This stage of Offa’s Dyke offers some really fantastic views and, in my mind at least, also represents a subtle shift in the nature of the path as the landscape loses some of the softness of the Wye Valley and feels altogether more rugged. Partly perhaps that was down...
Day 1 – Wye Valley Walk Chepstow to Monmouth
The border town of Chepstow is a familiar jump-off point for me having already walked Offa’s Dyke and the Gloucestershire Way though for once I was not crossing the iron bridge over the River Wye to Gloucestershire, instead I was remaining firmly in Wales. The Wye...
Day 1, Chepstow to Bigsweir Bridge
The backdrop to the start of your Offa’s Dyke journey is extremely impressive, a large stone and plaque set at the top of a steep bank provides a great photo opportunity, as indeed does the view. Behind you lies the River Severn, here at its widest point as it opens...
Day 2 – Wye Valley Walk Monmouth to Ross-on-Wye
It was a snap decision to walk driven by a sudden burst of summer sun when the season had been sliding inexorably into autumn over the previous few weeks. My reward was a simply fabulous day’s walking in a very beautiful part of the Wye Valley, with warmth on my...
Day 2, Bigsweir Bridge to Monmouth
In terms of distance and time, this is a shorter section than many others and if your accommodation or scheduling requires, you can easily extend it beyond Monmouth, as I did the first time I walked Offa’s Dyke, opting to finish at Hendre. However, I love Monmouth and...
Day 3 – Ross-on-Wye to Hereford
The top of Pig Alley was my start point today but I was a little reluctant to leave Ross-on-Wye straightaway and instead backtracked along the street for a little, enjoying the sights of this old part of the town including the landmark stone Market House. However, the...
Day 3, Monmouth to Pandy
Having allowed for a shorter day and some time in Monmouth last time out, I was faced with an extended stint of around 17 miles this time, although it is possible to break two miles early for accommodation at Llangattock Lingoed if you prefer. Striding across the...
Day 4, Pandy to Hay-on-Wye
I think this section is the most dramatic stage of Offa’s Dyke Path and, on an early autumn morning, it certainly lived up to that billing with swirling mist, heavy low cloud and a warm stillness which promised some serious weather later in the day. How you approach...
Day 4, Pandy to Hay-on-Wye
I think this section is the most dramatic stage of Offa’s Dyke Path and, on an early autumn morning, it certainly lived up to that billing with swirling mist, heavy low cloud and a warm stillness which promised some serious weather later in the day. How you approach...
Day 5, Hay-on-Wye to Kington
After weeks of heavy rain, I took a chance with the skies and was rewarded with the most perfect autumn day for walking, the low sun warming my back and the breeze light as I heaved my rucksack onto my back in the car park in Hay-on-Wye. I know Hay-on-Wye very well so...