Offa’s Dyke
Offa’s Dyke is a linear earthwork which runs through the English/Welsh borders from Treuddyn (near Wrexham in north east Wales) to Sedbury Cliffs (on the Severn estuary, in southern Gloucestershire). It consists of a bank and ditch, and is thought to be over 1200 years old. The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust has been at the forefront of research and conservation efforts along Offa’s Dyke over many years. As well as a range of field investigations on the Dyke since the 1970s, CPAT has been involved with several larger-scale initiatives. You can read more about Offa’s Dyke – and CPAT’s work on linear earthworks more generally – by following the links below.
Researching the Dyke
The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust has been researching Offa’s Dyke since the 1970s. We have excavated more of the Dyke than any other organisation, and were the first to obtain scientific dating evidence for the construction of the monument.
Conserving the Dyke
The Dyke runs through several different administrative areas – two countries and six counties – and is in hundreds of different ownerships. As well as day-to-day conservation efforts, CPAT has been at the forefront of initiatives to improve long-term management of the Dyke.
Visiting the Dyke
Offa’s Dyke is mostly easily accessible via the Offa’s Dyke Path, one of the UK’s National Trails. There are numerous shorter walks featuring the Dyke too. There is also a visitor centre in Knighton, run by the Offa’s Dyke Association.
