The extremely poor weather conditions this week which prevented any outdoor activity, also provided an opportunity to visit the Offa's Dyke Centre based in Knighton, Powys.
The Centre, which was opened in 1999, forms a focus for activities based around the 8th Century earthwork built by Offa, the King of Mercia. The dyke follows the Welsh English border from the hills above Prestatyn to the Severn Estuary near Chepstow.
A free exhibition provides a wide range of information to visitors exploring the border area by car, bike or on foot.
An interactive exhibition allows visitors to explore the history of the Dyke, its associated long distance footpath, and the border area of the Marches in general. The main features include:
The construction of Offa's Dyke
The Welsh Princes of the Anglo-Saxon period
The flora and fauna of the area
Environmental considerations
The history of Knighton
The activities required to maintain the Dyke and the Long Distance Footpath
The Centre is managed by the Offa's Dyke Association, a charity originally set up to provide help for walkers on the Long Distance Path. It also provides a base for the Knighton Tourist Information Centre and a shop.
The Centre is positioned at the halfway point of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail and at the start of Glyndwr's Way National Trail. The Wye Valley Walk crosses the Offa's Dyke Path at Hay-on-Wye as does the Severn Way at Pool Quay, and a wide range of shorter walks radiate from Knighton. The footpath continues from the rear of the Centre.
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