Photo link

Here is the promised link to the photos.

http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/892894945

We are now in the midst of packing for a short trip to Holland - and cyclig around the Zuider Zee, with the Parkins.

Day 16: Bodfari to Prestatyn 12 miles

 The final day. After a good meal at The Downing Arms, where most of the customers appeared to be Offa's Dyke Walkers, we had a good nights sleep at Valeside B&B. Treated to smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for breakfast and then off for the last section. The start was very steep up, and we had a number of ups and downs through the day, and we were expecting downhill to the sea. We crossed a bridge over the main road, not just any main road but a Roger Butler main road, A55. Apparently he built the whole thing single handed when he was a lot younger. The last part into Prestatyn made us walk up the cliffs above the town before eventually letting us down to walk straight through the centre to the Official end on the seafront. As we approached the sea we could see the thronging masses, Eileen, who cheered us in. She was a very welcome sight. Photos sorted, bags picked up and in the car back to Coedpoeth.

A great walk - more tiring than expected, we were lucky with the weather which in the main was good.

I will put some photos on a link asap.

Day 15:Clwyd Gate to Bodfari 11 miles

After a lot of chat with Ann, the host, we were dropped off at Clwyd Gate in the rain. This soon changed to rain and very strong wind, later on with hail. Quite a contrast to yesterday. Luckily the wind cleared the rain and the views were amazing. We were constantly buffeted by the wind. The sky cleared and stayed bright until we arrived at the B&B.
Good meal at the pub, so fortified for tomorrow.            

Day 14: Castell Dinas Bran to Clwyd Gate 14.5 miles

We sat having breakfast, watching the mist rise to reveal a wonderful blue sky. Set off about 9.30, after a mile or so we left the road and slowly made our way up the scree slopes in glorious sunshine. The views were amazing, the path levelled out, became very narrow in parts and steep. We found a sheep that had become very attached to a large pine tree that it was dragging about. When we tried to help tree and sheep rolled down the scree , still very attached to each other. So we followed, caught the sheep and eventually managed to cut it free of the tree. Off it ran with not a word of thanks. Back up the scree to the path and on towards Worlds End. We had to follow the road for a while then across the heather towards Llandegla Forest. The heather was in glorious full colour. The path was laid out with boards which made it easy walking. Llandegla forest had a few cyclists, then we walked the last few hills along to Clwyd Gate. A pint, picked up for the B&B. Meal in the pub - curry night!
Two days left.

Day 13: Craignant to Llangollen via Castell Dinas Bran 11 miles

We were away by 9.30 after a good breakfast and were dropped off at yesterdays finishing point. A steady climb took us up above Craignant where we could then see Chirk Castle in the distance. Of course this meant a long walk down and up before we were above the castle.
Down into the Vale of Llangollen and along the canal. All very quiet until we approached Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, when it started to get busier. Canal boats queuing to take their turn across the aqueduct, and more sightseers. We soon left all of that behind as we headed for Trevor Hall and the road to Llangollen. The vale filled with low cloud, but rain held off until the B&B vehicle arrived. We made good time today, just hope we do the same tomorrow, that looks a more serious day.
Off into town for food and to hopefully meet up with Rob.
Rob, Kath and boys plus a girlfriend, Christine, arrived and we had a drink in the Corn Mill and were later joined by Elfrida, the German lady we had met a few times on the walk.

Day 12: Llanymynech to Craignant 10.3 miles

A very early start for us, on the path before 9.00. Cloudy start, but improved through the day. Hillier than yesterday, but not too bad. We made good time. We saw walkers going south today, at least 9. One I recognised as a person we saw going south yesterday!
Made it to the collection point at Craignant by 4.00 and B&B is a converted barn halfway up a hill with incredible views.
Llangollen tomorrow and hopefully see Rob on the evening.

