Paul Shaw, KTA Board Vice-President and co-owner of Treks & Trails International is leading three exciting hiking trips to England and Wales this summer. Two of the trips, combined, traverse the entire border country of England and Wales.
The first trip, from June 4-16, 2014, roughly follows the Wye River Valley on the Offa’s Dyke Path from Chepstow (near the Bristol Channel) to the market town of Knighton, 70 miles to the north. On this delightful trip, hiker highlights include Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, the White Castle, Llanthony Priory, and the so-called Used Book Capital of the World, Hay-on-Wye. Our hike includes two unforgettable days through the heath and moors of Hatterall Ridge, with stupendous views of the English and Welsh countryside. Throughout this trip are vestiges of Offa’s Dyke, a huge embankment constructed in the 8th century to keep the Welsh out of the kingdom of Mercia. Cost for this trip is $2,595 per person.
The second trip, from June 16-29, 2014, completes the northern portion of the Offa’s Dyke Path, from Prestatyn on the Irish Sea to Knighton. This 100-mile hike through the Clwydian and Shropshire Hills is more strenuous and challenging, but very rewarding! Portions of the hike are along canal towpaths (and even on a lengthy aqueduct) and we visit ancient castles, pubs, and priories. One highlight is a tour of Chirk Castle with its award-winning gardens. This trip costs $2,795 per person.
Our third hiking trip to England follows Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, from Carlisle to Newcastle. The wall, which marks the most northern reach of the Roman Empire, was constructed by Emperor Hadrian in 122 A.D. to repel the rebellious Scottish tribes to the north. Much of this wall still exists, along with ruins of Roman forts and communities, all part of the province of Britannia. Trailside museums and archaeological sites provide detailed information about life during the Roman Empire. The countryside is dotted with quaint villages and towns where we have our accommodations. This is a relatively easy 58-mile hike. The dates are July 1-12, 2014 and the cost is $2,595 per person.
For all of these trips, our luggage will be forwarded to our accommodations, so it will only be necessary to carry a daypack. A comfortable inn, hotel, or bed and breakfast will await you at the conclusion of each day’s hike. The cost listed above does not include airfare.
In 2014, Treks & Trails International will donate $200 to Keystone Trails Association for each KTA member who joins a Treks & Trails trip. Participants will have the pleasure of a one-of-a-kind hiking trip while also helping to support KTA! Details for these and all Treks & Trails trips are available online here, or by contacting Paul at 717-215-8339 / info@treksandtrailsinternational.com.