Wantyn Dyke

Heritage Site in Montgomeryshire

Wales

Wantyn Dyke

Upland view near Sarn, Powys Looking down from near Cefn-y-bryn to the lowland farms.
Upland view near Sarn, Powys Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

The Wantyn Dyke, located in Montgomeryshire, Wales, is a significant heritage site that holds historical and archaeological importance. Stretching for approximately 2.5 miles, this ancient earthwork forms part of Offa's Dyke, a large linear earthwork that once marked the border between England and Wales.

The Wantyn Dyke is believed to have been constructed during the late 8th century by King Offa of Mercia as a defensive fortification. It served as a physical barrier against potential invasions from the Welsh kingdoms to the west. The dyke is composed of a deep ditch and a high bank, constructed using the soil excavated from the ditch. The structure provided a formidable obstacle to would-be attackers, with the steep bank making it difficult to climb.

Today, the Wantyn Dyke stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the past. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore an important piece of Welsh history and gain insights into the region's ancient defensive strategies. The site is easily accessible, with well-maintained footpaths allowing visitors to walk along the dyke and appreciate its impressive scale.

With its rich historical significance, the Wantyn Dyke serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between the Welsh and English kingdoms during the medieval period. As a heritage site, it attracts both history enthusiasts and curious tourists interested in exploring Wales' cultural past.

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Wantyn Dyke Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.488/-3.17 or Grid Reference SO2088. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Upland view near Sarn, Powys Looking down from near Cefn-y-bryn to the lowland farms.
Upland view near Sarn, Powys
Looking down from near Cefn-y-bryn to the lowland farms.
View from Cefn-y-bryn to Cwmearl Bank Lovely location.
View from Cefn-y-bryn to Cwmearl Bank
Lovely location.
Upper Short Ditch An earthwork thought to date from the early mediaeval period.
Upper Short Ditch
An earthwork thought to date from the early mediaeval period.
The Kerry Ridgeway This stretch continues this way for quite a while, with the woodland to the right obscuring any view from the ridge.
The Kerry Ridgeway
This stretch continues this way for quite a while, with the woodland to the right obscuring any view from the ridge.
The Kerry Ridgeway A fairly straight track between forest and farmland. On this stretch there is little hint of the view from the ridge northwards.
The Kerry Ridgeway
A fairly straight track between forest and farmland. On this stretch there is little hint of the view from the ridge northwards.
Sheep by the Kerry Ridgeway Farmland on the south side of the ridgeway. The track is clearly not quite at the top of the ridge.
Sheep by the Kerry Ridgeway
Farmland on the south side of the ridgeway. The track is clearly not quite at the top of the ridge.
Forest by the Kerry Ridgeway Just a hint of the views to the north.
Forest by the Kerry Ridgeway
Just a hint of the views to the north.
Forestry tracks above Siercwm The Kerry Ridgeway takes the right fork.
Forestry tracks above Siercwm
The Kerry Ridgeway takes the right fork.
Track in the Ceri Forest A bend looms ahead.
Track in the Ceri Forest
A bend looms ahead.
Track in the Ceri Forest Carrying the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri.
Track in the Ceri Forest
Carrying the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri.
Track in the Ceri Forest Lovely bend ahead.
Track in the Ceri Forest
Lovely bend ahead.
Part of the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri in Ceri Forest A long slope downwards.
Part of the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri in Ceri Forest
A long slope downwards.
On the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri in Ceri Forest Nearing the Upper Short Ditch.
On the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri in Ceri Forest
Nearing the Upper Short Ditch.
On part of the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri near Sarn Hills car park The car park is down there beyond the Upper Short Ditch.
On part of the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri near Sarn Hills car park
The car park is down there beyond the Upper Short Ditch.
The Upper Short Ditch on the Ceri Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri A very impressive ditch and banks.
The Upper Short Ditch on the Ceri Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri
A very impressive ditch and banks.
Part of the Upper Short Ditch in heathland and scrub beside the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri The banks and ditch look different in this context today.
Part of the Upper Short Ditch in heathland and scrub beside the Kerry Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri
The banks and ditch look different in this context today.
The Upper Short Ditch on the Ceri Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri Interesting.
The Upper Short Ditch on the Ceri Ridgeway / Ffordd Las Ceri
Interesting.
View to the Upper Short Ditch from Sarn Hills car park A popular walk.
View to the Upper Short Ditch from Sarn Hills car park
A popular walk.
Show me another place!

Wantyn Dyke is located at Grid Ref: SO2088 (Lat: 52.488, Lng: -3.17)

Unitary Authority: Powys

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///jogging.majors.abode. Near Mainstone, Shropshire

Nearby Locations

Wantyn Dyke Green Dingle

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