About

The 135 m/217km  Glyndwr's Way National Trail is a long distance walk which can be enjoyed as a continuous journey, typically taking around nine days, or over a series of weekend or day trips. The National Trail has been developed primarily for walkers, although there are sections suitable for horses and cyclists. However, Glyndwr's Way is not suitable for use as a long distance bridleway or cycle route

The trail begins at Knighton on the English border and meanders through the open moorland, rolling farmland, woodland and forest of Mid Wales, through the town of Machynlleth, which was the capital of Wales in 1404, finishing by the Montgomeryshire Canal in Welshpool. At Welshpool, Glyndwr's Way is about three miles from Offa's Dyke Path National Trail, which can be followed all the way back to Knighton, adding about 30 miles to the walk.

Along the route is some of the finest landscape in Wales including the tranquil Radnorshire Hills, the shores of the Clywedog Reservoir and heather clad peaks of Plynlimon. There are spectacular views over Cadair Idris, Lake Vyrnwy, the Cambrian Mountains. The route reaches its highest point at Foel Fadian (1530ft/510m) from which on a clear day views stretch out along the majestic Dulas valley to Machynlleth and the sea.

The Glyndwr’s Way National Trail can be completed in sections, although it is important to always plan your accommodation or transport in advance as services are scarce along much of the Trail. Users of the Trail can walk sections of any length to suit their own needs but the following is an example, covering the Trail in stages.

Glyndwr's Way: Machynlleth, Llanbrynmair and Llanwddyn 

Machynlleth to Llanbrynmair. 16 miles/ 25.5km.
Machynlleth is a vibrant town with a rich history. IT;s where Owain Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales and established a parliament in Machynlleth in 1404.

A gentle start from the town leads to a fine ridge route and views up the Dyfi valley. From the Owain Glyndwr centre in Machynlleth, the Trail starts with a 3 mile stretch along a minor road south east to Forge and onto Abercegir. From here the Trail once again climbs up onto open moor with views of the Cadair Idris Mountain before descending once again into Cemmaes Road. 

Then a meander over the hills above the Afon Twymyn before the long descent to Llanbrynmair.This part of the Trail is a true delight through rolling hills and scenic valleys. The initial climb from Cemmaes Road is quite steep, though the rest of this section is relatively easy.

Llanbrynmair to Llanwddyn. 18 miles/ 29km.
A day of walking in the pine woods as the Trail passes through a high forestry block, over wild Pencoed, home to untamed ponies and then into the great Dyfnant forest. Finally, into Llanwddyn and spectacular views of Lake Vyrnwy and the massive dam.

Leaving Llanbrynmair the route takes you northwards on a new section of the Trail under the railway line. It soon takes you up a steep hill, but the climb is worth it, for the views of the valley below. The route continues along a forest trail before rejoining the old Glyndwr’s Way. You soon climb to the edge of Pen Coed and across a particularly lonely stretch of bracken covered moor.

From Llangadfan, the route now takes you through the huge plantation of Dyfnant forest. Llanwyddyn caters to a steady stream of visitors to Lake Vyrnwy and its impressive 33 arched dam.