Walking Tours in united-kingdom

Offa's Dyke

The Offa's Dyke path is a walk through history following the course of an ancient earthwork believed to date from the late 8th century. It runs for 117 miles from Chepstow on the Severn Estuary to Prestatyn on the Irish Sea coast of north Wales. The scenery is remarkable, especially over thefirst 80 miles which our walk covers. This variety of terrain and the remote and sparsely populated countryside allows a wide range of species of birds, butterflies mammals and plants to exist. The dyke takes its name from King Offa who ruled the English kingdom of Mercia from 75 7 to 796 and to whom its construction is often attributed. It is a defensive earthwork of immense proportions crisscrossing the modern border between England & Wales. The dyke is lined with castles and abbeys some dating from just after the Norman invasion of 1066.

Our walk starts in the town of Chepstow with its castle, which dates from 1067 and is open throughout the year. From just outside Chepstow the path follows a nearly unbroken section of the dyke for the whole 81 miles of our 6 day walk. Along the route you will encounter some of the most spectacular scenery that this border country has to offer. The walled castles and remains of fortifications are visually stunning and of great historical interest. This section of the path oozes history: the ruins of Tintern Abbey founded in 1131 for the Cistercian monks, White Castle with its water filled moat, through Monmouth with its famous 13th century gatehouse and past the churches of St Teilo at Liantilio Crossenny and St Cadoc's at Llangattocklingoed. At Longtown you will find Longtown Castle, one of the oldest circular keeps in Britain. Your last day of walking is unarguably the best as the dyke is your constant companion as you traverse unspoilt border country to the prosperous market town of Knighton, home of the Offa's Dyke Association and their exhibition about king Offa and the Dyke.

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