The 50th anniversary of Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail will be the launchpad of a new summer walking festival.
Trail partners and Ramblers Cymru will come together to invite hikers to step into the world of long-distance hiking on a variety of routes along the 177-mile path.
They will be able to enjoy the fabulous scenery and rich history of the "borderlands" route between Sedbury in England and Prestatyn in Wales.
The long-distance path, which runs along the Welsh-English border, will also be the focus of 25 new hiking itineraries this year aimed at walkers and businesses. All itineraries will be downloadable on the National Trails website.
In addition, after a successful series hiking the Welsh coast, presenter Sean Fletcher (Good Morning Britain, Countryfile) returns in 2021 with a six-part ITV Wales series about the Offa’s Dyke Path. It will be called Wonders of the Borders.
- Walk the trail with the best hiking boots you can buy
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What is Offa’s Dyke Path?
Offa’s Dyke Path was officially opened on July 10, 1971. It remains one of the UK’s greatest long distance walking trails.
The natural beauty of the path has led to international acclaim and the route has been named one of the world’s greatest walks by Lonely Planet.
The path is inspired by, and closely follows, Offa's Dyke for roughly 40 miles of its 177-mile length. Dating back to the eighth century, the iconic earthwork monument of Offa’s Dyke was built on the command of King Offa of Mercia as a divide between the two kingdoms.
Today, the path stretches from coast to coast, taking hikers mostly along the borders of England and Wales and to traditional rural towns and hamlets, medieval castles and many heritage hotspots.
It 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.
New hiking festival in July 2021
To become involved in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Offa’s Dyke Path, why not share photos and stories to highlight the rich variety of experiences available along the borderlands?
To join the story, Offa’s Dyke Path is encouraging hikers to share their photos and experiences on social media using the hashtag #OffasDykePath.
