North Wales MS Mark Isherwood donned his walking boots at the weekend to take part in a walk to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Offa’s Dyke Path as a National Trail.
Mr Isherwood, along with two of his adult children, walked just over 11.5 miles from Bodfari to Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range. After ascending to the bronze age burial mound at Pennycloddiau Hill, they had some steep ups and downs over and around Moel Arthur, Moel Llys-y-Coed and Moel Dywyll, before the path eventually led them to the top of Moel Famau.
The walk was one of a series organised by Ramblers Cymru, along with its partners, including NRW and National Trails, throughout September to mark the special anniversary of the 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail.
Mr Isherwood said:
“The Offa’s Dyke is a spectacular trail which passes through many different types of landscape and it was a great pleasure to take part in Saturday’s walk with two of my adult children to mark the 50th anniversary.
“The panoramic views available throughout the trail have led to international acclaim – it was even named one of the world’s greatest walks by Lonely Planet. The Path takes hikers through traditional rural towns and hamlets, home to cosy pubs, stunning landscapes and innumerable heritage hotspots.
“The weather served us well on Saturday and we all thoroughly enjoyed the trek and the spectacular scenery we witnessed along the 11.5 miles.
“The walk we undertook is just one of a series organised to mark the anniversary, with walks for all levels on offer - a long, an intermediate and a Family walk in each of three locations.
“Further walks will take place on September 11th and 18th and I encourage people to take part and explore a stretch of the Offa’s Dyke Path in celebration of its 50th year.”
The Saturday 11th September celebration comprises of a set of three walks which all visit Knighton with iconic views of the Welsh / English Border Country, and feature a particularly stunning section of the path as it skirts King Offa’s earthwork.
The Saturday 18 September walks all visit Tintern, climbing to Devils Pulpit for iconic views of Tintern Abbey.
For further information visit: Offa’s Dyke Path 50th Anniversary 1971-2021 - National Trails