Walking the Offa's Dyke Path
Day Six & Seven: Trial by Exhaustion & Injury
One of the thousands of stiles
The hikers departed from Hay-on-Wye early in the morning, setting off on their 15-mile trek to Kington. However, restless sleep had left them sluggish, and today’s challenge was one they hadn’t faced before—exhaustion.
As they passed through two small villages, Mary remained hopeful that they could stop for a cappuccino, but to her dismay, no café appeared. Nevertheless, they pushed on through rolling green farmland, picturesque paddocks, and charming country roads. Despite their fatigue, they witnessed some of the most breathtaking scenery of their journey, making every weary step worthwhile.
Unfortunately, near the end of the day, Ernest developed a painful ankle—likely the result of the repetitive strain of six days of hiking. Though he managed to hobble to their hotel in Kington, uncertainty loomed over whether he could continue for the final leg of the trip. Fortunately, thanks to Julia’s excellent nursing skills, his ankle improved overnight, allowing him to press on.
Gorgeous Wales
The final day of the hike arrived, and it proved to be the most stunning of the entire journey. The fab four embarked on their 14-mile trek from Kington to Knighton. Ernest’s ankle reminded him of its presence with every step, but he persevered—armed with ibuprofen and sheer determination, he managed to walk for nine hours. Today’s challenge was not exhaustion, but injury.
When they finally arrived at their hotel in Knighton, their victory was sweet. Awaiting them was a comforting cup of tea and a slice of cheesecake—a simple indulgence after days of struggle. Overwhelmed with joy, Mary even kissed the waitress in celebration. Of all the highlights of the trip, taking a hot bath or shower each evening was among the most treasured.
Looking back on the long walk
That night was particularly satisfying as they finally discarded their muddy, sweat-soaked hiking clothes—worn continuously for six days.
Their triumph called for a celebration. Over dinner, the group held an awards ceremony: David earned the "Leader and Navigator Award," Ernest received the "Endurance Through Extreme Pain Award," Mary won the "Cleanest Trousers Award," and Julia was crowned the "Sign Spotter in the Distance Award." Plenty of wine was enjoyed as they toasted their success in completing the first half of Offa’s Dyke Path.
Their journey covered 81 miles over six days:
Chepstow to Monmouth - 17 miles (27 km)
Monmouth to Pandy - 17 miles (27 km)
Pandy to Hay-on-Wye - 18 miles (29 km)
Hay-on-Wye to Kington - 15 miles (24 km)
Kington to Knighton - 14 miles (24 km)
The end of the road
Pricing:
Choosing Contours Walking Holidays for this adventure costs £425 ($664.89) per person for a seven-night, six-day walking package, which includes accommodation and luggage transportation.
Flights from San Francisco to London Heathrow range from $564 to $4,015.
Bus fare from London to Chepstow costs £22.00 ($34.42), while Prestatyn to London is priced at £30.10 ($47.09).