Offa's Dyke Association

This is an independent voluntary organisation that provides information and other services to walkers and seeks to promote and protect Offa's Dyke and the Offa's Dyke Path. It manages the Offa's Dyke Centre at Knighton and encourages archaeological and historical research relating to Offa's Dyke and the corridor along its length. Courses for schools and adult groups are run at the Centre. Among its publications, the Where to Stay booklet is a must for those walking all or part of the path. It has annually updated accommodation addresses, and a wealth of information on transport and other topics of concern to walkers, but is small enough to take on a hike. The online version is part of this website.

The ODA is separate from the Offa's Dyke Path Officer , who is responsible for the management of the National Trail. The ODA system of 'lengthsmen and women' provides information on the trail and the Dyke to the ODPO to help ensure that the route and its signposting are in good order and warn of developments that may affect the route.

The Association was founded in 1969 by the late Frank Noble, a Knighton school teacher and archaeologist. Initially it lobbied for the opening of the Offa's Dyke Path which had been designated in 1949. When the Path was officially opened in 1971, it went on to provide strip maps of the route, accommodation information, and supported those responsible for maintaining the Path. The full-time trained staff of the Knighton Tourist Information Centre, working from the Offa's Dyke Centre, still provide these services, together with a wider range of activities for all tourists.

An important part of the work of the ODA is the monitoring of planning applications for work on or near to the Dyke and Path. Submissions are regularly made to Local Authorities to ensure that the opinions of walkers and those interested in the environment are taken into account. Information on activities that may affect the Path corridor is received from members living in the area and the general public. Our Honorary Planning Officer is always happy to respond to any information. It can be sent to him at the Offa's Dyke Centre.

Joining the Association

The Association is a registered UK charity, number 503821, which has about a thousand members, many of whom take an active part in promoting the Path by inspecting lengths of it or by providing accommodation to walkers and other visitors. The Association was set up in 1969 to provide a link between walkers, historians, conservationists, and those who live and work locally. The Association provides information and publications for those interested in the Path and the Welsh border region.

Members receive issues of the newsletter (normally 3 each year), a 'Where to Stay' guide, and membership badge. There is an Annual General Meeting, with organized activities, held in Knighton, normally in May.

Contacting the Association

Please contact Information Officer, Offa's Dyke Association, West Street, Knighton, Powys. LD7 1EN. Credit cards are accepted. Cheques should be paid to 'Offa's Dyke Association', and those paying from overseas should use a cheque made out in sterling, or transfer money to the account of 'Offa's Dyke Association', HSBC plc, account number 01104675, sort code 40-26-21. Those joining the Association who pay UK income tax are asked to declare their subscriptions as being eligible for gift aid.

To email the Association, oda@offasdyke.demon.co.uk

To contact the Offa's Dyke Path Officer, click on Offa's Dyke Path Officer, for example to report problems with stiles or rights of way.

Back to the Offa's Dyke Association home page.

Please email Simon Rayner if you have any comments about this web site.

This web page was last revised in August 2008. Copyright 2008 by the Offa's Dyke Association, registered charity no. 503821.