Knighton to Kington: 13.6 miles (21.9km) +651m -670m (8 October 2015)

It was now time for us to complete Offa’s Dyke. In 2008 we missed the leg from Knighton to Kington due to yoga commitments. Unfortunately for us it was one of the longest and most strenuous stretches of Offa’s Dyke and we had to do it all in one day.

The day before we drove up to Kington and stayed at the Burton Hotel. Before we left on the following morning we told reception what we were doing just in case! A taxi picked us up from the hotel and took us to the Offa’s Dyke Visitor Centre in Kington. This was just after 9am and it was shut with the toilets barred closed. Not very inviting for tourists.

The way out of Knighton isn’t very well signposted but after a couple of mistakes we found ourselves on our first steep incline of the day across the local golf course where we picked up the dyke.

For October the weather was good and we had wonderful views over the Welsh and English countryside.

We walked to the small village of Rhos-y-Meirch which meant another steep climb to Hawthorn Hill and then down to Dolly Green. We then had a flat area until Discoed before climbing up to Hilltop Plantation. The path was then relatively flat as it went round Evenjobb Hill and then down again to Ditchyeld Bridge.

At this point we had walked about 9 miles and it was 3pm. We stopped for a drink and to decide whether to go on or stop and complete the walk tomorrow. As we sat there we saw a Red Kite in the distance, then another, then another, until we could see over 20 flying above us. We decided this was an omen and we should carry on.

From the bridge the path went round Herrock Hill, up Rushock Hill and round Bradnor Hill until we got to Bradnor Green. From here it was a short walk down hill back to the hotel.

We arrived back at 5pm and saw the receptionist who said she was going to wait for another hour before doing anything. We thanked her and had a rest after our long walk before dinner.

Total walked on the day: 13.6 miles

Total around Wales: 560.5 miles