Offa's Dyke - Central Section

This is a Grade 6 challenging holiday which includes full day walks covering distances between 9.5 and 13.5 miles each day, with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent (no more than 840m). Whilst you will mainly be on paths, these may be rough, steep and loose at times. Expect to be out for 8 hours most days, though that will include your breaks. 

This holiday takes in a variety of sights along the way on this continuous trail with some challenging climbs, with rewarding views and some longer days than others. This is the most challenging section of the trail where you will reach the highest point of the Offa's Dyke Path. The average mileage covered each day is higher than our usual Grade 6 holiday, however it is fully within grade when you take into account the terrain and the maximum amounts of ascent and descent covered each day. 

See the 'Proposed Itinerary' for more information.

The Offa’s Dyke path runs for 177 miles from Prestatyn on the North Wales coast to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary.

The route follows the ancient barrier built by Offa, the King of Mercia, in the 8th century to protect his kingdom from his rivals in what is now Wales.

We’ll walk 66 miles (approximately) of the central section of the route southwards from Chirk Castle on the edge of England, reaching the highest point of the trail before reaching the traditional English town of Kington. The central section will be completed in six sections over your 7-night stay, returning each night to our hotel.

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Montgomery can be reached by train and the nearest station is in Welshpool (7.5 miles away), then you can take a bus or taxi to the hotel. There are regular rail services from Shrewsbury and Birmingham to the East and from Aberystwyth to the West. By road, when travelling from the midlands, Montgomery is within one hour of the M6 Motorway via the M54. It can easily be reached from the north-west via the A483, while travellers from the south can have a beautifully scenic route via the A49. If driving, the hotel has a car park and there is also a free park in the town. The local public bus provider is Tanat Valley Coaches. 

You may also wish to look at the following website for advice on the best way to travel to the accommodation; www.rome2rio.com 

The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel. Details can be found at: www.theaa.co.uk and www.rac.co.uk 

Meeting your tour leader and fellow walkers: Please check the time of dinner (approximately 7pm) on arrival at the hotel and aim to be in the hotel bar half an hour beforehand for an introduction to your leader, an outline of the planned programme for your holiday and the chance to meet your walking companions.

Please ensure your personal details, including your passport information and date of birth, are accurate and up to date, and that we have all the information needed to arrange your holiday. If you have any dietary allergies or intolerances, please let us know.

You can view and update your details using Manage My Booking on our website or by contacting our Sales & Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. Please check your booking confirmation carefully and notify us of any changes as soon as possible.

Breakfasts and dinners (2 courses) are taken at the hotel and are included in the cost of your holiday. Packed lunches are not included but can be purchased from the hotel or supplies can be purchased locally each day.  

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good, moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

• Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
• Lightweight quick-drying trousers
• Walking T-shirt/shirts
• Walking socks
• Fleece or jumper
• Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
• Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
• Swimwear & towel (if appropriate)
• Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
• Day sack liner
• Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
• Basic first aid kit
• Lunchbox
• Walking poles (should you find them useful)
• Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive, and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

For the latest health advice and entry requirements for the United Kingdom, please visit the GOV.UK travel advice and NaTHNaC.

For further advice please visit:

• The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
• The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Or a local travel health clinic

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable travel insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!