Offa's Dyke Path is the 283 km National Trail following the man-made dyke that gives it its name. This volume features the southern section of the path, from Chepstow to Knighton, a distance of 125 km along the beautiful Wye valley and through the Black Mountains.

The route is split into convenient sections each with OS 1:25 000 maps marked with points of special interest. Circular routes off the trail for shorter walks are included. There is full route finding information on each section with colour photographs and notes on nearby features. Background information is included on local history, wildlife, archaeology, geology and land use. Information on towns and villages with facilities for walkers is included.

This volume features the northern section of this National Trail, following the ancient man made dyke from Knighton to Prestatyn, a distance of 97 miles. This is the official guide to the route, and can be used with confidence by both the long-distance walker and the weekend stroller. The entire route is split into 7 convenient sections each with OS Explorer mapping marked with special points of interest. The variety of scenery on this stretch of the path is remarkable. Starting in the gently hilly border country of mid-Wales, it winds north, skirting Montgomery and eventually Oswestry, before it enters the Clwydian Range, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ten circular routes off the trail for shorter walks are included. There is full route finding information on each section with colour photographs and notes on nearby features. Background information is included on local history, wildlife, archaeology, geology and land use. Information on towns and villages with facilities for walkers is included.

The northern section of the Offa's Dyke Path, from Prestatyn south to Welshpool, is notable for the variety of its beauty. The Clwydian Hills are followed by the valleys of the Dee, Ceiriog and Severn, with pleasant pastures and woods in between. The 18 circular walks in this book reflect this variety. In length they are from 3.5 to 9 miles, with many possibilities for shortening or combining walks. Part of each walk is on the Offa's Dyke Path, with most of the rest on good paths or quiet lanes. Each walk can be reached by public transport, for which directions are given. Each route has full instructions and a sketch map.

So far as history is concerned, as well as Offa's Dyke itself, the walks visit Iron Age hill forts, abbey ruins and fascinating industrial remains, now being wonderfully reclaimed by nature. Views include the Great Orme, the Dee and Mersey estuaries, Snowdonia, the Berwyns and the Shropshire Plain.

The walk locations are: Trelawnyd and Gwaenysgor; Round Y Foel from Dyserth; Tremeirchion; Waen Aberwheeler; Penycloddiau from Trefechan; Foel Fenlli from Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd; Graig-fechan; Llandegla and the River Alun; Valle Crucis Abbey and the Eglwyseg Valley; Panorama walk from Trevor; Froncysyllte; Chirk; Selattyn; Rhydycroesau; Trefonen and Nantmawr; Llanymynech; Tirymynach and the Severn; Buttington and Welshpool.

The central section of the Offa's Dyke Path, through the Welsh Marches between Welshpool and Hay-on-Wye, is a wonderful switchback walk. Eight rivers and numerous tributaries are crossed in beautiful countryside. The 17 circular walks in this book vary in length from under 5 miles to 10.5 miles, with many possibilities for shortening or combining walks. Part of each walk is on the Offa's Dyke Path, with most of the rest on good paths or quiet lanes. Nearly every walk can be reached by public transport, for which directions are given. Each route has full instructions and a sketch map plus supporting information.

The finest stretches of Offa's Dyke itself are in this area as well as numerous castles and other remains from many periods of history. Small towns such as Knighton and Kington alternate with picturesque villages and fine stretches of open country.

The walk locations are: Marton and Forden; Montgomery; Chirbury; Pentreheyling; Colebatch; Whitcott Keysett; Knucklas; Five Turnings; Knighton and Knucklas; Whitton; Evenjobb; Presteigne; Kington and Herrock Hill; Gladestry; Huntington and Newchurch; Rhydspence and Pentwyn; Rhydspence and Bettws Clyro; Hay-on-Wye.

If you'd like to walk Offa's Dyke National Trail, but don't fancy doing it all in one go, here's the answer. This guide describes 25 challenging circular routes north of Knighton, sampling the delights of some of the best hill walking areas in the country. The fabulous range of walks, from 6 to 13 miles, feature many historic sites including Valle Crucis Abbey and Chirk Castle, plus the border towns of Montgomery, Welshpool and Bishop's Castle.

This book is a companion to the Southern Section Circular Walks. providing a two volume set covering the complete Trail. There are detailed but concise instructions, including height gain, local facilities and summaries of terrain and ground conditions. Sketch maps are to scale, a boon in this demanding terrain. Planned for maximum enjoyment, suggested starting points give the more demanding elements in the first few miles.

Ian Coulthard lives on the Wirral. He has written his guidebooks particularly for those who share his passion for energetic hill walking routes.