Pathways > The Pathways book > Dykes and ditches
Dykes and ditches
The British Isles are littered with dykes and ditches, many of which are of unknown origin. In England there are dozens, some of which are very substantial earthworks stretching for miles across the countryside.
Because many have names with an Anglo-Saxon derivation they have previously been assumed to date from that era, possibly erected to defend against invading Viking armies. Some, such as Offa's Dyke (the only one credited to an individual), are certainly Anglo-Saxon. However recent excavations have begun to suggest that many are much earlier, dating from around the Roman withdrawal from Britain around 410AD.
If that is the case the dykes paint a picture of a country unified under the Romans disintegrating into old tribal factions once the central power-base was gone (rather as happened more recently with Yugoslavia). The construction of the dykes would have coincided with the refortification of some Iron Age hill forts. It is an intriguing notion.
The Oswestry Old Racecourse and Offa's Dyke walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld.
There is a special thread in the Pathways forum on Dykes and Ditches, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a list of other walks visiting Dykes and Ditches:
Cambridgeshire
The walk starts at the attractive old village of Reach, then goes along the Devil's Dyke path down to the fenland, finally beside Reach Lode, once a busy waterway centuries ago transporting boats to the port at Reach.... More info
A lovely walk which starts on the ancient Devil's Dyke, then crosses over to the lovely rural village of Swaffham Prior, which boasts no fewer than two churches, two windmills and a very pleasant pub. Return is via country lanes to the village of... More info
Denbighshire
This walk starts from the popular Loggerheads Country Park and follows a relatively little-used bridleway around the base of Moel Famau, the highest summit in the Clwydian range. The Jubilee Tower on the top is a superb viewpoint, even the English... More info
This circular walk takes in the summit of Moel Hiraddug, which is the most northerly of the six hill-forts on the Clwydian range with its outstanding views. It uses part of Offa's Dyke National Trail on the return to a National Trust car park. ... More info
The lower hills of the Clwydian Range form the basis of this walk, which uses a section of the Clwydian Way as the outward route and part of Offa's Dyke National Trail to return by.... More info
The undulating countryside around Trelawnyd is very attractive and offers excellent views as far as Snowdonia and the chance to walk part of Offa's Dyke National Trail.... More info
With a pub every 6km, a round might well be in order. The walk starts high in the Clwydian Hills and drops to two villages by woodlands and limestone outcrops, before rising again to join Offa's Dyke National Trail.... More info
This is a part of the Clwydian Range where you are unlikely to meet many people, except for the short section on Offa's Dyke National Trail. The terrain is firm tracks apart from one section. There are particularly wide views from the summit of Moel... More info
The walk is based on the pretty Welsh village of Cilcain and has some steep ascents. The terrain is mostly easy, however: lanes, tracks and firm ground. Offa's Dyke National Trail is used for part of the walk, which goes under the shoulder of Moel... More info
A circuit of the gentle hill ridge to the west of Llangollen - the northern tail of the Berwyns - topped off by a return on the Carrog - Llangollen heritage railway. There are views across the Vale of Llangollen to Llantysilio Mountain and the... More info
East Sussex
Town and Down; from Hove Station the walk follows a hidden green corridor through Hove, via Waterhall to the South Downs, Saddlescombe Farm (NT), up to the breathtaking Devil's Dyke. From there the Number 77 bus takes us either to Brighton Station or... More info
Gloucestershire
The walk starts at the River Wye and follows Offa's Dyke for part of its route and the Gloucestershire Way in the middle.... More info
This is a fairly easy walk with the climbing done before lunch. There are good views of the Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey from Offa's Dyke.
... More info
A short walk to visit the viewpoint at the Devil's Pulpit and walk part of Offa's Dyke.... More info
Begin with another stretch of Offa's Dyke, some of the time walking on or near the dyke, with good views and plenty of wildlife. Most of the walk is on good paths, but with some mud after rain and a steepish descent of the field between Waymarks 6... More info
Quite a strenuous walk from Brockweir and up to Hewelsfield and Brockweir, with plenty of sunken lanes as well as old stony tracks. Hewelsfield and St Briavels have plenty to see and the mixed woodland is rich in flowers and birdlife.... More info
Visit the ancient Borough Town of Monmouth, rich in history and walk on the old iron bridge that carried the railway across the River Wye. Climb up the Kymin and walk along forest rides, past HUGE stone outcrops; and see spectacular views before... More info
Starting from Redbrook, the outward route follows the Offa's Dyke Path to visit the Round House before dropping down to Monmouth. The return route follows the River Wye.... More info
This walk uses the Wye Valley Walk on the Welsh side of the river, but returns via the Offa's Dyke Path on the English side. There are great views of the Wye Valley, particularly as the path descends to Redbrook.
