Celebrating 20 years of epic walking in 2022, Glyndŵr's Way forms a satisfying circuit with the Offa’s Dyke Path and jigsaws between the popular landscapes of southern Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Despite this, most walkers haven’t caught on to this 135-mile tour through Mid Wales. That’s one good reason to sample a section.

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aerial view of long straight path with walkers and surrounding trees.

Abbeycwmhir

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two walkers with bushes in foreground.

Bryn Wg to Abercegir

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people sat on grass above reservoir.

Clywedog reservoir

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walkers on path with autumn coloured heather.

Beacon Hill

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hill and field with sheep viewed from fence.

Bwlch y Sarnau overlooking The Garn

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View from a canal lock towards a bridge over the water.

Montgomery Canal, near Welshpool

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Trees and lake.

Lake Vyrnwy

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walkers on pathway with surrounding trees.

Abbeycwmhir

Get off the beaten track

The Glyndŵr's Way National Trail is all about getting off the beaten track. Its nine-day route visits many of the sites connected with Wales' historic past. The trail is anchored by the trail heads of Welshpool, Knighton and Machynlleth, then midway it loops largely through rural Mid Wales.

On the complete route, you’ll walk through rolling farmland, open moor and heather-clad hills, and discover exhilarating views of Cader Idris and Plynlimon mountains. There are overnight stops in small towns such as Llanidloes, but you can travel for miles and only see the occasional farmer. What you will see, however, are red kites, peregrine falcons, buzzards and even an osprey if you are lucky.

To halve the length of a week's walking, start or finish at Machynlleth. Welshpool and Knighton are on major rail lines, while other sections of the trail are accessible by bus. Here are three walking routes to get you started.

Views across farmland in Bwlch-y- Sarnau

Bwlch-y-Sarnau on Glyndŵr's Way, Mid Wales

Machynlleth to Llanbrynmair, 18.2 miles

It'll take a long day, but this route is an introduction that ticks all boxes. The highlights include views across the Dyfi Valley to Cader Idris’ brooding hulk, and the Berwyn Mountains that lift out of farmland ahead. The Dovey Valley Hotel (about halfway along at Cemmaes Road) offers pub meals, but please check opening times before you set off.

The view overlooking Machynlleth

A view overlooking Machynlleth on Glyndŵr's Way, Mid Wales

Knighton circuits

There's a great selection of circular walks around Knighton, giving you a taste of the empty trails and sweeping views of Glyndŵr's Way on a choice of day-long hikes over farmland and moor from Knighton. We say 'empty trails', but this area is managed by the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, so expect all manner of flitting furry company en route.

Glyndŵr destroyed the 12th century Cistercian abbey after he found its monks supporting the English, and its ruins add to the romance of the scenery around this village. Discover the granite tombstone of the last native Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, then pick up the Glyndŵr's Way again for an easy stroll beneath oak forests on rocky outcrops and red kites.

biligual signpost with words Glyndŵr's Way and Llwybr Glyndŵr.
bilingual slate signpost with the words Glyndŵr’s Way and Llwybr Glyndŵr.
town viewed through leaves.

Glyndŵr's Way Knighton, Mid Wales

Llanidloes to Machynlleth, 27 miles

Here's a superb wild weekend for hikers. From Llanidloes, it’s a spectacular descent to Llyn Clywedog reservoir pooled behind Britain’s tallest concrete dam. Then, head into the hills, up the soft green sloped, back into the moors of the Cambrian Mountains and skirting around Glaslyn lake to reach the trail highpoint Foel Fadian for an unforgettable view down the Dulas Valley. Fortunately, it’s all downhill from here. 

You can also create your own itinerary for day walks in the area if you fancy exploring further, such as a 9.5 mile walk from Aberhosan to Machynlleth.

An eye level view of a dam holding back the reservoirsurrounded by a green landscape.

Clywedog reservoir on Glyndŵr's Way, Mid Wales

Further information

Llyn Clywedog

Llyn Clywedog, Mid Wales

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