Barriers Down on Offa's Dyke

Offa's Dyke was originally built as a barrier to stop the Welsh from raiding England. Now Monmouthshire County Council has removed the 20th century barriers to walkers from its section of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail. This was the first complete section of a UK National trail to have stiles removed and replaced with more accessible gates. To celebrate this, we will be launching the new stile free section of Offa's Dyke on Monday 7th December at 10.30am. The venue is the Hog's Head, Great Treadam, near Llantillo Crossenny (Grid Reference SO 381155). The event will involve speeches and a chance to walk part of the trail. Refreshments will be provided, including lunch after the walk.

Cllr Giles Howard, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:

"I am delighted that Monmouthshire's section of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail is the first section of a UK National trail to become stile free. This is important, as it will allow far more people to use the trail than could before. Whilst it will never be totally accessible, people with mobility problems, parents with children and older people will find it much easier to enjoy our beautiful Monmouthshire countryside on this historic trail."

He added:

"I would like to thank the many landowners who have made this possible. I would also like to thank our staff, who have worked so hard to help make this a reality and the Countryside Council for Wales for funding the improvements."