Offa’s Dyke Path North: Knighton to Prestatyn

Knighton to Cwm

This stage includes the well-known series of undulations known as The Switchbacks, a memorable sequence of ascents and descents that adds both variety and drama to the day’s walking.

The route begins by following the River Teme before climbing steadily onto Panpunton Hill. Here, a cairn stands in honour of the early pioneers of Offa’s Dyke Path, offering a lovely opportunity to pause and reflect on those who helped establish this remarkable long-distance trail. From the top, there are fine views back over Knighton and the surrounding border landscape.

Even broader views unfold from the next rise, Cwm-Sanaham, while the trail continues with particularly enjoyable walking across Llanfair Hill. At 1,417 feet (432m), this is the highest point on the Dyke itself, though the trail reaches an even greater elevation earlier in the Black Mountains.

A worthwhile nearby diversion for strong walkers is the secluded Clun, a charming small town around three miles from the route. Closer to the path itself, the beautiful chapel of St John the Baptist Church, Churchtown sits in a peaceful valley and makes a particularly memorable point along the walk. Its exquisite biblical wall texts and tranquil setting offer a welcome moment of stillness amid the day’s changing terrain.

The trail then crosses the east–west track of the Kerry Ridgeway, around four miles west of the attractive town of Bishop’s Castle. From here, it is only a short distance onwards to Cwm, bringing another rewarding stage of the walk to its close.

Cwm to Welshpool

This section remains faithful to the line of the Dyke, crossing Brompton Crossroads and the Plain of Montgomery before climbing to the summit of Beacon Ring. Once the site of an Iron Age hill-fort, the hilltop is now marked by beech trees and transmitter masts, though it still carries a strong sense of history. In earlier times, beacon fires would have been lit here, giving the hill its evocative name.

Along the way, there is the option of a worthwhile detour to the attractive town of Montgomery, which is well worth including if time allows. Even if remaining on the main route, there are lovely views across to the town and the ruins of Montgomery Castle.

After the more demanding terrain of the previous stage, the walking here feels more relaxed, with the trail tracing hedgerows and small copses through the quiet countryside of the River Camlad. The low-lying meadows along the river are typical of this stage, creating a peaceful and gently pastoral character, with good views across the surrounding landscape.

The route passes through the villages of Forden and Kingswood before continuing into the wooded grounds of the Leighton Estate, where distinctive monkey puzzle trees add an unexpected touch of interest.

From here, the path climbs to Beacon Ring before descending gradually through more fields and pasture to Buttington, from where the route turns towards Welshpool.

Welshpool to Llanymynech

This stage offers one of the gentler sections of Offa’s Dyke Path, making it a wonderfully relaxed and enjoyable experience. The route begins through fields beside the River Severn before crossing the busy A483 and reaching the Montgomery Canal, which is followed from the cantilever bridge as far as Pool Quay.

Both the river and canal bring a strong sense of the area’s history. The Severn was once navigable as far as Pool Quay, with vessels of up to 30 tons carrying goods onwards to Worcester and Gloucester. The nearby canal adds another layer of industrial heritage to the landscape.

The path soon returns to the River Severn, following the top of the Tit-y-mynach Embankment for around four miles.

This is peaceful walking across farmland, with the ever-changing movement of the river providing a constant companion. There is something particularly enjoyable about watching the Severn’s swirling eddies as it twists its way through the valley, while the surrounding countryside offers a gentler contrast to some of the more upland sections of the route.

Keep an eye out for the occasional welcoming table and chairs – and perhaps even cake – which can make for a memorable pause along the way. Birdlife is another highlight of this stage, with the chance to spot a variety of species along the riverbanks and, if you’re lucky, hear the distinctive call of curlews across the fields. Views eastwards to the tree-covered Breidden Hills add further interest.

