50 Years of Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail – Let’s celebrate another 50!

The Offa’s Dyke Path wends its way through stunning landscapes on the edges of England and Wales, between Chepstow on the River Severn to Prestatyn on the North Wales coast.

The Path is inspired by, and closely follows, Offa’s Dyke for roughly 40 miles of its length. Dating back to the 8th century, the iconic earthwork monument of Offa’s Dyke stands up to eight metres high and was built on the command of King Offa as a divide between the two kingdoms.

Today, on its journey from sea to sea, the Path weaves through the rolling valleys, heather-clad mountains and leafy woodlands of eight counties and three of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (The Wye Valley, The Shropshire Hills and The Clwydian Range & Dee Valley), as well as the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The panoramic views available throughout have led to international acclaim – it was even named one of the world’s greatest walks by Lonely Planet. The Path takes hikers through traditional rural towns and hamlets, home to cosy pubs, stunning landscapes and innumerable heritage hotspots.

This rich diversity is why Offa’s Dyke Path remains one of Britain’s iconic long distance walking routes.

To celebrate the special anniversary we asked you to share your memories of the Path ― whether experienced last week or sometime within the last five decades.

Now we want you to keep sharing your experiences of the path with us!

With thousands of people completing the path every year, we know this trail holds a special place in so many people’s hearts. So, from chance encounters with rare wildlife to family adventures, we’d love to hear your stories of the Path ― and see all of your photos too.

To get involved simply share your story ― whether it’s an anecdote, photograph or even a piece of art inspired by the Path ― by:

• Using #OffasDykePath on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• Posting on our Offa’s Dyke Path Facebook Group
• Email Offa’s Dyke Path Officer Rob Dingle on rob.dingle@powys.gov.uk

To explore the fascinating memories we’ve already received, please visit the Offa’s Dyke Path Group on Facebook and explore our Instagram.

To celebrate the 50th we have a new anniversary waymarker! See if you can spot one!

An exhibition by Welsh artist, Dan Llywelyn Hall, was launched at the Offa’s Dyke Centre in Knighton in July 2021.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Carreg Gwalch released a bilingual publication in commemoration of the Path’s milestone — featuring 14 newly commissioned poems by leading Welsh poets including, Poet Laureate of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn. This is available for purchase.

Meanwhile, poetry by Gillian Clarke, Owen Sheers, Twm Morris, Robert Minhinnick, Menna Elfyn, Oliver Lomax, Sian Dafydd, Laura Wainwright, Eric Ngalle Charles, Geraint Jon, Emma van Woerkom  and Clare Potter  also feature in the book, with each verse inspired by the Offa’s Dyke Path itself.

What’s more, six of these poems have been turned into a series of short films in celebration of the Path’s milestone anniversary. These can be enjoyed on the Offa’s Dyke Path Facebook page.

Find out more about Dan Llywelyn Hall’s Walking with Offa / Cerdded Gydag Offa on the Offa Dyke’s Association’s website.

Dan Llywelyn Hall’s Walking with Offa / Cerdded gydag Offa Exhibition

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Offa’s Dyke Path, we asked members of the Long Distance Walkers Association to share their memories along the National Trail. Find out from Walkers are Welcome why the Offa’s Dyke Path is so important.

Listen to Prof. Watkins’ beautiful composition written especially for the milestone occasion.

‘Today I had the great privilege of sitting with Prof. David Watkins – one of the country’s finest harpists.

He’s composing a new piece for Walking with Offa / Cerdded gydag Offa. Here he is playing a Welsh sonata’.

Catch up with ITV’s latest series of Wonders of the Border, which follows Countryfile Good Morning Britain presenter, Sean Fletcher’s walking journey along the Offa’s Dyke Path.

 The six-part series sees Sean visit more than 50 locations along the 177-mile, linear Trail and meet some of the amazing people and local businesses that have made the borderlands between Wales and England their home.

To catch up on the series, which aired in Wales between April-May 2021, visit itv.com/wales programmes.

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