Chepstow to Knighton

Detailed Itinerary for OD004 (13 Nights, 12 Days Walking)

Distance: 177 miles (283 km)
Difficulty: Demanding/Strenuous
Season: January 2nd – December 24th
Grade: Demanding, steep climbs, and uneven paths

Day 1: Chepstow to Monmouth

• Distance: 18 miles (28.5 km)
• Start your journey in the historic town of Chepstow, home to a Norman castle. Follow the Wye Valley, passing Tintern Abbey along the way before arriving at Monmouth, a charming market town.

Day 2: Monmouth to Pandy

• Distance: 17 miles (27 km)
• A scenic route through the rolling hills of Monmouthshire, with panoramic views of the countryside. End in Pandy, a quiet village at the base of the Black Mountains.

Day 3: Pandy to Hay-on-Wye

• Distance: 17.5 miles (28 km)
• Ascend the Black Mountains for a challenging climb. The breathtaking views from Hatterrall Ridge make the effort worthwhile. Descend into Hay-on-Wye, famous for its bookshops and literary festivals.

Day 4: Hay-on-Wye to Kington

• Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5 km)
• A moderate day along open countryside, crossing peaceful farmlands. Arrive at Kington, a small market town with a welcoming community.

Day 5: Kington to Knighton

• Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
• A beautiful day of walking along the border ridge, offering excellent views. Knighton, the midpoint of the Offa’s Dyke Path, is known for its quaint charm.

Day 6: Knighton to Brompton Crossroads

• Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
• Begin your descent from the hills into the tranquil countryside of Powys, following quiet lanes and paths. Brompton Crossroads is a serene spot, ideal for a peaceful rest.

Day 7: Brompton Crossroads to Buttington (For Welshpool)

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• This section takes you along gentle farmland, with views over the River Severn. Reach Buttington, with access to the town of Welshpool for the night.

Day 8: Buttington (For Welshpool) to Trefonen

• Distance: 16.5 miles (26.5 km)
• A longer day that brings you through remote farmland and small villages before you reach Trefonen, a charming village near the Welsh-English border.

Day 9: Trefonen to Llangollen

• Distance: 17 miles (27 km)
• Walk through the stunning hills to the bustling town of Llangollen, known for its canal and steam railway. This is a challenging but rewarding section with panoramic views.

Day 10: Llangollen to Clwyd Gate

• Distance: 15.5 miles (24.5 km)
• A day of ups and downs through the Clwydian Range, offering rugged landscapes and steep climbs. The scenery is spectacular as you approach Clwyd Gate.

Day 11: Clwyd Gate to Bodfari

• Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
• A shorter but more demanding day through steep hillsides and quiet valleys. Bodfari is a small, peaceful village where you can rest before the final stretch.

Day 12: Bodfari to Prestatyn

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• Your final day on the Offa’s Dyke Path, with fantastic coastal views as you descend towards Prestatyn. Celebrate your completion with views over the Irish Sea.

Detailed Itinerary for OD005 (14 Nights, 13 Days Walking)

Distance: 177 miles (283 km)
Difficulty: Demanding
Season: January 2nd – December 24th
Grade: Demanding, challenging climbs, steep descents, and diverse terrains

Day 1: Chepstow to Redbrook-on-Wye

• Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
• Set off from Chepstow, passing through the tranquil Wye Valley and the majestic Tintern Abbey before finishing in the picturesque village of Redbrook-on-Wye.

Day 2: Redbrook-on-Wye to White Castle/Llantilio

• Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
• A peaceful day with gentle hills leading to White Castle, an impressive medieval fortress. Overnight in the nearby village of Llantilio.

Day 3: White Castle/Llantilio to Longtown/Llanthony

• Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
• Cross farmland and moorland on your way to the village of Longtown. This section offers expansive views of the Brecon Beacons. Arrive at the tranquil Llanthony Priory.

