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Offa's Dyke Path: North

Hike the northern section of Offa’s Dyke Path, from Welshpool to Prestatyn beach

The Offa’s Dyke 8th Century ancient monument runs the length of the Welsh-English border, spanning 285km (177 miles) from Chepstow to Prestatyn. Walk the northern section, discovering limestone quarries and famous landmarks such as the UNESCO Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with flora and fauna as rich and varied as the historical sights and landscapes you’ll explore.

North Wales 7 days March - November 84 kg per person
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The Offa’s Dyke Path is a beautiful historical trail that runs alongside Britain’s longest ancient monument. The monument’s construction was ordered in the 8th century by King Offa to divide his kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales.

The North section of Offa’s Dyke Path runs from Welshpool in mid Wales to Prestatyn on the North Wales coast. Your route tracks along the spine of the Clwydian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and rich with history, from castles to Iron Age hill forts and Bronze Age burial cairns.

6 nights, zero-hassle and all this included:

  • 5 days self-guided hiking with gpx route maps provided
  • 6 nights accommodation in a range of good quality hotels & guesthouses
  • breakfast daily
  • luggage transfers each day
  • handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
  • 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
  • 1 native tree planted in our woodland or alternative carbon project

Plus flexible booking terms as part of our Adventure Promise, including instalment payments to spread the cost of your adventure. 

Check out the full itinerary in the tab above!

For adventurers who:

Are experienced walkers or willing to train for multiple days of walking 4 to 6 hours per day. The walks are moderately challenging and can take you over difficult paths. Expect undulating paths throughout, including significant ascents and descents

Perfect for couples, friends and solo hikers

Day 1: Llanymynech

Arrive in Llanymynech, ready to check into your accommodation at the local pub. Enjoy this small village and a relaxing evening before you begin the final section of this iconic long distance hiking trail.

Day 2: Llanymynech to Llwynmawr (24km | 880m)

Tuck into breakfast before setting off to begin your journey on the Offa’s Dyke Path. As you leave Llanymynech behind, you’ll pass the Llanymynech Quarry. Mining and quarrying on a small scale were carried out here for more than 2,000 years, right up until the First World War.

Reminders of this ancient industry can be seen in the old stone tramways and a winding house. The old quarries were designated a nature reserve in 1972 and much of it has now regenerated as woodland; ash trees entwined in wild clematis, or old man’s beard, as it is also known, on account of the smoky wreathes of seed-heads that turn bushes and trees white here in autumn.
Take in the spectacular 360-degree view from the summit of Moelydd.

Your overnight stop is in the small village of Llwynmawr in the Ceiriog Valley. Check into your Welsh inn this evening, where your luggage will be waiting, and enjoy a tasty meal before resting your head.

Day 3: Llwynmawr to Llangollen (22km | 780m)

After a delicious and hearty breakfast it’s time to continue along Offa’s Dyke Path, crossing the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site is 38m high, making it the world’s highest navigable aqueduct. Carrying the Llangollen Canal high above the valley of the River Dee, the towering Victorian aqueduct is a testament to the engineering skill of Thomas Telford.

As you near your destination, explore the 12th Century ruins of Castell Dinas Bran, the Welsh castle sitting high above the town of Llangollen. Then it’s time to drop down into the bustling town, situated on the River Dee and with many independent shops to browse and interesting places to visit. Take a stroll along the river on the Victoria Promenade, explore the home and gardens of the famous Ladies of Llangollen at Plas Newydd or simply relax with a beer overlooking the fast flowing water of the River Dee.

Take the evening to relax and give your feet a well-earned rest.

Day 4: Llangollen to Llanarmon-yn-Ial (23km | 860m)

Head out from Llangollen up to the dramatic limestone crags of the Eglwysegs. The entire valley has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Landscape of Special Historic Interest. The upland moors have several Bronze Age burial mounds and there is evidence of agricultural use of the area from the Bronze Age.

Cross through the heather-clad moorlands, home to the largest population of Black Grouse in Wales, and continue on through Llandegla Forest, a popular destination for mountain bikers and families.

As you ascend up into the Clwydian range, enjoy the panoramic views from the summit of Moel-y-Plas, before dropping down into the village of Llanarmon-yn-Ial. This small village is home to one of Wales’ first community pubs: the heart of the village and the perfect place to relax this evening.

