From Rail to Trail — explore Offa’s Dyke Path by train

Offa’s Dyke Path was inaugurated in 1971 by Lord Hunt of Llanfairwaterdine, who led the successful 1953 Everest expedition. Offa’s Dyke is a linear earthwork which was constructed in the eighth century CE. Built on the command of Offa, King of Mercia, it formed at that time the boundary between England and Wales. The path runs for 275km along the length of the border country between Prestatyn in the north and Sedbury, next door to Chepstow, in the south — the hills may not be of Everest proportions, but still demand respect.

On the path, you will pass through woodland, farmland and upland, with some canalside and riverside walking.

Not yet sure on where you’d like to visit? We’ve highlighted just some of our stations below which can be your gateway to Offa’s Dyke Path. You can also head to the Offa’s Dyke Path website and use the interactive map to find out where you can start and finish your journey. You may also be interested in the Offa’s Dyke Association, who have been looking after the path and its walkers since the outset.

The two termini of Glyndŵr’s Way are at Knighton and Welshpool: you could make a 266km triangular walk by joining that part of Offa’s Dyke Path to Glyndŵr’s Way,

North Wales

Prestatyn

Prestatyn station is only 750m from the sea — you really must make the trip to the start of the path at the beach. Whether you are out for a short 5km walk to Bryniau (then drop down into Meliden for a bus back) or your aim is to reach Chepstow, the walk from the beach up to the hillside above the town will get your outdoors mind flowing.

Ruabon and Chirk

These two stations are quite close to each other on the line between Chester and Shrewsbury, and lie close to the path. Either station would make a good start or end of a multi-day section. It is about 75km between Prestatyn and Chirk, over the Clwydian Hills and following the Panorama Walk past Castell Dinas Brân and above Llangollen. It is about 55km between Ruabon and Welshpool, over the hills near Oswestry and along the Severn plain, and a little over 100km between Ruabon and Knighton — south of Welshpool, it becomes quite hilly, with a succession of exhilarating ups and downs.

Possibly the best one-day outing on the path is the 13km station-to-station walk between Chirk and Ruabon. Chirk has its magnificent castle, which is on a summertime link route between the station and the path; there is a good view of the dyke, and the culmination (it is best to do this route northbound) is the stunning Pontcysyllte aqueduct World Heritage site. It is the ideal family introduction to the path, and there is a visitor centre at the north end of the aqueduct (also a pub and tea-room). Take a five-minute bus ride from Trevor, or walk to Ruabon station.

Mid Wales

Welshpool

Welshpool station is just a half-hour’s walk along the canal from the path at Buttington Bridge. The 50km between Welshpool and Knighton are almost all on a slope: south of Montgomery, it is a real switchback as the path crosses several valleys. The dyke is a close presence throughout this section.

Welshpool is also the northern terminus of Glyndŵr’s Way; the other terminus is Knighton (220km).

Knighton

Knighton is Tref-y-Clawdd, the town on the dyke. But really, it is the town of the dyke. The Offa’s Dyke Association and the National Trail’s Path Officer are based here, and the town is geared to the needs of walkers. Pop into the Offa’s Dyke Centre in West Street for help with local walks and information about the dyke and its path. The section between Knighton and Pandy (for a bus or the Beacons Way footpath link to Abergavenny) is 71km, over the border hills and the formidable Black Mountains.

Knighton is also the southern terminus of Glyndŵr’s Way; the other terminus is Welshpool (220km).

South Wales

Abergavenny

Abergavenny is a fifteen-minute bus ride from the path at Pandy: it is the closest station to the path between Knighton and Chepstow. Alternatively, the 71km walk between Pandy and Knighton may be extended by 12km by following the Beacons Way between Abvergavenny and Trefedw, just west of Pandy. This interesting route takes in the landslipped Ysgyryd Fawr (where, so locals claimed, Noah’s Ark came to rest!) on the way.

Chepstow

Chepstow is a half-hour’s walk from the southern end of the path at Sedbury. The castle and Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s bridge make it more than just the end (or start) of a walk. Walk the path through the Wye Valley: there are return buses from Brockweir, Bigsweir, Redbrook and Monmouth.