Day 4: Longtown/Llanthony to Hay-on-Wye

• Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
• A challenging climb over the Black Mountains, descending into Hay-on-Wye, a literary hub known for its annual book festival.

Day 5: Hay-on-Wye to Kington

• Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5 km)
• A relaxed day through pastureland and open moor, with sweeping views of the Radnorshire Hills. Kington is a charming market town with plenty to explore.

Day 6: Kington to Knighton

• Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
• Walk through the rolling hills along the Welsh-English border before arriving in Knighton, home to the Offa’s Dyke Centre.

Day 7: Knighton to Brompton Crossroads

• Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
• A picturesque day through quiet fields and farms, crossing the Shropshire hills. The rural tranquillity makes this a peaceful section of the journey.

Day 8: Brompton Crossroads to Buttington (For Welshpool)

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• Enjoy a day of gentle walking along the river, arriving at Buttington. You can visit Welshpool for an evening of rest and relaxation.

Day 9: Buttington to Trefonen

• Distance: 16.5 miles (26.5 km)
• A longer but scenic day through rolling hills and quiet farmlands before you reach Trefonen, near the bustling town of Oswestry.

Day 10: Trefonen to Llangollen

• Distance: 17 miles (27 km)
• This section takes you up into the hills of Llangollen, a town famous for its canals and steam railway. Be prepared for a rewarding, challenging day.

Day 11: Llangollen to Clwyd Gate

• Distance: 15.5 miles (24.5 km)
• A scenic climb through the Clwydian Range, offering stunning views over the valleys. This stretch is steep but filled with breathtaking scenery.

Day 12: Clwyd Gate to Bodfari

• Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
• A shorter walk today, as you navigate hilly terrain through peaceful farmlands and past picturesque villages before reaching Bodfari.

Day 13: Bodfari to Prestatyn

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• The final stretch of the Offa’s Dyke Path. As you walk toward the coast, the dramatic views of the Irish Sea and the rugged beauty of the landscape are the perfect reward.

Detailed Itinerary 

Distance: 177 miles (283 km)
Difficulty: Demanding
Season: January 2nd – December 24th
Grade: Challenging with varied terrain, demanding ascents, and scenic valleys

Day 1: Chepstow to Redbrook-on-Wye

• Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
• Depart Chepstow and follow the serene Wye Valley, with views of the River Wye. Pass by the famous Tintern Abbey before arriving in the village of Redbrook.

Day 2: Redbrook-on-Wye to White Castle/Llantilio

• Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
• The path takes you through gentle hills and farmland to the medieval White Castle. Finish the day in the quiet village of Llantilio.

Day 3: White Castle/Llantilio to Longtown/Llanthony

• Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
• This section includes scenic rural landscapes as you move towards Longtown. End the day at Llanthony Priory, nestled in the tranquil Vale of Ewyas.

Day 4: Longtown/Llanthony to Hay-on-Wye

• Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
• A challenging ascent into the Black Mountains, with spectacular views from Hatterrall Ridge. Descend into the literary town of Hay-on-Wye.

Day 5: Hay-on-Wye to Kington

• Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5 km)
• Cross farmland and gentle rolling hills before reaching the peaceful town of Kington, where you can enjoy the small-town charm.

Day 6: Kington to Knighton

• Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
• Today’s walk takes you along the Welsh-English border ridge with lovely hilltop views. Arrive in Knighton, home to the Offa’s Dyke Centre.

Day 7: Knighton to Brompton Crossroads

• Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
• A tranquil section along quiet countryside, passing farmland and quaint lanes. The peaceful scenery will lead you to Brompton Crossroads.

Day 8: Brompton Crossroads to Buttington (For Welshpool)

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• Enjoy an easygoing walk alongside the River Severn. Reach Buttington, where you can spend the night and explore the nearby Welshpool.

Day 9: Buttington to Llanymynech

• Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
• The terrain becomes more rugged as you pass through scenic countryside, culminating in Llanymynech, known for its limestone quarry.

