Offa's Dyke - Central SectionThe most challenging section of the entire Offa's Dyke route. We walk approximately 66 miles of the central section south from Chirk to Kington. _w=730_h=400_pjpg.jpg)
Moderate
Tour code: 78717 Last Modified: 18th October 2020 _w=622_h=622_pjpg.jpg)
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Holiday HighlightsSee what's planned
Trip InformationThe Path The Offa’s Dyke path runs for 177 miles from Prestatyn on the North Wales coast to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary. The route follows the ancient barrier which was built by Offa, the King of Mercia, in the 8th century to protect his kingdom from his rivals in what is now Wales. We walk each section from north to south over six days, returning each night to our comfortable hotel. The dyke transverses hugely diverse scenery along its route. To some the southern section through the Black Mountains past the ruins of Tintern Abbey and Llanthony Priory will be the highlight. Others might prefer the Clwydian Hills and the relatively modern aqueducts on the Llangollen canal. However, some who walk the mid section through the Welsh Marches may consider that more rolling countryside and appealing market towns offer a very different but equally appealing experience. We suggest you try all three sections before deciding on your favourite. If you walk all three routes the total walking distance is about 186 miles, which is slightly longer than the official path. This is due to short walks to and from the trail. The Central Section The most challenging section of the entire Offa’s Dyke route. We’ll walk approximately 66 miles of the central section south from Chirk to the traditional English town of Kington. We will walk the cliffs of Llanymynech Hills, ascend Beacon Ring and walk on the highest point of the trail before reaching our destination at Kington. What's included?
What's not included?
Holiday GradeThis is a Grade 6 moderate holiday which includes full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent with walks in some remote areas. Paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground. Walks will last up to 6 hours and could involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. See the 'Proposed Itinerary' section for more information. Our bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel. Proposed ItineraryDay 1Proposed ItineraryDay 1Arrival day - MontgomeryMeals DinnerAccommodation The Dragon HotelIndependent travel to The Dragon Hotel in Montgomery. Check in is from 3pm. Meet your tour leader at approximately 6:30pm in the hotel bar for a briefing before dinner. Day 2Day 2Chirk to Porth-y-WaenMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation The Dragon Hotel
Starting in the grounds of Chirk Castle, this walk takes us through varied countryside with woods, farmland and open heath plus an introduction to the type of terrain that led Offa’s Dyke to be called ‘not the longest, not the highest, but the best' long distance path. On route we will pass through the remains of the 17th Century Oswestry Racecourse before dropping down into a quiet valley. A climb up to Moelydd Uchaf for superb 360 views before reaching our pick-up at Porth-y-Waen Day 3Day 3Porth-y-Waen to ButtingtonMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation The Dragon Hotel
We start at Llanymynech Hill where copper ores were mined over 2000 years ago. Subsequently its limestone was quarried for agricultural and industrial uses with production boosted hugely in the 19th century when the canal and railway were built. The site is now a nature reserve with a variety of butterflies, plants and bird life. We drop down into the village of Llanymynech for a fascinating visit to the remains of the lime kilns before picking up the trail alongside the Montgomery Canal and ending the days hike with a gentle stretch alongside the River Severn. Day 4Day 4Buttington to Brompton CrossroadsMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation The Dragon Hotel
Today’s walk is packed with variety as it tracks through border country. We ascend Beacon Ring, the site of an Iron Age fort, gradually over 4 miles before dropping down through glorious woodland to enter the Vale of Glamorgan. From here a relaxing walk with superb views in all directions to meet our transport at Brompton Crossroads. Time permitting, a visit to the ruins of Montgomery Castle may be possible on the homeward journey Day 5Day 5Brompton via Churchtown to NewcastleMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation The Dragon Hotel
Todays walk passes through lush rolling countryside and the route becomes hilly as we traverse a series of river valleys flowing across our path. We cross the border between England and Wales many times today and you will be walking on top of the Dyke itself. Highlight of the afternoon is reaching the official half-way point of the whole Offa’s Dyke Trail. Day 6Day 6Newcastle to KnightonMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation The Dragon Hotel
Leaving the small village of Newcastle, this walk is made up of fairly gentle hills. A steady climb brings us to the top of Llanfair Hill, the highest point on Offa’s Dyke. Although a hilly walk, there are excellent views Day 7Day 7Knighton to KingtonMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation The Dragon Hotel
Leaving an area overlooking the small town of Knighton, this walk is made up of fairly gentle hills, finishing in Kington. Offa’s Dyke is your constant companion today. You will see some of the best examples of the whole route of the dyke in today’s section. Although hilly the final stretch of the walk is relatively straightforward with excellent views. The ultimate climb of the holiday will see us on top of the summit ridge of Rushcock Hill with glorious views down into Kington, our final destination. Time for a celebratory cup of tea before starting the journey back to the hotel Day 8Day 8Departure dayMeals BreakfastDeparture after breakfast. Check out of the hotel is by 11am. Walks & ExcursionsThe Offa’s Dyke path runs for 177 miles from Prestatyn on the North Wales coast to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary. The route follows the ancient barrier built by Offa, the King of Mercia, in the 8th century to protect his kingdom from his rivals in what is now Wales. We’ll walk 66 miles (approximately) of the central section of the route southwards from Chirk Castle on the edge of England, reaching the highest point of the trail before reaching the traditional English town of Kington. The central section will be completed in six sections over your 7-night stay, returning each night to our hotel. Local Transport CostsAll