HOT on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Wye Valley AONB come half century celebrations for the creation of the Offa’s Dyke national trail, which treads through the area on its way to the top of Wales.

As part of the 50th year of the dedicated footpath along the 8th century barrier created by Mercian King Offa, ITV Wales will be broadcasting a six-part series in April and May dedicated to the 177-mile route, with Good Morning Britain and Countryfile presenter Sean Fletcher, visiting more than 50 locations along the border.

The footpath runs from Sedbury near Chepstow, close to the start/finish of the Wales Coastal Path, and up the Wye Valley through the Forest of Dean, taking in views of Tintern Abbey from Devil’s Pulpit and then into Wales at Redbrook and up to the Kymin overlooking Monmouth.

The trail then heads out to the small villages of Llanfihangel Ystern Llywern and Llantilio Crosseny, taking in the impressive White Castle, plus Llangattock Lingoed and onto Pandy, with great views of the Black Mountains and the Skirrid overlooking Abergavenny, known as Holy Mountain.

Those are normally thought of as the first two days of ‘doing the trail’ northwards, with another 10 days to follow before reaching Prestatyn on the North Wales coast.

The first instalment of the six-part series will be broadcast on ITV Cymru Wales at 7.30pm a week on Thursday (April 15), with a network broadcast planned for ITV viewers across the UK later in the year.

Built 1,200 years, Offa’s Dyke is Britain’s longest ancient monument, dwarfing the 84-mile long Hadrian’s Wall.

The large, linear earthwork roughly follows part of the current border between England and Wales, and is named after Offa, who seized power during a time of great unrest in the border region.

King Offa was determined to quell the unruly Welsh and impose his authority, and did this by building one of the most remarkable structures in Britain.

Sean says of filming the new series: “I was privileged to have the chance to travel along the magnificent Wales Coast Path for some incredibly popular programmes which aired on ITV last year.

“Now I am getting to complete the journey around the nation that I am proud to call my second home.

“I am especially pleased that we are showing this amazing journey as people celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Offa’s Dyke Path being created.

“As it becomes safe to emerge from our lockdown restrictions, I am hoping that this will give some inspiration for places to visit and to enjoy some fantastic countryside along the way.”

Offa’s Dyke Path takes in eight different counties and crosses the England-Wales border more than 20 times.

It also links no fewer than three AONBs – the Wye Valley, the Shropshire Hills and the Clwydian Range/Dee Valley.

Tourism bosses are hoping the series will give their hard-pressed industry a boost as it hopefully emerges from the pandemic lockdown.

Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail Officer, said: “The last 12 months has been incredibly difficult for everybody.

“I am sure we will all be glad to get out and about when it is safe and legal to do so.

“It has been especially tough for families and communities who rely on tourism. The series will hopefully give them a particular boost.

“There is so much to see and do along the route of the path. It has something to ‘Offa’ for everyone.”

During the series, Sean learns more about the history of the ancient monument and also tries out more modern activities, from kayaking and wild swimming in the River Wye to mountain biking.

Jonathan Hill, editor of network programmes at ITV Cymru Wales, said: “We are excited to be sharing such amazing stories and pictures from right along the Offa’s Dyke Path and the wider borderland communities.

“In a year when restrictions may continue on foreign travel, it is great to know that we have so much natural beauty right on our doorstep.”

Sean, Rob and ITV Wales Presenter Andrea Byre talked about Wonders of the Border in a Facebook Live event on the ITV Wales Facebook earlier today (Tuesday, April 13).

Anybody with an interest in the Offa’s Dyke Path hare their own stories on Twitter using the hashtag #WondersOfTheBorder

There is more information on events celebrating the the 50th anniversary of the Offa’s Dyke Path on the National Trails website www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/offas-dyke-path/50thanniversary