Maelor Way - Bronygarth to Overton (Day 1)

Thursday 10th July 2025

Walking Diary (All Walks) Long Distance Walks Offa's Dyke to the Pennine Way Link Path 2025

Maelor Way Day 1 - Bronygarth to Overton

This was intended to be a reasonably short walk to start off with (I had estimated it to be about 10 miles, but it was just over 12) as we have driven over from the North East on the morning, dropped bags off at Whitchurch, a hire car drop-off at Oswestry and then a taxi to Bronygarth.

So we temporarily re-joined the Offa's Dyke path at the Castle Mill bridge near Bronygarth where we had crossed 10 years ago in 2015 and this was now the start of the link path to the Pennine Way for us, starting at the beginning of the Maelor Way. The weather was superb and our spirits were high.

The Maelor way sounded hopeful as it does cross through pleasant countryside - hills, dales, canals and also at times along country lanes.

However, the reality was that this was a hard and painful 12 miles after morning drive, a much harder walk than we had expected

Overgrown paths, thistles, nettles, thorn bushes and with the paths often difficult to follow at times, some bits were even closed and had been for a long time. There appeared to be no maintenance or upkeep for the paths at all, it looked like it’s just been left to the elements!. I even had to put on waterproof bottoms at times as our legs were getting scratched and stung continuously.

A worrying sign too was that the cows in the fields were not friendly at all. This became common place as we walked across "Cattle Country"

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 12.1 miles
Duration: 5:00 hours
Ascent: 1703 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Accompanied By: Davy
Weather: Very Hot & Sunny

3D outline of route

Parking

10 years almost to the day we return to the Castle Mill Bridge near Chirk and Bronygarth. We crossed this very bridge on the Offa's Dyke walk back in 2015. We didn't realise then that we would return there to start another walk - to be honest I couldn't really remember crossing it, but I've checked our records and we sure did.

Right here we go - lets find this Maelor Way, it's round here somewhere.

There we go!

Offa's Dyke post with a left turn to start the Maelor Way.

It wasn't long before we ran into trouble. The path leading to the River Ceiriog had a notice pinned to a fence post stating that 'due to Health and Safety reasons back in February' this path was closed. It seemed open to us and they've had since February to sort whatever is wrong with it.

We ignored the tatty bit of paper and cracked on.

It was actually a tad dangerous - in some places the path was only a size 13 boot wide, with a fall to the river on one side and nettles on the other. We're only 15 minutes on and were already having to do leaps of faith.

Why a suitable diversion wasn't available I do not know - country lanes could have been followed and the path picked up a bit further along. We knew straightaway that this wasn't going to be an easy walk, and we certainly weren't impressed with the local councils lack of desire to make it safe.

Out into the open again as we enjoy the afternoon sun (and heat)

Crossing the Chester to Shrewsbury main line.

The Llangollen Canal as we pass Chirk Bank.

Probably the most pleasant bit of walking today - to be fair, it wouldn't have to be that good to be able to hold on to that accolade.

A slight navigational error near Glynmorlas as we re-join the correct path at Pen-y-Bryn.

Time for a breather at Flannog Farm.

Scouring the fields ahead to check for livestock - that were not very welcoming to walkers.

Talk about overgrown paths - we could do with machetes.

Whoops! where's my hat gone?

Crossing a dried up tributary to the River Dee near Plas-yn-y-Coed.

Yep - that well known place.

The path passes Sodylt Hall.

It was so hot in the undergrowth, it was refreshing to get out in the open, especially if there was an occasional breeze.

Can you spot it??

Finding the exit kissing gate from a field was often a challenge - especially if you had a herd of cows wanting to get to know you.

This one was relatively easy, some were completely overgrown.

Walking alongside the River Dee - not easy and not all that pleasant to be honest.

Back into the jungle at Llan-y-Cefn. Time for another navigational error.

The sight of the pub at Erbistock made us make the decision that we would have a cold beer when we got to Overton - little did we know that there were no pubs in Overton.

If only that river wasn't there.

St Hilary's Church, Erbistock.

Not much in the way of signage for the Maelor Way - but there was the very occasional marker.

At least these things don't sting or scratch you - Still a bit weird wading through giant rhubarb leaves.

There it is in the distance - the metropolis that is Overton.

A pint whilst we wait for our taxi to Whitchurch was our plan - Unfortunately we only got the taxi.

A night out in Whitchurch was our reward for today's efforts, some decent pubs and a micro-brewery kept us going.