A 5 mile circular walk through the stunning scenery of Llanfair Waterdine, taking in the ancient monument of Offa’s Dyke. This walk is moderate to difficult with some steep sections and stiles but largely along well defined paths.
Llanfair Waterdine
Llanfair Waterdine village and parish is situated on the southern edge of the Clun Forest, a remote and very rural part of Shropshire, which is only partly forested. Historically the village was in Wales, as it lies to the west of Offa’s Dyke, but is now in England. The village is sometimes considered more Welsh in character with its steep wooded interlocking hills. The ancient boundary, Offa’s Dyke winds scenically across the parish, Llanfair Waterdine being at the same time both part of The Shropshire Hills National Landscape and the Welsh Marches. This is very much sheep and cattle country so please bear this in mind if you are taking a dog out walking with you.
Offa’s Dyke
Offa’s Dyke is an impressive linear earthwork that defines the border between England and Wales. The monument is named after Offa, the 8th-century king of Mercia, who is traditionally believed to have ordered its construction. Although its original purpose is debated, it delineated the border between Anglo-Saxon Mercia and the Welsh kingdom of Powys. The Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail follows the route of the Dyke over it’s 177 mile length. There are two sections of the National Trail running through Shropshire, from Knighton through the Shropshire Hills to the Kerry Ridgeway near Bishops Castle, a short section, mostly in Shropshire, that passes by the old county town of Montgomery, and from Llanymynech crossing Oswestry Old Racecourse to Chirk Mill. The sections through Shropshire include some of the best preserved and impressive sections of the Offa’s Dyke monument.