Celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of The Offa’s Dyke Path will conclude with a free party at Chepstow’s Drill Hall on Friday 23rd September. Organised by Monmouthshire County Council the party starts at 6.30pm with a warm welcome for walkers, light refreshments and live music from local roots band Shootin’ the Crow. Offa’s Dyke Path walkers are urged to bring photographs to exhibit at the party.
The Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, which meanders through stunning countryside for 177 miles, criss-crossing the border between England and Wales, was officially opened in Knighton by Lord Hunt on July 10th 1971. Over the past 40 years, the path has become one of Britain’s best loved walking routes.
The party will be preceded by a meeting from 5:30pm to 6:30pm for keen walkers, members of walking groups, business people whose enterprises are linked to walking and accommodation and hospitality providers who welcome walkers. The meeting will discuss the benefits of the “Walkers are Welcome” scheme. Zara Bligh from adventa, Monmouthshire’s rural development programme said: “This national accreditation scheme is a community-led initiative which leads to reassurance for visiting walkers. Ross on Wye is our closest Walkers are Welcome town and the scheme has been very successful there. For accommodation providers who wish to improve facilities for walkers, adventa is able to make some small capital grants available. Anyone interested or requiring more information can contact me direct on 01633 748311 [email protected]”
It’s been a memorable week for local walkers as on Monday, John Griffiths AM, the Welsh Government Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development opened the Chepstow to Blackrock stretch of the Wales Coastal Path. Monmouthshire County Council is arranging a walk along the route on Saturday, 24th September. Walkers will leave the Drill Hall at Chepstow at 10am and will arrive at Blackrock near Sudbrook where the local Lave Net fishermen will hold a display and presentation. Following light refreshments a free bus will return to Chepstow at 2pm.
Chepstow is developing a reputation as a hub for tourism based on walking and outdoor activity. The town is the start point for The Wye Valley, Offa’s Dyke and Wales Coastal Path long distance walks as well as being convenient for local rambles around the Forest of Dean and nearby villages.
Members of the public are welcome to attend either or both the party and walk and can book their free places by contacting Louise or Jo on 01 633 748311 or on email [email protected].uk or [email protected].
