In 2004 I did Offa’s Dyke, or at least part of it. It was the first time I’d ever embarked on a long distance hike, solo or otherwise. I have since come to love these experiences and I am also much more prepared, specially mentally. That time I did the Path from South to North and stopped in Llangollen.
So why do it again?
First of all it’s a lovely walk through some amazing countryside, so well worth a second passing. Secondly, since not finishing it the first time I always had this thought to one day complete the Path. Thirdly, after the very recent and sudden passing of my brother, I think it will do me good. On all levels. I know I can physically do it; the mental aspect will be a bit more of challenge: me, nature, cattle and bulls, loose dogs, most likely awful weather (October in Wales and all that so lots of mud), and hopefully lots of thoughts of Stefaan, and, maybe a start of coming to terms with not having him in this world anymore. My universe has forever changed, but he will be with me forever.
I again opted for booking Offa’s Dyke with Contours Walking Holidays. Yes, no lugging a backpack around for me, I prefer to have my luggage transferred from lodging to lodging and just carry my daypack.
My friend Luc is joining me on October 11th in Hay-on-Wye; we will walk the last 3 days together. So now I’ll have to finish it 😉
Itinerary with dates and booked lodgings:
Wednesday 30th Sep:
Train Gent to Brussel-Zuid.
- Eurostar Brussel-Zuid to London St Pancras (hopefully there will be no delays).
- Train London Euston to Prestatyn, via Crewe and Chester.
- Arrive and overnight in Prestatyn.
- Plas Ifan, 17 Fforddlas, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9SG
Thursday 1st October
- Prestatyn to Bodfari 12 miles / 19 km
- Llety’r-Eos-Ucha, Off Mold Road, Bodfari, Denbighshire, LL16 4DS
Friday 2nd October
- Bodfari to Clwyd Gate 11.5 miles / 18.5 km
- The Druid Inn – Ruthin Road, Llanferres, CH7 5SN (for Clywd Gate)
Saturday 3rd October
- Clwyd Gate to Llangollen 13.5 miles / 21.5 km
- Bryn Meirion , Abbey Road, Llangollen, LL20 8EF
Sunday 4th October
- Rest day in Llangollen
- Bryn Meirion , Abbey Road, Llangollen, LL20 8EF
Monday 5th October
- Llangollen to Trefonen 15.5 miles / 25 km
- Lynstead Lodge , Bellan Lane, Trefonen, Nr Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 9DQ
Tuesday 6th October
- Trefonen to Welshpool 16.5 miles / 26.5 km
- Royal Oak Hotel , The Cross, Welshpool, SY21 7DG
Wednesaday, 7th October
- Welshpool to Brompton Crossroads 12 miles / 19 km
- Shirley Heights, Church Stoke, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6TQ
Thursday 8th October
- Brompton Crossroads to Knighton 15 miles / 24 km
- Stowe View, Presteigne Road, Knighton, LD7 1HY
Friday 9th October
- Knighton to Kington 14 miles / 22.5 km
- The Oxford Arms, Duke Street, Kington, HR5 3DR
Saturday 10th October
- Kington to Hay-on-Wye 15 miles / 24 km
- Rest for the Tired, 6 Broad Street, Hay- on-Wye, Hereford, HR3 5DB
Sunday 11th October
- Rest day in Hay-on-Wye
- Rest for the Tired, 6 Broad Street, Hay- on-Wye, Hereford, HR3 5DB
Monday 12th October
- Hay-on-Wye to Pandy 18 miles / 29 km (Black Hills Day)
- Lancaster Arms B&B, Old Hereford Road, Pandy, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8DW
Tuesday 13th October
- Pandy to Monmouth 17 miles / 27 km
- Myrtle Place, 45 Wonastow Road, Monmouth, NP25 5DG
Wednesday 14th October
- Monmouth to Chepstow 17 miles / 27 km (finish the Path)
- Castle View Hotel, 16 Bridge Street, Chepstow, NP16 5EZ
Thursday 15th October
- Travel to London.