Day 11: Buttington to Llanymynech 10.3 miles

We were dropped off back on the path where we came off yesterday at 9.50. A leisurely start today as it is flat and the shortest day we have had for a while.
Weather is great, warm and sunny. We walked along the Montgomery Canal to start then beside the River Severn and then back to the canal to walk into Llanymynech. Again we did not see any other walkers all day. We have both got aching bits and pieces, and I have a couple of blisters. Though the Second Skin plasters are great, I think they use Superglue to stick and a gel to protect the sore bit. They don't come off at all, I have had one on for 3 days and it hasn't moved. And yes I have showered.
Back to the hills tomorrow.        

Day 10: Cwm to Buttington 15.2 miles

We were promised an easier day, it was in terms of flatness, no hills until just before the end. But it was a long day. Bits are aching that have never ached before. All four legs are feeling the after effects of yesterday. We soldier on, another great B&B with views across and down the valley we walked today.
We have seen very few other walkers, on other days no more than 6 or 8. Today not one.
We have now done over 100 miles, and past halfway. Feeling pleased with that and in the next 6 days we may get some company, either Rob or Jane or possibly both, just for a day or 2, but that would be good.

Day 9: Knighton to Cwm 12.5 miles

Tried to get an early start but buying lunch and Second Skin for blisters took some time. Straight up to start then a brilliant high level walk for a while, but then the switchback started and continued all the way to the end. Steep drops and rises followed each other one after the other. We arrived at our B&B, an old farmhouse with the most stunning outlook, tea and cake were offered and eagerly accepted. The farm had been in the family for 6 generations.
Had a meal on splendid isolation at Mellington Hall.
Tomorrow promises to be easier, though equally long.

Day 8: Kington to Knighton 13.5 miles



Signs on route

Very hilly today, re-united with the Dyke. Weather good, bodies beginning to show wear and tear. Stayed in "The Fleece House". Had a very nice meal in the newly refurbished Knighton hotel. Breakfast was amazing- lots of homemade jams, marmalade, fruit mixes, all of which seemed to contain alcohol of some sort. 

We thought we might go to the Offa's Dyke Centre in Knighton as it is the start and finish, of the 2 sections - north and south. It was closed. We did not want to wait as the next day is reputed to be the hardest section of the whole walk.

Day 7: Hay-on-Wye to Kington 14.5 miles

Unusual wildlife

Another pleasant days walk, Hergest Ridge (pronounced Hargest). Views in all directions great. Long day but enjoyable. B&B was a couple of elderly ladies, but very nice room, meal in a great pub in town,

Day 6: Longtown to Hay-on-Wye 13 miles

Clear skies and windy start to day. Once we were up on the ridge the wind was very strong. Though the skies were clear and the views spectacular. Ann walked to the east of the path in Wales and I walked on the west in England. The wind kept blowing Ann back into England. An omen perhaps? The views renamed for all of the ridge. Almost a 360 degree panorama, when we got to the highest point on the whole Offa's Dyke Path we had the complete view. Over Hay Bluff we could see Hay on Wye 5 miles away and way down, a descent of about 600 metres. Hay was busy, it is Bank Holiday. It felt like being back in civilisation after our last three nights which have been miles from anywhere and very isolated. We now have WiFi and mobile reception.
Meal is booked downstairs, The Old Black Lion, apparently famous - for what we will endeavour to find out. Tomorrow we head to Kington, along Hergest Ridge, which some of you of a certain age may think sounds familiar. Weather sounds promising for tomorrow, which we need as it will be our longest day yet.

Day 5:Llangattock Lingoed to Longtown 7 miles

Leisurely start as a short day. Dry start after a very wet night. Met a solitary German lady from Munich, she had not heard of the Parkins though. Old Rectory was a lovely B&B. Elfrida set off ahead of us. We started on gently rolling farmland, some cows hid a signpost which confused us for a while, but back on track we crossed the main road and the Intercity rail line at Pandy. Then up to Hatterval Hill. As we reached the open hillside the cloud came down, so no view, no signs & no people. Carried on and then Elfrida appeared out of the mist going south. She joined us and we eventually found the path to Longtown. Our B&B was apparently a converted barn that was originally converted by the actor Robert Newton, most had not been touched since.

