5 to 15 nights
60 to 162 mls (km)
Mid Wales
Moderate to Challenging
Mar to Oct
£615

Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail

  • Take respite in the tranquil and sparsely populated Mid Wales countryside
  • Visit and stay in charming market towns, including Llanidloes
  • Walk one of Britain's newest National Trails
  • Machynlleth, where Owain Glyndŵr held his parliament
  • Visit the Centre for Alternative Technology, a hub for inspiring and informing people about sustainable development
  • Highest point at Foel Fadian (1,650ft) from which on a clear day views stretch out along the majestic Dulas Valley
Celtic Trail Walkers on Glyndwr's Way Trail

Walking Glyndŵr's Way

The Glyndŵr Way follows a horseshoe line through long green valleys and the secluded hill-country of the Radnorshire Hills. The remote landscape allowed Glyndŵr to move rapidly and was an elusive presence along these numerous ‘cefnffyrdd’ ancient upland tracks - the key feature in his guerrilla campaign against the English.

Today, the countryside has hardly changed from those turbulent bygone times. The Glyndŵr way takes you through the beautiful, secluded hill-country of Mid Wales, where it is unlikely you will be troubled by crowds; for many, the unspoilt beauty and solitude of the route is its main attraction.

Your walk takes you through a wide variety of exciting scenery and terrain. Beginning in Knighton, you soon leave the crowds and head into the East Radnorshire Hills, walking through ancient woodland, over rolling hills, past remote farms and isolated, close-knit, friendly Welsh hamlets.

You come upon wide lakes and reservoirs, views over the steep wooded valleys and the mystical setting of Lake Vyrnwy. The descent to the spectacular setting of Llyn Clywedog will remain with you for some time to come. Enjoy the stillness and solitude of the high open moorland, with panoramic views of Mid Wales and Cardigan Bay in the west, and across to the dramatic peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia)  to the north. The notable ranges are Cadair Idris 892m (2,928ft) and Pumlumon Fawr 752m (2,468ft), far removed from anything that resembles today’s world.

Owain Glyndwr Statue

Active Travel Through Welsh Countryside

The trail takes you past a number of battle sites where Prince Owain Glyndŵr fought against the English in the 15th century. The 1401 Battle of Hyddgen, in the wilds of Pumlumon marked a turning point in Glyndŵr’s rebellion, and was to establish him as Prince and later King of Wales. The peaceful nature of the little church at Pilleth belies a more bloody history at the battle of Bryn Glas, which took place nearby in 1402. During this battle, Edmund Mortimer, a leading claimant to the English throne was captured and later married Glyndŵr’s daughter.

Pass through the attractive old town of Machynlleth, the half-way point of your walk, where Glyndŵr held Wales' first Parliament in 1404. It was for a period the capital of Wales. Finish the walk at the ancient market town of Welshpool, where the Welsh language is alive and well. A visit to the famous 13C Powis Castle at the end of your walk is not to be missed.

In Welshpool, Glyndŵr’s Way links with Offa’s Dyke - if you wish, you can return along the impressive earthwork to your starting point at Knighton.

Our team would be delighted to talk to you about an itinerary for a walking holiday on Glyndŵr’s Way.

Celtic Trails has over 26 years’ experience providing tailored, quality itineraries for walkers who appreciate good service, comfort and organisation.

Glyndŵr’s Way walking map
Our Glyndŵr’s Way walking route takes you on a ring around the Welsh countryside from Knighton to Welshpool

Path Walkthrough

Hilly farmland, pastures and moorland contribute to the majority of topography on the Glyndŵr’s Way. The scenery is very easy on the eye, with far reaching views and panorama of the surrounding hillside and forests that make up one of Britain's newest National Trails. Glyndŵr’s Way is unusual in so much as although it is named after a historic figure, the route has been devised to showcase this under-visited yet picturesque part of the Welsh countryside.

This is quite a strenuous walk, with continuing ascents and descents following back to back as the route takes you through the hills of Powys. Navigation however, shouldn't be a problem with the route being a National Trail. It's true that Glyndŵr’s Way can throw some challenges at those who take to the trail, however the rewards are substantial in the fantastic views from the climbs.