... More info
Herefordshire
The feel of a high mountain without a big climb, great views across the Welsh Borders, a short stretch of the Offa's Dyke path and then a green route to a country pub for lunch.... More info
The walk starts from the Marches town of Kington. The outward route uses the Offa's Dyke Path as it climbs onto Bradnor Hill. The views are far-reaching. After reaching part of the original earthworks of the dyke, the return route follows the... More info
A delightful walk from Kington, Herefordshire, partly on Offa's Dyke, climbing 426 metres above sea level and visiting the small communities of Bredward and Hergest.... More info
A taste of the Wye Valley with a bit of history - an old tramway and railway and a short section of Offa's Dyke - as well as great views and the nature reserve of Coppet Hill, not to mention a choice of pubs for lunch! ... More info
Hertfordshire
See the original 'Old Mill By The Stream' on this beautiful Hertfordshire walk.... More info
Monmouthshire
This short walk from Tintern Abbey along the Wye Valley to the Devil's Pulpit, takes in part of Offa's Dyke Path and combines historical interest with fine views of the monastic site and its surroundings.... More info
A short circular walk set in the heart of the Black Mountains with fine views of the surrounding hills and plains. The route leads from Llanthony Priory onto Hatterrall Hill and includes a section of Offa's Dyke Path. This walk offers a good... More info
This walk starts at Chepstow Castle and continues on the Wye Valley Walk along the wooded hillsides, following the river to Tintern, crosses at Brockweir and then climbs again to follow the Offa's Dyke Path back to Chepstow.... More info
A walk in the Wye Valley taking in the Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path.... More info
From the monastic site at Tintern, follow the old railway track acros the river and through the woods, climb to Offa's Dyke and the Devil's Pulpit and return through the woods.... More info
From Llanthony Priory, climb up onto Hatteral Hill and walk part of Offa's Dyke. Come down above Vision Farm and return along the Vale of Ewyas.... More info
Although this walk has a height gain of 200 metres, it seems mainly flat. The walk starts in Chepstow and the town and castle are both worth a visit. The walk takes you out to Sedbury Cliffs and back another way.... More info
An easy walk for half a day; pass the site of Dingestow Castle and on the return route pass the site of a motte and bailey. Part of the walk is on Offa's Dyke Path and the walk through King's Wood is rich in birdlife and flowers.... More info
A short easy walk to visit White Castle. The outward route makes use of the Three Castles Walk, (White Castle, Skenfrith and Grosmont) and returns via Offa's Dyke Path. Most of the paths are on good ground, all the stiles are good and easy to use.... More info
This easy walk uses the newly-opened Monnow Valley Walk for the outward route and after crossing some fields, joins Offa's Dyke Path to return to Monmouth. There are no real climbs or descents.... More info
On this walk we follow parts of two long-distance paths, Offa's Dyke Path and the Marches Way. The return route visits a nature reserve.... More info
Powys
Going south from Knighton on Offa's Dyke National Trail, some fine examples of the earthworks are seen. A hilltop link from Rhos-y-Meirch to Bailey Hill has fine views and allows the walker to join Glyndwr's Way back to Knighton, with a short... More info
The outward route follows Offa's Dyke Path but then crosses a common rich in rare plants. Inlate summer there are patches of the rare Meadow Saffron as well as the unusual Sneezewort. Enjoy lovely views.... More info
The Breidden Hills rise abruptly out of the Severn Plain and are most often viewed by walkers on Offa's Dyke National Trail. They are very dramatic in form and any ascent is steep, but their isolation make them among the most rewarding viewpoints... More info
The Breidden Hills rise abruptly out of the Severn Plain and are most often viewed by walkers on Offa's Dyke National Trail. They are very dramatic in form and any ascent is steep, but their isolation make them among the most rewarding viewpoints... More info
The start of the walk is a good climb on the Offa's Dyke Trail. The reward is the lovely view, followed by a gradual descent back down to Hay and the pubs and tea rooms.... More info
A skyline walk in the Black Mountains along part of Offa's Dyke. Can't decide whether to walk in England or Wales? You can do both at the same time on this walk.... More info
Shropshire
This is a short, circular walk mainly in mature woodland and using part of Offa's Dyke National Trail. It is on good tracks and is easy to follow. The walk itself has few views, but the open ground at the start offers outstanding views across the... More info
West Sussex
Enjoy wide skies and lovely views over the Sussex Weald on this breezy walk, with a choice of three hostelries on the route.... More info
A South Downs walk for short winter days taking in Devil's Dyke, the South Downs Way and views way out to sea.... More info
Explore The Devil's Dyke, walking through it and around it with wonderful views of Sussex.... More info
Wrexham
Based on the National Trust's Erddig Hall, this is a short and attractive walk accompanied in part by a boundary older than Offa's Dyke. A visit to Erddig can easily be rounded off by this stroll in the grounds and the surrounding countryside.... More info
Walks through the grounds of Chirk Castle are not possible in winter, as the private paths are closed, so this walk offers an alternative. It uses some very narrow lanes and tracks along which Offa's Dyke path run as well as a length of the... More info
Yorkshire
The RSPB describe their reserve at Bempton Cliffs as 'easily the best place in England to see, hear and smell seabirds'. Find out for yourself.... More info