Photo: Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail Officer, Gareth Davies MS and members of The Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley.
Gareth Davies MS recently joined the Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley on the final and longest stretch of their 50th Anniversary celebration walk series.
Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail, which was opened in the summer of 1971. It links Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary with the coastal town of Prestatyn and passes through no less than eight different counties, crossing the border between England and Wales over 26 times.
The Trail explores the tranquil Marches, passes through the Brecon Beacons National Park and links three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Wye Valley, the Shropshire Hills and the Clwydian Range / Dee Valley
Gareth joined local group Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley, referred to by members as ‘Friends’, on a 12 mile hike along the path from Bodfari to Prestatyn.
Founded in 2015, the group aims to promote and protect the special qualities of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) landscape by promoting events and activities for people to enjoy and learn about the special heritage of the area and arranging volunteering opportunities so that people can help protect this special landscape.
Mike Smart, a Trustee of the ‘Friends’ group, said:
“In Autumn 2021 The Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley in conjunction with the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Offa’s Dyke Path with a series of five one-day-walks.”
“The ’Friends’ members together with a few non-members started their journey with the first stage from Chirk Mill to Llangollen followed by; Llangollen to Llandegla, Llandegla to Bwlch Penbarras, Bwlch Penbarras to Bodfari and the final stage from Bodfari to Prestatyn.
“On the final stage on October 31st the walkers were waved-off by Cllr Sharon Frobisher Mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden and, were pleased to welcome Gareth Davies MS, Senedd member for Vale of Clwyd as a walking companion.”
“Gareth happily walked and talked with his new-found walking friends for the hilly 12 miles from Bodfari to Prestatyn whilst enjoying the late October sunshine and stunning views across the beautiful Vale of Clwyd. Some late afternoon rain showers didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the day which finished on Prestatyn seafront where the walkers enjoyed a final photo-call and a celebration of locally made birthday cakes”
Gareth Davies commented to say:
“It was great to join the walking group on the last day of their celebration series, we live in a beautiful area here in the Vale of Clwyd and the Offa’s Dyke Path highlights some of the best of our natural assets.”
“I’d like to thank Mike and the Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley for organising this day and for their continued work protecting and promoting this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ”
