Offa's Dyke Path - Day 5: Llanymynech to Welshpool

Distance: 20km; Ascent: negligible; Solo

See route in new window

Today's section of the Offa's Dyke path was not one that I was particularly inspired by as it is entirely flat, mostly alongside a river and a canal, with no hills to climb.  However most long distance paths seem to have their less good days, and at least I should be able to make quick progress :)

I felt much better this morning after a good night's sleep and, after a big breakfast, I was raring to go! The overnight rain had yet to clear completely so I was wearing full waterproofs when I set off walking at 8:15am.  I retraced my steps from yesterday for around 100m, before picking up the Montgomery Canal towpath.

Carreghofa Locks

The rain soon eased and there was a dusting of snow on the hills in the distant south.  The canal side walking was pleasant enough, although it was clear that the canal was no longer navigable as it disappeared for a few metres at some of the road crossings.  I passed the attractive Carreghofa Locks before crossing the River Vyrnwy on an aqueduct.  I continued to follow the canal for around another kilometre to where the onward route parted company with the canal; here I had a brief rest on a conveniently sited bench.

Pont-y-Person: where the Offa's Dyke Path leaves the canal

The main A483 road had been re-routed since my map was printed, but there were plenty of waymarks to direct me through the smart new subway and along the now old road into the village of Four Crosses.  From here I picked up Offa's Dyke again, which I followed for the next few kilometres to reach the Severn Way and shortly afterwards the River Severn.

Offa's Dyke south of Four Crosses

I followed the Tirymynach Embankment, built as a flood defence, for the next five or so kilometres with views across to the Breidden Forest and getting occasional glimpses of the River Severn.  The ground was firm and grassy, which made for easy walking and I reached Pool Quay shortly after 11am.  From here I picked up the Montgomery Canal again, which I was to follow all the way to Welshpool.

River Severn from the Tirymynach Embankment

Lone blackthorn tree

Breidden Hills from Tirymynach Embankment

Having seen almost no other walkers since setting off the morning, I now began to see occasional other people as I neared Welshpool.  Around midday the sun came out and it stayed sunny for the rest of my walk.  Once in Welshpool, I left the canal to wander through a housing estate and past a Tesco to reach the station at 12:45, in plenty of time for the one o'clock train home.

Montgomery Canal near Welshpool

It had been a good few days walking, covering a wide variety of different terrain and scenery, and today's walk had been better than I had expected.  At some point I shall return to Welshpool to continue the Offa's Dyke path southwards, but I'm not too sure when at the moment.

Photos and route maps will follow in the next few days...