Day 10: Llanymynech to Bronygarth

• Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5 km)
• A picturesque journey through the Welsh-English border, with rolling hills leading to Bronygarth, a charming village near Chirk Castle.

Day 11: Bronygarth to Llangollen

• Distance: 9.5 miles (15 km)
• A shorter but scenic day, taking you through the picturesque Dee Valley. End in the lively town of Llangollen, famous for its canal and steam railway.

Day 12: Llangollen to Clwyd Gate

• Distance: 15.5 miles (24.5 km)
• A demanding section through the Clwydian Range, with stunning views from the rugged hills. This day offers plenty of natural beauty and varied terrain.

Day 13: Clwyd Gate to Bodfari

• Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
• A shorter day with steep hills and lush valleys. Bodfari offers a peaceful resting point before your final day of walking.

Day 14: Bodfari to Prestatyn

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• Complete your journey as you approach the coastline and the town of Prestatyn. Celebrate the end of your adventure with beautiful views of the Irish Sea.

Detailed Itinerary 

Distance: 177 miles (283 km)
Difficulty: Moderate/Demanding
Season: January 2nd – December 24th
Grade: Moderate to demanding terrain with challenging ascents, long days, and diverse landscapes

Day 1: Chepstow to Brockweir (For Tintern)

• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5 km)
• Start your adventure from Chepstow, following the Wye Valley path. Arrive in the small village of Brockweir, with Tintern Abbey nearby, one of the highlights of the day.

Day 2: Brockweir (For Tintern) to Monmouth

• Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
• Continue through the Wye Valley, passing tranquil woodland paths and riverside views. Monmouth offers a charming setting with its historic architecture.

Day 3: Monmouth to Llangattock Lingoed

• Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km)
• Today’s walk leads you through rolling hills and scenic farmland, with expansive views over the surrounding countryside. Arrive in the peaceful village of Llangattock Lingoed.

Day 4: Llangattock Lingoed to Longtown/Llanthony

• Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
• A shorter day but with some steep climbs as you enter the Vale of Ewyas. Arrive at the remote Llanthony Priory, a tranquil and historic retreat.

Day 5: Longtown/Llanthony to Hay-on-Wye

• Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
• A challenging ascent over the Black Mountains with panoramic views from the ridge. Descend into Hay-on-Wye, known for its bookshops and literary festivals.

Day 6: Hay-on-Wye to Kington

• Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5 km)
• A moderate day of walking through open farmland, with charming rural vistas. Arrive in the market town of Kington, where you can rest.

Day 7: Kington to Knighton

• Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
• Follow the border ridge along the Offa’s Dyke Path. Knighton, the midpoint of the path, is a lovely market town known for its rich history.

Day 8: Knighton to Brompton Crossroads

• Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
• A scenic section through quiet countryside, following rolling hills and tranquil farmland. Reach Brompton Crossroads, a peaceful rural stop.

Day 9: Brompton Crossroads to Buttington (For Welshpool)

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• A gentle walk along the River Severn, passing picturesque villages and open fields. Reach Buttington and explore nearby Welshpool.

Day 10: Buttington to Llanymynech

• Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
• Today’s route takes you past old quarries and scenic countryside. Llanymynech is a small village with a rich industrial history.

Day 11: Llanymynech to Bronygarth

• Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5 km)
• A challenging day through the rolling hills of the borderlands. You’ll arrive in Bronygarth, a charming village near Chirk Castle.

Day 12: Bronygarth to Llangollen

• Distance: 9.5 miles (15 km)
• A short but rewarding day through the Dee Valley. Arrive in Llangollen, a bustling town famous for its canal and scenic views.

Day 13: Llangollen to Clwyd Gate

• Distance: 15.5 miles (24.5 km)
• A day of steep ascents and descents through the rugged Clwydian Range, offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Day 14: Clwyd Gate to Bodfari

• Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
• A scenic walk through hills and forests, passing quiet villages before arriving in Bodfari, a serene village nestled in the countryside.