As the Severn continues northwards towards Shrewsbury, the route keeps faithful to the line of the Dyke, continuing as far as Four Crosses before passing beneath the A483 and rejoining the canal. This final stretch is full of quiet charm, with swan nests and the attractively restored Carreghofa Locks making a particularly pleasant landmark before the short onward walk to Llanymynech.

Llanymynech to Chirk

Leaving Llanymynech, the path climbs through woodland to the limestone crags and former quarries of Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve. This is a particularly attractive section of the walk, noted for its butterflies in summer and for its far-reaching views across the Severn Plain to the Breidden Hills.

Soon you reach the broad, plateau-like summit of Llanymynech Hill, before a lovely wooded stroll beside the golf course leads gently down towards Perth-y-waen. From here, the route continues by road to Nant Mawr before climbing steadily onto Moelydd, where on a clear day there are rewarding views westwards towards Snowdonia.

The trail then descends to Trefonen before rejoining the line of the Dyke. From here, the walk continues through the Morda Valley, past the pretty hamlet of Ty’n-y-Coed, over open common land and through Racecourse Wood to Racecourse Common.

Beyond the common comes a particularly memorable stretch, as the path once again follows the line of Offa’s Dyke itself. Crossing Baker’s Hill and the shoulder of Selattyn Hill, the route continues through wonderfully quiet countryside to Craignant, before following the Dyke for one final time – at points beside it and at others directly along its crest.

The steep descent to Castle Mill is especially rewarding, with spectacular views of Chirk Castle unfolding ahead. There is a real sense of achievement here, knowing you have walked the full length of this great ancient earthwork, even though the trail itself continues a little further.

For walkers on our longer itineraries, this is where the route leaves the path for the evening, heading east into Chirk for an overnight stay.

Chirk to Llangollen

Returning to Castle Mill, the trail leaves the delightful River Ceiriog behind and begins to climb away from the valley through mixed woodland and farmland. Along the way, it passes the ‘garden gate’ of Chirk Castle, which in summer offers access to the castle grounds and is well worth taking advantage of if time allows.

At Ty’n-y-groes, the route joins the road for a while. Although the Dyke itself is no longer directly underfoot, it remains close by for much of this section, running discreetly alongside the line of trees to the east before finally disappearing near the A5.

At Irish Bridge, where the B5605 crosses the canal, the path joins the Llangollen Canal and follows it towards the village of Froncysyllte. While the official route continues by road towards the old bridge over the River Dee and briefly on towards Trevor, many walkers choose the far more memorable alternative of crossing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Designed by Thomas Telford, this extraordinary aqueduct is one of the true highlights of the entire walk. Striding high above the Dee Valley, it offers an unforgettable crossing and a real sense of occasion as you continue northwards.

The two routes rejoin on the canal towpath before climbing together through Trevor Hall Wood, where the shaded woodland brings a lovely sense of contrast after the openness of the aqueduct and valley views. Emerging from the trees, you arrive on Panorama Walk, where the scenery opens out once more.

From here, the route continues with limestone crags and scree slopes close by, while Castell Dinas Brân and Trefor Rocks provide magnificent views ahead. A footpath then leads into Llangollen, a wonderfully atmospheric town and a fitting place to pause on the journey.

Llangollen to Llanferres

Leaving Llangollen, the path skirts the slopes below Castell Dinas Brân before traversing the screes beneath the dramatic Eglwyseg Rocks. This striking limestone escarpment is a well-known haunt for hawks and ravens, and a popular area for climbers, adding a real sense of drama to the day’s opening miles.

The route then reaches World’s End, a wonderfully evocative spot whose name feels every bit as memorable as its setting. From here, the path climbs steadily towards Minera, crossing open moorland where railway sleepers help guide the way across the wetter ground.

Ahead, Llandegla Forest comes into view. The forest offers a lovely change of atmosphere, with quiet woodland paths, mossy undergrowth and criss-crossing bridleways creating a peaceful interlude before the trail descends once more into open farmland.

