VOLUNTEERS who help people to travel the length of Wales by foot have been celebrated upon the 50th anniversary of the Offa's Dyke Path.

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) held a walk on Prestatyn hillside along the popular route.

The 177-mile walking trail, which includes portions of the Dyke that King Offa ordered to be constructed in the eighth century, was opened in the summer of 1971 and links Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow with Prestatyn.

The volunteer group on the Offas Dyke Path above Prestatyn.

The volunteer group on the Offa's Dyke Path above Prestatyn.

More than 40 walkers attended the event last month, led by trails officer Rob Dingle, which offered the chance to see work completed by Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB volunteers on the trail. This included scrub clearing, making and repairing steps, coppicing, fencing, dry stone walling and hedge laying.

Ken Robinson, from Eryrys, said: “It was great to be able to see the improvements made to the path and share that experience with other volunteers. It is a privilege to be able to volunteer in such a beautiful part of Wales.

“The highlight of my time as a volunteer is learning to build a dry stone wall and, after lots of practice.

"It keeps us fit and cheerful."

Tony Thomas, chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Joint Committee, said: “This was a fantastic event and a chance to thank all the volunteers who have helped maintain and improve the path over the last 50 years.

“I would encourage residents in Denbighshire to enjoy the countryside on their doorstep and walk a section of the path.”

Get involved with the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB by emailing clwydianrangeaonb@denbighshire.gov.uk