Day 15: Bodfari to Prestatyn

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• Complete your journey as you walk towards Prestatyn, with stunning views of the Irish Sea as you approach the finish line. Celebrate the end of your adventure.

Detailed Itinerary for OD008 

Distance: 177 miles (283 km)
Difficulty: Moderate/Demanding
Season: January 2nd – December 24th
Grade: Varied, with challenging ascents through rugged terrain and scenic valleys

Day 1: Chepstow to Brockweir (For Tintern)

• Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5 km)
• Depart Chepstow and follow the scenic Wye Valley path. Pass by the impressive ruins of Tintern Abbey, arriving in the quiet village of Brockweir, set along the banks of the River Wye.

Day 2: Brockweir (For Tintern) to Monmouth

• Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
• Continue walking along the picturesque Wye Valley, with wooded hills and riverside views. Arrive in Monmouth, a charming market town with medieval architecture.

Day 3: Monmouth to Llangattock Lingoed

• Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km)
• Ascend through lush woodland and gentle hills before reaching Llangattock Lingoed, a peaceful rural village known for its ancient church and scenic landscapes.

Day 4: Llangattock Lingoed to Longtown/Llanthony

• Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
• A shorter but rewarding day, climbing into the Black Mountains and following the ridge with panoramic views. Arrive in Llanthony, home to the stunning Llanthony Priory in the Vale of Ewyas.

Day 5: Longtown/Llanthony to Hay-on-Wye

• Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
• A challenging ascent takes you to the top of the Hatterrall Ridge, with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Descend into the renowned literary town of Hay-on-Wye.

Day 6: Hay-on-Wye to Kington

• Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5 km)
• Cross rolling countryside and farmland, with the Offa’s Dyke Path offering gentle ups and downs. Arrive in Kington, a small market town on the Welsh-English border.

Day 7: Kington to Knighton

• Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
• Follow the ridge that traces the Wales-England border, with sweeping views of the valleys. Knighton, home to the Offa’s Dyke Centre, is your destination for the day.

Day 8: Knighton to Newcastle-on-Clun

• Distance: 8 miles (12.5 km)
• A shorter walk today, crossing farmland and quiet lanes. Arrive in Newcastle-on-Clun, a small village surrounded by picturesque rolling hills.

Day 9: Newcastle-on-Clun to Brompton Crossroads

• Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
• Continue through rural landscapes, passing charming villages and tranquil countryside. Brompton Crossroads offers a peaceful resting point for the night.

Day 10: Brompton Crossroads to Buttington (For Welshpool)

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• Follow the path alongside the River Severn, passing through green fields and small villages. Reach Buttington, close to the town of Welshpool, where you can explore its historic attractions.

Day 11: Buttington to Llanymynech

• Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
• Enjoy a peaceful day of walking through the countryside, passing limestone quarries and scenic farmland. Llanymynech offers a mix of history and natural beauty.

Day 12: Llanymynech to Bronygarth

• Distance: 13.5 miles (21.5 km)
• This section takes you through the undulating borderlands, with lush scenery and woodland paths leading to Bronygarth, located near the grand Chirk Castle.

Day 13: Bronygarth to Llangollen

• Distance: 9.5 miles (15 km)
• A short but scenic day, taking you along the Dee Valley. Llangollen is a vibrant town, known for its canal, steam railway, and the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Day 14: Llangollen to Clwyd Gate

• Distance: 15.5 miles (24.5 km)
• Head into the Clwydian Range, with steep climbs and descents offering stunning views over North Wales. Clwyd Gate provides a remote and tranquil overnight stop.

Day 15: Clwyd Gate to Bodfari

• Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5 km)
• A shorter day with rolling hills and lush green valleys. Bodfari is a quiet village, perfect for relaxation before your final stretch to the coast.

Day 16: Bodfari to Prestatyn

• Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km)
• Conclude your walk with a scenic route to Prestatyn, crossing the last hills before reaching the coastline. The views of the Irish Sea signal the end of your Offa’s Dyke adventure.