Shortly afterwards, the route reaches the attractive village of Llandegla. Leaving beside the church of St Tegla, after whom the village is named, the path continues through water meadows alongside the River Alun, a particularly gentle and pastoral stretch.

Fields and a short section of road then lead onwards as the hills begin to rise once again. The route follows a track and path to the west of Moel y Plâs, 1,443 feet (440m), before arriving at the peaceful village of Llanarmon-yn-Iâl.

From here, the trail contours around the broad shoulders of Moel Llanfair, 1,466 feet (447m), and Moel Gyw, 1,531 feet (467m) before descending through fields to Clwyd Gate and on to Llanferres.

Llanferres to Bodfari

This is one of the most memorable stages of the walk, crossing the northern reaches of the Clwydian Hills and offering a wonderful day of ridge walking and far-reaching views.

Leaving Llanferres and rejoining the trail, there is the option of taking a footpath to the summit of Foel Fenli, 1,676 feet (511m), while the official Offa’s Dyke Path contours its western shoulder. Either way, the route then descends to Bwlch Penbarra before climbing the magnificent Moel Famau, 1,820 feet (555m).

Known as the ‘mother mountain’, Moel Famau is the highest point in the range and lies within a protected National Landscape. Its summit is crowned by the striking remains of the Jubilee Tower, originally built in 1810 to mark the jubilee of George III. The tower makes a dramatic landmark and often provides welcome shelter for walkers.

The views from here are exceptional. While earlier stages may offer the occasional glimpse of the Irish Sea, from this point the coastline and the wind turbines near Prestatyn are clearly visible, bringing a real sense that the northern end of the trail is drawing ever closer.

From the summit, the ridge walk continues over Moel Dywyll, 1,550 feet (472m), and Moel Llys-y-Coed, 1,524 feet (465m),with the undulating landscape adding both variety and drama to the day.

The route then passes close to the striking conical hill of Moel Arthur, 1,496 feet (456m), crowned by an Iron Age hill-fort that is well worth a short detour if time allows. Beyond this, the trail rises to Pen-y-Cloddiau, 1,442 feet (440m), another historic hill-fort with a broad summit and the clear remains of ancient earthworks.

The final hill of the day is Moel-y-Parc, 1,306 feet (398m), easily recognised by the radio mast that has been a constant point on the skyline for much of the stage. The route crosses its shoulder before descending out of the hills to Bodfari, bringing a superb day of upland walking to a close.

Bodfari to Prestatyn

This final stage begins by contouring Moel y Gaer before reaching the scattered hamlet of Sodom. From here, a steady and rewarding climb leads up to the wind turbine on Cefn Du, with increasingly expansive views opening out as you gain height.

The route then crosses the western shoulder of Moel Marn-Efa, 949 feet (290m), before descending to the road near St Beuno’s Church. Rough grazed fields and the familiar stiles of the route then lead onwards to the footbridge over the busy A55 and into Rhuallt.

And so begins the final eight miles of the trail. Field paths, woodland, quiet lanes, heathland and open countryside all feature here, offering a fitting summary of the varied landscapes that have accompanied you throughout the journey.

For much of this stage, Prestatyn and the Irish Sea remain in sight ahead, creating a wonderful sense of anticipation as the end of the walk draws ever closer. Rather than heading directly for the coast, the trail first curves east of Mynydd y Cwm and crosses Marian Ffrith, 787 feet (240m),  before traversing the slopes of Bryn Prestatyn Hillside, a gorse and bracken-covered escarpment with fine views not only to your destination and the sea, but also westwards towards Snowdonia.

The descent into Prestatyn is a long and memorable one. Once out of the trees and past the distinctive Roman helmet sculpture, the route follows the edge of the town onto the High Street, over the railway bridge, and finally down to the sea.

It is a wonderfully satisfying finish, bringing you from the border hills to the North Wales coast and marking the completion of an extraordinary long-distance journey.