Our Glyndŵr’s Way Itineraries

  • Knighton to Welshpool
    Distance: 135 miles (217km)
    GW1
    15 Nights, 14 Days
    from £1830 pp
    Knighton to Welshpool
        15 nights, 14 days
    Ref: GW1
    Moderate,
    Grade: Classic
    GW2
    12 Nights, 11 Days
    from £1375 pp
    Knighton to Welshpool
        12 nights, 11 days
    Ref: GW2
    Moderate, Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic
    GW3
    10 Nights, 9 Days
    from £1210 pp
    Knighton to Welshpool
        10 nights, 9 days
    Ref: GW3
    Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic

    Full path itineraries.

  • Knighton to Machynlleth
    Distance: 75 miles (120.5km)
    GW5
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £805 pp
    Knighton to Machynlleth
        7 nights, 6 days
    Ref: GW5
    Moderate,
    Grade: Classic
    GW4
    9 Nights, 8 Days
    from £1155 pp
    Knighton to Machynlleth
        9 nights, 8 days
    Ref: GW4
    Moderate,
    Grade: Classic
    GW6
    6 Nights, 5 Days
    from £680 pp
    Knighton to Machynlleth
        6 nights, 5 days
    Ref: GW6
    Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic

    Southern half itineraries.

  • Machynlleth to Welshpool
    Distance: 60 miles (96.5km)
    GW7
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £770 pp
    Machynlleth to Welshpool
        7 nights, 6 days
    Ref: GW7
    Moderate,
    Grade: Classic
    GW8
    6 Nights, 5 Days
    from £670 pp
    Machynlleth to Welshpool
        6 nights, 5 days
    Ref: GW8
    Moderate,
    Grade: Classic
    GW9
    5 Nights, 4 Days
    from £615 pp
    Machynlleth to Welshpool
        5 nights, 4 days
    Ref: GW9
    Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic

    Northern half itineraries.

  • Glyndŵr’s Way Circular: Knighton to Knighton
    Distance: 162 miles (260.5km)
    GWL2
    14 Nights, 13 Days
    from £1615 pp
    Glyndŵr’s Way Circular: Knighton to Knighton
        14 nights, 13 days
    Ref: GWL2
    Moderate, Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic
    GWL3
    12 Nights, 11 Days
    from £1445 pp
    Glyndŵr’s Way Circular: Knighton to Knighton
        12 nights, 11 days
    Ref: GWL3
    Challenging,
    Grade: Classic

    Extend Glyndŵr's Way to a circular walk, by including the central section Offa's Dyke Path, to bring you back to Knighton. A divers walking experience, showcasing the natural beauty and rich culture of Wales' heartlands with the ancient earthworks of a time gone by.

    • Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
    • Breakfast
    • Luggage transfers
    • Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
    • Route planning
    • Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our Glyndŵr’s Way holidays are available to walk March to October.

    In theory, the path can be taken at any point of the year (except perhaps the depths of winter), but as ever with walking in Wales, the weather is notoriously changeable and avoiding bad spells of rainfall is wholly dependent on how lucky you are that day.

    Railway stations are located in Knighton, Machynlleth and Welshpool.

    www.nationalrail.co.uk

    If you prefer to arrive by car, you can leave your car at the Offa’s Dyke Centre in Knighton (with prior authorisation).

    Taxis

    Machynlleth to Knighton - prices available upon request.

    Welshpool to Knighton - prices available upon request.

    Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    Glyndŵr’s Way Client Reviews

    4.8/5 based on 69 reviews
    Celtic Trails were efficient and provided detailed information with a 'smile'! Would recommend.
    - April 2025
    More personal than the other companies, interesting stopovers
    - September 2024
    My experience with Celtic Trails was better than other companies I've used, they take the stress out of planning so you can focus on walking and feeling more relaxed.
    - September 2024
    My experience with Celtic Trails was very good, the holiday filled in for us this quiet 'Heart of Wales' that we hadn't known before.
    - September 2024
    Celtic Trails are experienced, offered good advice and have good relationships with suppliers who are all experts. All practicalities were covered with good places to stay. Would never have done the distance in the time without the support of Celtic Trails!
    - August 2024
    Celtic Trails are very well organised and efficient!
    - August 2024
    I would recommend Celtic Trails, they were better than other walking companies I've used before.
    - August 2024
    This walk with Celtic Trails really was simply perfect. Your experience shows in the walking pack, containing all the essential information in a clear and concise manner, include provision options. Everything ran like clockwork, from transfers to lodgings and walking information. And we were warmly received in excellent guesthouses. This is what you are hoping for, to be relieved of all the hassle.
    - July 2024
    Helpful and probably the only practical option for walking holidays in remote areas with limited accommodation
    - May 2024
    Celtic Trails were well organized, good communicators, receptive to our customizations. Better thank other companies, would recommend.
    - April 2024
    Celtic trails provided a 'tip top' service. Very professional and excellent attention to detail. They helped make the whole experience particularly rewarding.
    - April 2024
    Celtic Trails made it a stress free holiday.
    - October 2023
    Well organised holidays. The luggage transfers work particularly well and support is good when needed.
    - September 2023
    We walked the Glyndwr's Way walk, which was really off the beaten track and ideal for anyone looking to get away from it all.
    - August 2023
    Organised, well detailed, good response time.
    - July 2023
    Much better than other companies. Would recommend.
    - June 2023
    Celtic Trails were always polite, prompt and efficient.
    - June 2023
    Celtic Trails are to be particularly commended on their Walk Pack - much superior to other companies! Celtic Trails provided a very personal service; the quality of the accommodation was excellent, and the organisation of the whole trip was seamless. Thank you Celtic Trails for providing such an enjoyable experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the remoteness of Glyndwr Way - I didn't see a single other walker for the whole 9 days!
    - June 2023
    Celtic Trails are better than other companies - I would recommend to a friend. I will be back! This solo journey restored my soul.
    - June 2023
    I would highly recommend Celtic Trails to a friend. All of our hosts were also very complimentary about dealing with them. Part of the appeal of Glyndwr's Way is the isolation: we only met 4 other walkers all week. A
    - June 2023
    Celtic Trails have good local knowledge and contacts, which meant well-motivated people taking care of us in accommodation and transportation.
    - May 2023
    The whole process of booking was very easy and I can't fault the arrangements or info provided
    - May 2023
    Celtic Trails is a great tour company for inn-to-inn hikes in Wales. They're dependable, responsive, and reasonably-priced. I'm sure the hike had a positive impact on my husband's and my physical health (how could it not after doing so much hard-core hiking ), and our mental health benefited from the forced downtime, as well as the opportunity to take in beautiful scenery and spend quality time together.
    - May 2023
    Celtic Trails were well organized, reliable, responsive to queries, arranged good accommodation and gave a good range of suggestions for evening meals. Many thanks for all your work.
    - April 2023
    Very efficient. Good reputation. Saved me a huge amount of organisation.
    - April 2023
    Glyndwr's is a memorable walk. I met no other through hikers on the trail, which appealed to me (but may not be for everyone). The countryside is extraordinarily beautiful. All of the accoms were more than satisfactory. Thanks for arranging such a splendi
    - July 2022
    Celtic Trails provided very prompt communication which is always appreciated. Our wishes were always accommodated when possible. They were professional, friendly and had excellent attention to detail. Everything went very smoothly. An off the beaten track hike that was beautiful and peaceful. The soft rolling hills, long views and tranquil valleys, woodland and rivers make it very special. Long distance hiking gets you into a rhythm that takes you right away from the normal pace of everyday life.
