Offa's Dyke is one of the most varied of our National Trails, passing through valleys, woods and patchworks of fields, and crossing remote uplands, bare hill tops and wind-swept ridges. It also skirts Iron Age forts, Norman castles and border towns. The section of the Trail around Prestatyn is outstanding for its panoramic views of the coastline and Snowdonia. As its name suggests, the path often follows the line dictated by the ruthless King Offa when he ordered the construction of a defensive earthwork in the eighth century AD. This ensures high ground and commanding views into the mountains and valleys of Wales. Where for practical reasons the route of the dyke cannot be followed, as in the Black Mountains and the Clwydian Hills, the alternative route has been chosen for scenic quality alone.
Walking Offa's Dyke
 Offa's Dyke and Tourist Information Centre |
From the beach, the trail passes up Bastion Road towards the Railway Station, then up the High Street and Fforddlas, onto Prestatyn Hillside. Acorn signs mark the route up the Hillside and beyond.
Located alongside the Offa's Dyke Path at one point on the hillside are the remains of an old cottage called Pant-y-Fachwen. Unearthed by Denbighshire Countryside Service volunteers in 1999, records indicate the cottage was the home of a mining family during the 19th century.
Please remember that Offa's Dyke is not in public ownership, so access may be restricted on some sections. Not all parts of the earthwork carry a Right of Way. You should also note that there are only very short sections of bridleway so the National Trail is not suitable for mountain bikes or horses. Dog owners are warned that long sections of the path are through agricultural land with grazing sheep, and gardens, so walkers must keep their dogs under control.
The National Trail is promoted and funded by the Countryside Council for Wales and the Countryside Agency. It is maintained on their behalf by County Councils or National Park Authorities. Further information can be obtained from: The Offa's Dyke Association, West Street, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN; Tel.: (01547) 528753; E-mail: oda@offasdyke.demon.co.uk.
King Offa ruled over the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia, which spread out from the English Midlands from 757 to 796 AD. At this time the Welsh Marches were the scene of violent warfare and it is believed that it was this struggle which culminated in the building of the dyke. Research suggests that the earthwork marked, and possibly defended the western boundary of Offa's kingdom, beyond which lay the land of the Welsh Princes. During his reign, Offa introduced a penny coin on which he styled himself as King of the English, and this is celebrated in the Prestatyn logo.
The precise location in Prestatyn where King Offa's defensive dyke ended is unknown. However, a number of references place it near the remains of a farmhouse called Uffern (Hell) which once stood close to Nant Hall, on the outskirts of the town. The origins of the great earthwork are still shrouded in mystery and there are no written records from the time of construction. This means that archaeologists have to interpret the design and purpose of the dyke from the 80 miles or so that still remain. It is an earth bank up to 8 metres high, often with a ditch alongside. Unsurprisingly, the ditches have now largely filled up and become overgrown but what remains of the dyke forms the largest ancient monument in the United Kingdom.
The dyke was neglected for centuries until 1949 when it was first listed as a long distance route. The Offa's Dyke National Trail was officially opened in 1971 on behalf of the Countryside Commission.
Visit the Natural Environment Page for more information on the countryside surrounding Prestatyn.
  
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Virtual Prestatyn Website Prestatyn Business Association, Tai Tywyn Business Centre, Sandy Lane, Prestatyn, LL19 7SF, UK. Tel. +44 (0)1745 887755 Fax +44 (0)1745 889704 E-mail mail@prestatyn.org.uk | |||
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