0ffa's Dyke, Knighton

It was built for King Offa of Mercia, who ruled from 757 to 796, and its purpose may have been to defend Mercia from Welsh raiders, though this is debatable as it would have offered inadequate defence without additional fortifications, no traces of which have been discovered. The dyke was previously believed to have run all the way from Treuddyn (north of Wrexham) to Chepstow, but recent research in Gloucestershire suggests that the earthwork in the lower Wye Valley, previously accepted as part of Offa's Dyke, actually dates from a different period.

However, the Shropshire earthwork is definitely part of Offa's Dyke, and most of the best preserved sections of the dyke are in Shropshire, with the finest section of all on remote Llanfair Hill, which is also where the dyke reaches its highest point (430m).

Offa's Dyke Path opened in 1971 and is one of 15 National Trails - a sort of premiership of long-distance paths. It runs for 177 miles from Prestatyn to Chepstow, with only a relatively small part of it actually following the earthwork.

Roughly halfway along the trail, by the River Teme, is Knighton, or Tref-y-clawdd - the town on the dyke'. The Offa's Dyke Centre at Knighton is worth visiting for its interesting displays. The photographs should whet your appetite for the real thing, from which you can enjoy glorious views of the Teme valley, Radnor hills and Clun Forest.

It is worth extending the walk to Llanfair Hill if you have the energy, especially at this time of year when this section of the dyke is covered in bluebells.

Instead of leaving Offa's Dyke Path at Garbett, just continue north for as far as you like (it's two miles to the lane at the far side of Llanfair Hill) then return the same way. You needn't return all the way to Garbett, as there is an alternative bridleway which leaves Offa's Dyke Path 650m north of Garbett Hall, avoiding Little Selley and rejoining the route at point three (see map, left).

Much of Panpunton Hill and Cwm-sanaham Hill is access land where you can explore at will, choosing your own route, though dense bracken makes it difficult in places.

If you want to take advantage of this it's advisable to check the access area boundaries, either on the website (www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk) or the latest edition of the Explorer map.

FACTFILEStart: Knighton (a small town at the junction of the A488 and A4113 on the Shropshire/Radnorshire border); grid ref SO284725.

Length: Nine miles/14.5km, plus an optional extension of up to four miles/6.5km over Llanfair Hill.

Maps: OS Explorer 201, OS Landranger 148.

Terrain: Undulating upland pasture, with a steep climb near the start.

Footpaths: Mostly excellent.

Stiles: 16.

Parking: There are car parks at Offa's Dyke Centre and by the bus station.

Public transport: By train (daily), changing at Hereford and Craven Arms; it's now impossible for Worcester residents to do the journey entirely by bus, due to the recent withdrawal of evening services from Kidderminster to Worcester, but for those with bus passes a combination of bus and train (via Kidderminster and Ludlow) is possible and still much cheaper than taking the train all the way; www.traveline.org.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk or Traveline 0870 608 2608 or Rail Enquiries 08457 484950.

Refreshments: Knighton.

DIRECTIONS1 Go to Offa's Dyke Centre on West Street then join the northbound Offa's Dyke Path (ODP) signed Prestatyn Beach 97 miles'. Descend to the River Teme and follow it for a while before crossing both the river and the railway and beginning the steep climb up Panpunton Hill. Offa's Dyke Path goes straight up until almost at the top of the hill, where it turns left. Follow it for the next few miles, heading north-west, guided by waymarks and the dyke itself. As you approach the summit of Cwm-sanaham Hill the path turns sharp left to the trig pillar, and then resumes its north-westerly heading. A steep descent leads to Brynorgan and then a level track runs on to meet a lane.2 Turn left, then almost immediately right to follow ODP for a further 400m to another lane, at Garbett. Leave ODP here (unless continuing to Llanfair Hill) and turn right along the lane, which ends at Little Selley. Keep straight on along a bridleway, passing to the right of a farm, then walking along field edges. Ignore a misleading waymark which seems to direct you to the right. When you come to a hedge corner another waymark points diagonally left. Go this way to the far side of the field, pass through a gate then turn right through another gate.3 Follow the right-hand fence/hedge, staying with it when it turns a corner. Keep to the right-hand edges through the ensuing fields, eventually descending past a farm to meet a lane. Turn right, go straight on at a junction and then take a bridleway on the left. Follow it uphill, ignoring a path branching right to Brynorgan. The bridleway is easily followed across the eastern side of Cwm-sanaham Hill to a junction at a gap in an avenue of beech trees.4 Branch right, soon descending to pass a farm, then shortly rejoining ODP. Turn left, walking back along ODP towards Knighton for 600m. Reaching a cross-path, turn right and descend towards Bryney. Turn left just before you reach the farmhouse, joining a waymarked path which contours round the hillside. The path eventually meets a lane at Nether Skyborry. Turn left towards Knighton, past Panpunton and Kinsley Wood. Turn right by the train and bus stations for the town centre.PLEASE NOTE: This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be accurate at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or omissions, or for any loss, accident or injury, however caused.