Offa's Dyke Part 13: Chirk to Trefonen
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This is the thirteenth in a series of day walks along the Offa's Dyke Path - the idea was to reach the English border in stages, but now we shall be invading England. Light the beacons!
This will be a logistically tricky event as we will be parking at the end point, organising the group then driving with half of the cars 20 minutes to the true start point.
After finishing the remaining cars will be used to return the first drivers back to their own vehicles.
From the true starting point at Chirk, we will head West towards Chirk Castle, picking up the Offa's Dyke Path and walking alongside the Dyke itself as it steeply rises out of the Ceiriog Valley towards Craignant.
Leaving the Wales/England border and after a spot of lunch at Selattyn Hill where the views look out over Shropshire Plains, Cheshire, and on a clear day signs of the Peak District too, we will continue South to the Old Racecourse Common above Oswestry / Croesowallt.
Riding our way furiously along the the old race track and after a cheeky picture on the ruins of the grandstand where the infamous Jack Mytton will once have stood cheering, the Path proceeds South through some beautiful coniferous woodland, crosses the River Morda and deposits our weary travellers at Trefonen for a well-earned refreshment at the Barley Mow Inn.
This walk is roughly 16 km/10 miles, with several steep ascents and descents, crossing a wide mix of terrain. Expect sections of muddy, rocky and uneven footing.
Well-behaved OutdoorDogs are very welcome but consider teaming up with a fellow dog driver. Note: Leads will be required in areas with livestock, and we will be crossing stiles frequently.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photos provided by event leader with permission for use on other ODL events.
What to bring
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch with you, along with enough water to keep you hydrated during the walk (recommended 1-2 litres).