US$4685 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4685 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 24th Oct 2024 | US$4685 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4685 Single supp: US$156 |
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| 31st Oct 2024 | US$4685 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4685 Single supp: US$156 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Nov 2024 | US$4415 | US$156 | Tour only: US$4415 Single supp: US$156 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Thursday's from 2nd May 2024 to 7th Nov 2024, for 17 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
Breakfasts and 4 evening meals
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
