Offa's Dyke Comparison

Comparison of the Offa’s Dyke Path: North vs South

KTUTG Tours

These are the two halves of the trail, split at what is commonly seen as the midpoint: Knighton.

Knighton to Chepstow (South Half)

Distance: ~82 miles / 132 kmTime to Walk: ~5–6 days

Terrain:

Rolling farmland and wooded valleys.
The Wye Valley AONB is especially scenic and less exposed than the north.
Some steep climbs (especially near Llanthony) but generally more enclosed than the north.

Scenery & Views:

Lush, green, and tranquil.
Stunning views along the Wye River and from the Black Mountains.

Places of Interest:

Llanthony Priory – atmospheric monastic ruins.
Tintern Abbey – iconic riverside ruin.
Monmouth – charming historic town.
Devil's Pulpit – dramatic cliff viewpoint.

Experience:

Feels more historic and sheltered.
Strong sense of walking through old, cultivated landscapes and borderlands.

Knighton to Prestatyn (North Half)

Distance: ~95 miles / 153 kmTime to Walk: ~6–7 days

Terrain:

More upland walking, exposed ridges, and remote stretches.
Clwydian Hills and Shropshire uplands offer ridge walks with longer, more sustained elevation.

Scenery & Views:

Bigger skies and broader views.
More open country, with long views toward Snowdonia and the Welsh coast.

Places of Interest:

Chirk Castle – National Trust site with grand views.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (detour) – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moel Famau – Iron Age hill fort and panoramic views.

Experience:

Feels wilder and more remote.
Ideal for walkers who enjoy long ridge walking and open terrain.

Which Half to Choose?

You might prefer...	If you enjoy...
Knighton to Chepstow (south)	Woodland walks, historical sites, quaint towns and abbeys
Knighton to Prestatyn (north)	Open hills, long ridge walks, more physically varied hiking

Final Tip

Both halves are stunning and rewarding. If you want a gentler, history-rich walk, go south to Chepstow. If you want bigger landscapes and more challenge, go north to Prestatyn.

6-Day Accommodation-Based Itinerary: Knighton to Prestatyn

Total: ~153 km / 95 miles

Day	Route	Distance	Climb	Terrain & Views
1	Knighton → Mellington	22.5 km	1,327 m	Steep ascent to rolling hills and farmland; ancient hedgerows, occasional woods.
2	Mellington → Welshpool	21.0 km	947 m	Kerry Ridgeway ridge walk, open countryside, scattered forest.
3	Welshpool → Llanymynech	21.0 km	1,572 m	Canal paths, riverbanks, pastureland; Berwyns in the distance.
4	Llanymynech → Chirk	22.5 km	641 m	Woodland trails, open ridges, pastoral valleys near Chirk Castle.
5	Chirk → Bodfari	24.0 km	1,673 m	Clwydian Range moorland and panoramic hillfort landscapes.
6	Bodfari → Prestatyn	24.0 km	1,746 m	Limestone ridges, sea views, descent to coast.

7-Day Accommodation-Based Itinerary: Knighton to Prestatyn

Total: ~153 km / 95 miles

Day	Route	Distance	Climb	Terrain & Views
1	Knighton → Newcastle-on-Clun	16.0 km	850 m	Gentle hills, ancient fields, lush hedgerows.
2	Newcastle-on-Clun → Montgomery	19.0 km	856 m	Long ridges, wide views, Georgian town descent.
3	Montgomery → Welshpool	16.0 km	850 m	Field tracks, valley walking, canal paths.
4	Welshpool → Llanymynech	21.0 km	1,346 m	Broad farmland, limestone escarpments, Dyke highlights.
5	Llanymynech → Chirk	22.5 km	915 m	Forested valleys, Ceiriog Valley, canal aqueducts.
6	Chirk → Bodfari	22.5 km	1,164 m	Clwydian uplands, wild skies, hillforts.
7	Bodfari → Prestatyn	24.0 km	972 m	Final ridges, sea views, beach finish.

Elevation Profiles: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: 16.0 km | ↑ 850 m
Day 2: 19.0 km | ↑ 856 m
Day 3: 16.0 km | ↑ 850 m
Day 4: 21.0 km | ↑ 1,346 m
Day 5: 22.5 km | ↑ 915 m
Day 6: 22.5 km | ↑ 1,164 m
Day 7: 24.0 km | ↑ 972 m

Elevation Profiles: 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: 22.5 km | ↑ 1,327 m
Day 2: 21.0 km | ↑ 947 m
Day 3: 21.0 km | ↑ 1,572 m
Day 4: 22.5 km | ↑ 641 m
Day 5: 24.0 km | ↑ 1,673 m
Day 6: 24.0 km | ↑ 1,746 m