Offa's Dyke Path
National Trail following the English-Welsh border
2nd Edition
Will be published approx. on 17. August 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-78631-279-2 (ISBN)
Description
Trace the ancient boundary of Offa's Dyke Path, a 283km (177 mile) National Trail along Britain's longest ancient monument - the 8th-century earthwork separating England and Wales. The trail unfolds through diverse border landscapes, from the dramatic Wye Gorge and Tintern Abbey near Chepstow, across the remote Black Mountains and Hergest Ridge, to the industrial heritage of the Clwydian Range and the seaside finish at Prestatyn.
This comprehensive guidebook describes the Offa's Dyke Path from south to north and offers walkers of all abilities the chance to explore limestone gorges, mountain ridges, and borderland heritage over 12-14 days. A separate OS 1:25,000 trail map is included, providing precise route-line mapping and ensuring you can follow Offa's ancient frontier with total confidence.
The trail is divided into 12 clearly defined stages of 17-29km (11-18 miles), each with detailed route descriptions, OS mapping, and elevation profiles, allowing you to anticipate the terrain
Alternative itineraries of 8 or 16 days help you tailor the Offa's Dyke Path to your perfect walking holiday
Practical planning information for accommodation along the route, from country inns and B&Bs to hostels and campsites in key centres like Monmouth, Hay-on-Wye and Knighton, is provided, as well as advice on local transport links
Downloadable GPX files provide a digital navigation option, allowing you to follow the National Trail on a smartphone or GPS device
Beyond wayfinding, the guide celebrates the path's unique story, with insights into its geology (limestone escarpments, igneous intrusions), wildlife, historical attractions, and the cultural significance of walking where Anglo-Saxon Mercia met ancient Welsh kingdoms
With expert guidance from author Mike Dunn, stage-by-stage breakdowns, and the included OS trail map, this walking guidebook equips you with everything you need to conquer Offa's Dyke Path with ease. Discover the timeless allure of Britain's borderlands, where every ridge reveals panoramic views, ancient history, and the quiet satisfaction of completing one of the National Trails.
This comprehensive guidebook describes the Offa's Dyke Path from south to north and offers walkers of all abilities the chance to explore limestone gorges, mountain ridges, and borderland heritage over 12-14 days. A separate OS 1:25,000 trail map is included, providing precise route-line mapping and ensuring you can follow Offa's ancient frontier with total confidence.
The trail is divided into 12 clearly defined stages of 17-29km (11-18 miles), each with detailed route descriptions, OS mapping, and elevation profiles, allowing you to anticipate the terrain
Alternative itineraries of 8 or 16 days help you tailor the Offa's Dyke Path to your perfect walking holiday
Practical planning information for accommodation along the route, from country inns and B&Bs to hostels and campsites in key centres like Monmouth, Hay-on-Wye and Knighton, is provided, as well as advice on local transport links
Downloadable GPX files provide a digital navigation option, allowing you to follow the National Trail on a smartphone or GPS device
Beyond wayfinding, the guide celebrates the path's unique story, with insights into its geology (limestone escarpments, igneous intrusions), wildlife, historical attractions, and the cultural significance of walking where Anglo-Saxon Mercia met ancient Welsh kingdoms
With expert guidance from author Mike Dunn, stage-by-stage breakdowns, and the included OS trail map, this walking guidebook equips you with everything you need to conquer Offa's Dyke Path with ease. Discover the timeless allure of Britain's borderlands, where every ridge reveals panoramic views, ancient history, and the quiet satisfaction of completing one of the National Trails.
More details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Kendal
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Laminated cover
With flaps
Dimensions
Height: 172 mm
Width: 116 mm
Thickness: 115 mm
Weight
330 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78631-279-2 (9781786312792)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2026
2nd Edition
Cicerone Press
€29.49
Available for download
Person
Mike Dunn was born in Leicester but has lived in Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan for over 30 years. He worked for the Welsh Assembly Government, latterly specialising in environmental and conservation issues, and has written widely on landscape, walking, pubs and real ale. Mike's favourite locations for walking are the Welsh borders, the Hebridean Islands and the Lake District.
Content
Map key Overview map Route summary table Route profile Stage facilities planner INTRODUCTION From the Severn to the Irish Sea Planning your trip Selecting a schedule When to go Travel to the Path Transport along the Path First and last nights Accommodation Facilities Baggage transfer What to take Planning day by day Using this guide Maps Waymarking Weather forecasts Phones and wi-fi Emergencies All about the Welsh Marches Geology and landscape Plants and wildlife Border prehistory Offa and the Dyke The Welsh Marches after Offa Offa's Dyke Path Stage 1 Above the Lower Wye Gorge??????? Stage 2 Sheep and cider in remote Monmouthshire??????? Stage 3 Crossing the Black Mountains Stage 4 Gladestry and Hergest Ridge Stage 5 The Radnorshire Hills Stage 6 Ups and downs in deepest Shropshire??????? Stage 7 The Vale of Montgomery and Long Mountain Stage 8 Across the Severn valley Stage 9 Exploring the unknown Marches Stage 10 The Vale of Llangollen and Eglwyseg Rocks Stage 11 The Clwydian Range Stage 12 Northern hills and coast Appendix A Useful contacts Appendix B Accommodation table Appendix C Topographical Welsh glossary Appendix D Further reading