Day 5: Llanarmon-yn-Ial to Bodfari (26km | 970m)

After taking the opportunity to stock up at the village shop, rejoin Offa’s Dyke Path to continue through the Clwydian Range. This area is steeped in history, witnessed by the many Iron Age and Bronze Age hill forts atop Foel Fenlli, Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau. The tallest hill in this range is Moel Famau, standing at 554 metres and crowned with the remains of the Jubilee Tower, built in 1810 for the Golden Jubilee of King George III.

The heather covering a large portion of the hill creates excellent nesting and feeding areas for upland birds, including the Black Grouse, one of the rarest birds in Wales but found here in good numbers.

Your walk today ends at the small village of Bodfari, from where you will be collected for the short transfer to your family-run hotel in Rhuallt serving traditional home-cooked meals.

Day 6: Bodfari to Prestatyn Beach (21km | 780m)

A short transfer will return you to Offa’s Dyke Path at Bodfari this morning to pick up where you left off. Soak up the incredible views across to Snowdonia as you leave Bodfari behind and continue over the Clwydian Range. This final section of Offa’s Dyke Path leads you across a series of stone stiles unique to this section of the ancient trail.

Leave the hills behind as you descend into Prestatyn town, headed toward the beach and the tall sculpture that marks the end of the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail. Tradition says this iconic route is complete when you dip your toes into the Irish Sea!

After a short transfer back to your family-run hotel, it’s time to celebrate your achievement of reaching the end of Offa’s Dyke Path!

Day 7: Depart Rhuallt

After breakfast it’s time to depart, having completed the final section of the iconic Offa’s Dyke Path national trail.

If you require assistance with onward travel or accommodation to extend your time in Wales, please let us know when you enquire about dates. We’ll be happy to help with any additional arrangements you need

What's Included

  • 5 days self-guided hiking with gpx route maps provided
  • 6 nights accommodation in a range of good quality hotels & guesthouses
  • breakfast daily
  • luggage transfers each day
  • handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
  • 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
  • 1 native tree planted in our woodland or alternative carbon project

Supercharge your trip

Give your adventure a boost with these optional extras:

  • Private room – this trip is based on a 2-person booking in a shared room. We can usually accommodate requests for private rooms, please check when you enquire about dates
  • Looking for a bigger challenge? This trip is 1 of 3 sections that make up the full Offa’s Dyke Path 285km national trail but it can also be undertaken as 2 halves or a single epic journey!
  • Return transfers: if you’re travelling by air, rail or ferry – please contact us to discuss your requirements

What you need to bring

  • Comfortable waterproof walking boots or shoes
  • Walking socks
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • Warm layers including a wicking base layer
  • Warm hat & gloves
  • Sun cream & sun hat
  • Head torch
  • First aid & blister kit
  • Day backpack – to carry hydration, lunch, snacks and spare clothing
  • Portable battery charger – to keep your phone powered for navigation

What you need to know

  • This trip departs weekly on a Tuesday – please use the enquiry form to request availability of your preferred date
  • Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
  • Spread the cost of your adventure with instalment payments
  • Check in is from 15:00 on your arrival day
    Suitable for age 16+ years (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
  • Expect to be out walking for 5-6 hours per day
  • This is your adventure and you’re in control – if you’d like any additional experiences or an extended stay, simply let us know when you submit your enquiry
  • We’ll manage all the bookings and arrangements to make your experience perfect

Getting Here

By Air

  • The closest international airport to the tour start point in Llanymynech is Birmingham Airport
  • It is approximately a 1 hour 45 minute taxi transfer from Birmingham airport to the tour start point in Llanymynech or alternatively travel by rail to Welshpool and follow the By Rail instructions below
  • The closest international airports to the tour end point in Rhuallt is Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport
  • It is approximately a 1 hour taxi transfer to either airport from the tour end point in Rhuallt or alternatively travel by rail from Rhuallt and follow the By Rail instructions below

By Rail

  • The closest train station to the tour start point in Welshpool is Welshpool Station
  • From Welshpool it is a 15 minute drive to your accommodation
  • From the tour end point in Rhuallt, the closest train station is Rhuallt Station
  • Rhuallt Station is an 8 minute walk from your accommodation

By Road

  • Llanymynech is located approximately 1 hour from the M54 and A5, and less than 2.5 hours from the M4 motorways
  • Rhuallt is located less than 1 hour from the A5 and less that 2 hours from M56 motorways

If you require assistance with arranging taxi transfers, please get in touch with a member of our team

At Adventure Tours UK, we set out to create the kind of breaks people like us go wild for. People who get their thrills in the outdoors and want to care for it too. Who want to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. If you’re in search of adventure, you’ll find it with us.

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