Backpacking the Offa's Dyke National Trail: Part 1 - Chepstow to Brompton Bridge

[@harrylinsdell8114]

Thanks for the time and effort you put in to share with us Andrew, looks like a great trail to be on

[@solway17carlisle]

Thanks Harry - I find doing the filming for these videos gives me an interesting diversion during the walk. Thanks for watching - Regards….

[@GreyGhost.]

Excellent.

[@solway17carlisle]

Thanks Paul 👍

[@thewestonfront]

Nicely narrated, and I enjoyed seeing what the section of path looks like which I plan to walk in August. Thanks for your efforts in making this available.

[@solway17carlisle]

Thanks for your comment. I hope you enjoy your walk when the time comes - it’s a lovely trail. Regards..

[@johnpark8637]

thanks for the video!

[@solway17carlisle]

Glad you enjoyed it - Thanks

[@BorderRambler]

Looks a great trail Andrew , lots of stunning views along the route . And weather looking not too bad for you. Look forward to part 2 atb Dave

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi Dave - it was a nice trail though a bit hilly surprisingly! I got a bit of rain but good weather overall. The Offas Dyke was bigger in places than I expected- worth a look if you ever get down that way. Cheers 👍

[@neilllewellyn8338]

Top video

[@solway17carlisle]

Thanks Neil - glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@timdoggart6787]

Thanks for that - gives a great impression of the path. I'm hoping to do it this coming June.

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi Tim - I would say June will be lovely for the Offas Dyke trail. I hope you enjoy the walk - it traverses beautiful countryside. All the best..

[@GerryDance]

Hi Andrew, Great video 👍 Looking forward to watching part 2! Your walking boots look very comfy. Do mind saying the brand and what you thought of them please. I suffer a lot with blisters! Cheers Gerry.

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi Gerry - I too have problems with blisters so tend to use Vaseline then put on my socks then some trail shoes - these are the La Sportiva ‘Bushido’ shoes and work pretty well for these types of trail. I’ve also used La Sportiva ‘Ultra Raptors’ successfully. Hope this helps with your trails - Thanks for watching…Kind Regards

[@WyeExplorer]

Really enjoyed the video Andrew. One of the vest Offa's Dyke videos I've seen for a while. I recognized the whole route up until Knighton but after that is new ground for me. I just love that borderland back country farming space. Some of it remote on the tops. Well, a decent part 1. All the best. Mark

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi Mark - Thanks so much for the encouraging comment. I realised I was stepping into your patch at the time. There is a lovely sense of being in a borderland along this route with its scattered farms and remote feeling. Thanks for watching and commenting- best wishes 😊

[@WyeExplorer]

@@solway17carlisle A pleasure Andrew. Oh yeah, love them remote farming operations. I really enjoyed it. Hey, never knew you knew I was here. Peace.

[@Ronaldstenson]

@@WyeExplorerwith no disrespect to the solway the best videos by far are from “pipeshikes” extremely detailed.

[@debbistevenson6485]

Thank you so much for this, Offa’s Dyke is my next year’s project. Did you wild camp at all? Just wondering

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi Debbi - Yes on a couple of occasions, otherwise I used regular campsites. 1st on the banks of the River Severn past Welshpool (finding a small field without cattle) and 2nd at the end of a day descending towards Chirk Castle. I understand other walkers use Taxis etc to reach nearby towns for BnBs etc as an alternative. I hope you enjoy it - it’s a lovely walk…

[@debbistevenson6485]

@@solway17carlisle thank you, I plan to use campsites wherever possible but when I looked at the map thought that some wild camping would be needed. If I am carrying a tent I prefer to use it and I love camping.

[@catherinewalks1207]

Watching with interest. I hope to do the walk later in the year. Did you find somewhere to camp in Monmouth?

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi - yes, I stayed at Monnow Bridge CaravanPark. There is a grassed area set aside for campers. It’s close to the town centre 200metres or so on the right as you cross the Monnow Bridge. Enjoy your trip when it comes…

[@catherinewalks1207]

@@solway17carlisle Thanks that's a great help.

[@colinjohnston21]

Thanks so much for posting, really enjoy your video. Please tell me what’s that pouch on your strap of your rucksack plus what Rucksack are u using

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi Colin - it’s aGossamer Gear shoulder strap pocket size large from Ultralight Outdoor Gear. I got it because my rucksack (Exped Lightning 60L) doesn’t really have many external pockets. The pouch is used to carry my wallet in the zippered part and my phone in the pocket on the front. Thanks for watching- Regards 👍

[@Ronaldstenson]

Any issues with cattle on your walk?

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi Donald - there were a some concerns for me around Welshpool in fields next to the River Severn. They didn’t bother me but I kept well clear of them and didn’t have any issues. There seemed to be a lot more sheep along most of the walk!

[@DJVOutdoors]

I’m off next week just got a water bladder and some new poles for this any issues with cows?

[@solway17carlisle]

Hi - sorry for delayed reply, I’ve been away…I came across some big herds of cows in the area around Welshpool I think but it was ok. Hope your experience is the same. Best wishes…