Dip Your Toes into Wales: Lower Builth · Offa's Dyke · Hay-on-Wye
This stretch of the Wye is where stories unfold and journeys begin. Between here and the English boarder, riverside trails unfurl in all directions - welcoming walkers of all abilities. some paths meander gently beside the river, ideal for a leisurely stroll, while others climb into the sweeping hills, that reward with heart-lifting views. The Offa’s Dyke Path also runs through this stretch too, tracing the historic boarder between England and Wales. It's route, steeped in history, offers a walk through centuries past, with stunning scenery at every turn.
At the heart of it all lies Hay-on-Wye. Part book-lover’s paradise, part café-hopper’s dream, all wrapped around the storybook setting of the medieval Hay Castle. Every Thursday year-round, the town hosts a vibrant market and from April to October, there’s also a Saturday market on the first weekend of the month. Come late May, the town transforms for not one but two world-renowed festivals: the Hay Festival (21 May - 31 May 2026), one of the biggest literary events globally, and How The Light Gets In (22 - 24 May 2026), a unique riverside festival of philosophy, ideas and music.
For those drawn to the water, the stretch from Glasbury downstream, is ideal for canoeing, kayaking or a spot of paddle boarding - calm, scenic and accessible. Check our activity page for local providers offering trips. And if you're looking for something a little wilder, a short riverside walk from town brings you to The Warren, a peaceful spot and perfect for wild swimmer.
