Walking the Offa's Dyke Path
Day Eight: Trial by Hobbling
More than halfway to their goal
Our determined hikers embarked on a 12-mile walk from Brompton to Welshpool, now more than halfway toward achieving their goal of traversing the entire length of Wales along the picturesque Offa's Dyke Path. The good news? They faced a shorter trek compared to the previous day's exhausting 15 miles and encountered only two steep climbs rather than the five encountered earlier. Despite an hour of heavy rain, the remainder of the day was graced with light drizzle - classic summertime in Wales!
Ernest, having injured his left knee skiing before the hike, struggled as plantar fasciitis developed in his foot due to adjusting for the pain and long hours of walking. Despite the discomfort, Ernest hobbled determinedly onward as the two hikers pushed through the magnificent green scenery of Wales, drenched yet undeterred.
Magnificent green scenery of the Welsh countryside
Finally, they arrived in Welshpool, a quaint low-lying town in Powys, Montgomeryshire. The River Severn meanders through this charming village, which was originally known as Pool in England. Its name was officially changed to Welshpool in 1835 to distinguish it from Poole in Dorset. Briefly serving as the capital of South Powys, Welshpool is steeped in history.
Welshpool's Long Mountains acted as formidable fortresses during eras when the town was little more than a swampy marsh. In 1400, however, these defenses were devastated by the forces of Owain Glyndŵr at the onset of his rebellion against England's Henry IV. Glyndŵr, the last native Welshman to bear the title Prince of Wales, left an enduring legacy. Today, the Long Mountains form part of the Offa's Dyke Path, a long-distance trail, and the National Trail Glyndŵr's Way.
Overjoyed to reach their destination, the hikers delighted in their customary hot tea and cake, savoring the chance to dry off after enduring the damp Welsh weather. Despite these small comforts, doubt began to creep in about whether they could continue their northward journey. Would they ever reach the end of the Offa's Dyke Path?
Join our intrepid hikers as they carry on their adventure along the iconic Offa's Dyke Path!