Distance: 19.28 miles
Ascent: 1227 metres
Duration: 6 hours 44 minutes
Industry
« Not walked | Not walked »
All of a sudden Offa's Dyke Path has felt the impact of industry. Immediately on leaving Llanymynech it climbs to the limestone quarries of Llanymynech Hill. (These quarries are well-worth exploring. There's a huge continuous lime kiln that inside feels like the crypt of a brick cathedral. The view from the top of the hill above the inclined planes looking back over the Severn valley is stunning.)
Further on, the Path crosses two old mineral railways, and approaching Chirk you can't avoid noticing the plumes rising from the Kronospan factory.
Having said that's it's still a predominantly rural walk, passing the abandoned Oswestry Racecourse, a succession of small villages and lanes, and of course, Chirk Castle.
The Path officially bypasses the Castle, but I took the permissive path from Castle Mill past the enigmatically titled "Oak at the Gate of the Dead" to the building and had a good look round. It's a worthwhile detour.
Notes for future walkers:
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