local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary. Optional ExcursionsA range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Spending MoneyHoliday BudgetingWhen budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day. TippingAlthough entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday. Tour Leaders & Local GuidesTour LeadersYour tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible. Leader's Evening BriefingEach evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Your Travel DetailsMontgomery can be reached by train and the nearest station is in Welshpool (7.5 miles away), then you can take a bus or taxi to the hotel. There are regular rail services from Shrewsbury and Birmingham to the East and from Aberystwyth to the West. By road, when travelling from the midlands, Montgomery is within one hour of the M6 Motorway via the M54. It can easily be reached from the north-west via the A483, while travellers from the south can have a beautifully scenic route via the A49. If driving, the hotel has a car park and there is also a free park in the town. The local public bus provider is Tanat Valley Coaches. You may also wish to look at the following website for advice on the best way to travel to the accommodation; www.rome2rio.com The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel. Details can be found at: www.theaa.co.uk and www.rac.co.uk Meeting your tour leader and fellow walkers: Please check the time of dinner (approximately 7pm) on arrival at the hotel and aim to be in the hotel bar half an hour beforehand for an introduction to your leader, an outline of the planned programme for your holiday and the chance to meet your walking companions. Personal Details CheckTo ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible. AccommodationWhere are we going to stay?The Dragon HotelMarket Square, Montgomery, Powys, Wales SY15 6PA 01686 668359 The Dragon hotel was originally built as a Coaching Inn around 1630. For centuries, horses and coaches would be driven right through the centre of the hotel and the covered coachway now forms the entrance area. The hotel is located in the attractive town of Montgomery, in the heart of the beautiful Mid Wales countryside and is owned by a group of local families. It has built an excellent reputation for the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, all of whom live in and around Montgomery. Rooms come with TV, bath or shower and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel is situated over three floors and some of these have sloping roofs and exposed beams. Stairs to the upper floor are fairly narrow and because of the layout of the historic building, there are no lifts in the hotel, however staff will assist with bags should you require help. The hotel benefits from an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi. MealsMeals are included on a half board basis and will be served primarily at the hotel. Lunches are at your own expense and not included. Footwear & Kit ListFootwearLightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks. General Kit ListOutdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared. If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference. Travel Documents ChecklistDocuments and Information to take with you:
Water To GoAn alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles. We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays. Maps, Guidebooks & Other InformationMaps, Guidebooks & MoreOur intended route is covered by the following maps: The Map ShopMaps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk WeatherVisit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Staying Healthy On HolidayHealth requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP. Health Advice for United KingdomNo compulsory immunisations are required for holidays in the UK although you should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended for life in Britain. Tetanus immunisation is recommended. Further Travel AdviceFor further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands. Travel InsuranceAlthough not compulsory for British and EU citizens resident in the UK, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of eventualities such as unexpected cancellation, accident or illness before your holiday or the loss of personal possessions. Visitors who are not British Citizens (or who are not EU citizens resident in the UK), must be adequately insured to join our holidays and will be unable to participate in our local walking and other activity programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance. Personal SafetyThe UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination. Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used. Cultural AwarenessResponsible TravelWe're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website. The Ramblers Holidays Charitable TrustUnlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details. Heart and SoleWe appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support. Staying In TouchMobile PhonesPlease do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements. Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements. As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals. FeedbackWe welcome all comments about our holidays and value ideas for the future. If you have provided us with an email address we will invite you to complete an online questionnaire or to add feedback to our page on the independent review site 'Feefo'. Important InformationPlease note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued. In most cases the revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will remain unchanged. Should we make a major change to your holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change. You may wish to review the latest version of this Holiday Information Sheet online prior to travel. Please note that any advertised offers, benefits or initiatives may be discontinued at any time. Contact UsRamblers Walking Holidays
Our office is open and our Sales & Reservations team are available to speak to you from:
Please quote your Booking Reference number and Tour Code whenever contacting us. We wish you an enjoyable holiday!
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 CloseOur holiday walking gradesModerate
Grade 6Full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent. These walks are in more remote areas such as Andorra or northern Portugal. Similar to Grade 5, but with most of the walks at the upper level of ascent/descent, time and distance. |
01707 331133
An historical trail following the ancient barrier built by Offa, the King of Mercia, in the 8th century to protect his kingdom from his rivals in what is now Wales