Day 4: The Hendre to Llangattock Lingoed 11 miles

Another great day weather wise. More gentle rolling paths with Sugar Loaf ahead. Very quiet as everyone has gone to Monmouth Show. Stopped at White Castle, an impressive Norman keep. Ann has finally understood that the Dyke was built to keep the Welsh out of England.

B&B is a great old vicarage with Amazing views. To get to it we climbed an enormous hill into the churchyard and into the B&B.

Had a lovely meal with another walker from Germany.

Start of big ridge tomorrow, just hope weather changes- thunder and lightning and torrential rain now. 20.300

Day 3: Bigsweir Bridge to The Hendre 10.3 miles

We are finding large areas with no mobile signal and B&Bs with no WIFI. To day started out wonderfully. Warm and sunny and a wonderful walk along the Dyke high above the River Wye. Magnificent views and and then lovely wooded paths. Found a lady with an injured ankle, she turned out to be from Appleby, though we didn't know her. Once she was sorted we went on and saw hardly any other walkers. Down to Monmouth, which was very pleasant, sat outside a pub for lunch in the sun. A rain shower as we left but Brollies Rule! Much better than waterproofs in these high temperatures. Stayed at Hendre Farmhouse, evening meal and a bottle of wine. Tough this walking lark.

Day 2: Chepstow to Bigsweir Bridge 8.9 miles

The stone marking the start.

Day 1 entailed Jane and Mark bringing us to Chepstow, and walking down to the start of the walk. I couldn't find it!! An ominous start to 170 miles of route finding. Eventually found the stone and walked back into Chepstow, found out B&B, said our goodbyes to Jane and Mark. We had a nice Italian meal and felt a little apprehensive about the next fortnight.
A slightly shorter day today as we get warmed up for the longer ones to follow. Bright and sunny all day, pity as we had packed waterproofs, brollies, gaiters, sou'wester, wellies, life preservers, emergency inflatables - in case the predicted rain, storms and flash flooding arrived/ which it didn't. We only saw 4 other walkers all day, until we were 50 metres from the B&B the we saw another group of 6. Very quiet but very pleasant walking. Mainly soft earth or grass which is great. Much of today was along the River Wye, either high up looking down or along the river bank. We had big open fields and small leafy tunnels, route finding fairly straight forward. Off to the local pub for fish and chips and a pint.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Chepstow
Day 2: Chepstow to Bigsweir Bridge                     8.9 miles
Day 3: Bigsweir Bridge to The Hendre                  10.3 miles
Day 4: The Hendre to Llangattock Lingoed           11 miles
Day 5:Llangattock Lingoed to Longtown               7 miles
Day 6: Longtown to Hay-on-Wye                          13 miles
Day 7: Hay-on-Wye to Kington                             14.5 miles
Day 8: Kington to Knighton                                   13.5 miles
Day 9: Knighton to Cwm                                       12.5 miles
Day 10: Cwm to Buttington                                   15.2 miles
Day 11: Buttington to Llanymynech                      10.3 miles
Day 12: Llanymynech to Craignant                        10.3 miles
Day 13: Craignant to Llangollen via Castell Dinas Bran   11 miles
Day 14: Trefor Rocks to Clwyd Gate                      14.5 miles
Day 15: Clwyd Gate to Bodfari                               11 miles
Day 16: Bodfari to Prestatyn                                    12 miles

Departure day closing in.

Just about packed and ready. Off tomorrow to Coedpoeth to leave the car at Eileen's. Then to Bath to visit Jane and Mark, they will drop us off in Chepstow on Monday so we can start the walk on Tuesday.
This theme of end to end or coast to coast continues, this one is Ann's choice. The Map on the National Trails site shows the whole route.
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/offasdyke/index.asp?PageId=1