Author Topic: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time  (Read 4696 times)

Warbler

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Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« on: 13:30:38, 07/03/19 »

Having deliberated for some time over which LDP to tackle this year, I've more or less decided to go for Offa's Dyke Path.
I've not been on a multi-day walk for nearly 2 years, so it seems a bit of a daunting prospect for me right now.


I have a rough idea of where I intend to camp each night, plus one night in a b&b (probably in Oswestry). I'll be going south to north, and apart from a short 1st day to Beeches Farm near Brockweir, I'll be walking 11 to 18 miles a day, taking 13 days in total.


As a warm up for this I intend doing the last 2/3rds of the South Downs Way (Cocking to Eastbourne) in an attempt to get me back into it.


To all you Offa's Dyke path "veterans" out there, does this seem feasible for one so rusty.




sussamb

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #1 on: 13:37:18, 07/03/19 »
Offas Dyke is a relatively easy walk though the last section is the toughest if you're going South to North but by then you should have settled into it.  Your schedule should be doable if you're able to walk similar distances over the SDW.
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Warbler

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #2 on: 14:03:12, 07/03/19 »

Thanks sussamb


For the partial SDW I'll be averaging about 14 miles a day over 5 days. This walk will be dependant on campsites being open in mid April though. Hoping to do ODP starting mid May.
« Last Edit: 14:41:42, 07/03/19 by Warbler »

ron6632

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #3 on: 08:50:21, 08/03/19 »
A few years ago now, but I walked a similar itinerary, backpacking it too and probably at a similar level of fitness.  You should be fine - the switchback section was the toughest (and nearly killed me at the time :) ), but there’s a couple of easy days after it.  By the end I was tramping up the hills without a second thought.


It’s a wonderful route - if you’re interested my blog shows my itinerary- using mostly campsites, the YHA at Knighton (or Kingston - I always get the two mixed up) and a B&B.


Also camped in the beer garden at The Offa’s Dyke Brewery.


Have a great walk, and I hope the weather’s kind.  O0

richardh1905

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #4 on: 11:25:42, 08/03/19 »
Seems like a reasonable daily mileage to aim for - just get plenty of training walks in beforehand. And good luck!
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Warbler

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #5 on: 16:16:37, 08/03/19 »

Thanks Richard.


And thanks Ron, that's a great site you have there. I've just finished reading your Offa's Dyke blog, very insightful, and gives me a good feel of what to expect. I realise you did this a few years ago now, and the route has probably become more popular since, but did you pre book your camp sites beforehand or just turn up on the day?


You seem to have a similar approach to me, as in it's imperative to be within reasonable walking distance to a pub at the end of each day.  :)

Slogger

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #6 on: 16:18:44, 08/03/19 »
Yes doable in the schedule you planned, but easy - Hm, no not easy. I have done many long distance paths including Offa's Dyke and many are easier. Be prepared for some long and short steep ascents, the route very much is up and down, with a few flatter area's.

ron6632

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #7 on: 17:12:34, 08/03/19 »
Thanks Richard.


And thanks Ron, that's a great site you have there. I've just finished reading your Offa's Dyke blog, very insightful, and gives me a good feel of what to expect. I realise you did this a few years ago now, and the route has probably become more popular since, but did you pre book your camp sites beforehand or just turn up on the day?


You seem to have a similar approach to me, as in it's imperative to be within reasonable walking distance to a pub at the end of each day.  :)


I think most of them I’d pre-booked, or at least phoned well in advance.  You could probably get away without booking - most of the sites I stayed at were fairly quiet, and at least one I was the only one there. Many seem to be geared for just turning up.  Just be aware you’ll probably end up sharing a site with DoE at least once!


I would add that it’s a good idea to keep some pound coins back in the evening as many of the sites had meters on the showers.  There’s a bunkhouse now at the end of the penultimate day - it may actually be attached to the pub!


Surprisingly there weren’t many backpackers on the route - I don’t think that’s changed much, but at the time there was a nice steady trickle of walkers.  I certainly wouldn’t expect it to be West Highland Way Busy!




Warbler

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #8 on: 12:35:53, 09/03/19 »

In terms of walks carrying a pack with camping equipment, I have only done the Cleveland Way and Dales Highway. I found CW to be fairly easy but DH more challenging. I'm expecting OD to be more challenging still, and also being 80 miles longer I'll be in new territory. Time will tell, as the saying goes,


I looked into the bunkhouse suggestion in Bodfari. There was one there before it changed hands, a couple of years ago from what I can gather, and became part of a chain, but now there is no mention of one on their website. I'll ring them nearer the date to find out.

Warbler

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #9 on: 16:53:31, 20/04/19 »

I did the last 2/3rds of the South Downs Way a couple of weeks ago (Cocking to Eastbourne). All went well, and thoroughly enjoyed it, apart from the second day when it rained throughout the day, and visibility was down to less than 50 yards at places up on the ridge. I walked past Chanctonbury Ring without even knowing it was there, it was a day to just put your head down and steam through it. The eastern end of this path is so much more enjoyable than at the Winchester end with far more expansive views.


All in all a good work out before attempting Offa's Dyke next month.  O0

rural roamer

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #10 on: 19:34:32, 20/04/19 »
I looked into the bunkhouse suggestion in Bodfari. There was one there before it changed hands, a couple of years ago from what I can gather, and became part of a chain, but now there is no mention of one on their website. I'll ring them nearer the date to find out.
There is a caravan park there which take tents as well as touring caravans. Didn’t use it mind as we stayed in B&Bs. It’s called Station House.

ron6632

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #11 on: 21:16:36, 20/04/19 »
There is a caravan park there which take tents as well as touring caravans. Didn’t use it mind as we stayed in B&Bs. It’s called Station House.


They have a bit set aside for backpacking there.  It was quite busy when I stopped.  The down side is it’s about as far away from the path as you could get in the village

Warbler

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #12 on: 21:30:08, 20/04/19 »


"There is a caravan park there which take tents as well as touring caravans. Didn’t use it mind as we stayed in B&Bs. It’s called Station House."


Yes, I have that pencilled into my itinerary, cheers. Always good to have a back up though.

Warbler

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #13 on: 17:59:52, 05/05/19 »

Right.....Decision made. I'm catching an early train to Chepstow on Tuesday morning and start walking Offa's Dyke about mid-day.


I've rang around all the campsites on route and most have said, no booking required, just turn up on the day, or give a days notice. I'll probably use a b&b a couple of nights if and when I feel like it. It'll be great to do this walk with no time pressures as has been the case on my previous LDW's, and I may even tag on a couple of rest days, or half days, to do some touristy stuff at my leisure.


The weather forecast looks a tad unpredictable though  :-\


Can't wait to get moving.

sussamb

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Re: Planning my first multi-day walk for some time
« Reply #14 on: 19:14:41, 05/05/19 »
Have a great time, it's a lovely walk  O0
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