    - July 2022
    I would describe my experience with Celtic Trails as a premium quality service. Attention to detail Flexible and accommodating. Very helpful. This was one of the best holidays we've had. Thank you so much, Penny, for a brilliant holiday. Nothing could match how well supported we felt.
    - June 2022
    Celtic Trails - reliable, well-organised, know their suppliers, friendly. Strongly recommend. These remote hill are outstanding.
    - June 2022
    Celtic Trails are well organised, have approachable customer service, clear documentation - never had a problem. Thanks for organising a flawless trip again. Great walking on grassy trails with beautiful views every day.
    - June 2022
    Penny at Celtic Trails was very responsive and quickly contacted me with the itinerary for our walk which matched our requirements. During the walk, everything was well organised and went according to plan. As a result, we had a smooth, hassle-free brea
    - June 2022
    A great walk with comfortable and welcoming accommodation and lovely food. Everything worked really well from start to finish. I finished yesterday and am feeling fit, healthy and invigorated.
    - May 2022
    Our experience with Celtic Trails was excellent. I feel this walk is a "hidden treasure." I really relished the peace.
    - May 2022
    Celtic Trails were very efficient, easy to contact and arrangements all worked well.
    - April 2022
    Great walking. Well organised. Helpful staff. We stayed in lowly little towns and saw wonderful flowers, lots of sheep and lambs and also kites. Hotels and taxi firms all commented that Celtic Trails are good to deal with.
    - April 2022
    Celtic Trails are a very efficient company that uses excellent accommodation. We chose this walk because it's so empty.
    - April 2022
    Glyndwr's Way is a fantastic, quiet walk with brilliant scenery. This is our 11th long distance walk - we would recommend Celtic Trails.
    - March 2022
    Celtic Trails feels like personal service. Attention to detail and excellent communication. Fabulous scenery, interesting history and we saw no one else walking until the last day when we saw three people briefly.
    - October 2021
    Glyndwr's Way was a delight. All days stunningly beautiful. I would describe Celtic Trails as trouble free, well organised, decent accommodation, good info re local shops / refreshments.
    - October 2021
    Exemplary service from Celtic Trails. Great communication and attention to detail. Very thoughtful company. Clearly care about what they do. Walked St. Cuthbert's with you in June 2021 - also super. Being close to nature and being outdoor is elixir for the soul! Being active is living. The only way that anyone can truly exhale. Glyndwr's Way is a very special walk. We saw no one on the walk until the last day. Sublime experience. Views stunning. Quiet / silence was deafening. Very special.
    - August 2021
    Best walk pack and overall organisation [compared to other companies]
    - August 2021
    Worked without hitches. Celtic Trails were efficient. Transfers were all really friendly and efficient.
    - August 2021
    Celtic Trails were effortless, convenient, seamless. I had previously arranged everything myself. I raised lots of money for St. David's Hospice by completing this walk. I'm really pleased.
    - August 2021
    Celtic Trails are clearly well organised and have strong relationships with their accommodation and transfer providers. A very professional service. Easy to deal with. Straightforward and trustworthy.
    - August 2021
    I have recommended Celtic Trails to walkers en route. All ran smoothly. Penny was very accommodating when I wanted to adjust my holiday dates and when Covid restrictions necessitated further readjustments.
    - June 2021
    Professional, efficient, friendly service. We feel refreshed after this holiday. Nice and quiet walk with beautiful countryside.
    - June 2021
    Celtic Trails are well organised. We recommended Celtic Trails en route to another walker who had booked with a rival.
    - June 2021
    Well organised, decent accommodation, good information Good to get away from my house for 10 days
    - September 2020
    We very much enjoyed - long distance walking is our favourite form of holiday. Celtic Trails were friendly and efficient and would would recommend them to a friend.
    - September 2019
    Thank you, Celtic Trails, for your arrangements - very good accommodations.
    - September 2019
    Everything worked as planned. It was very quiet - we walked 11 miles before seeing anyone one day. We only saw 5 - 6 cars!
    - August 2019
    Enjoyed the scenery, good accommodation. Celtic Trails were positive and well-organised.
    - August 2019
    Celtic Trails were 1st class - everything executed smoothly, accommodations always pleasant and several were superb. A walking holiday is the best way to really get to know the country and some of its people.
    - August 2019
    It was perfect - always :-) Celtic Trail were 100% professional, friendly and flexible. This was out first time with a company and we would recommend them to a friend.
    - July 2019
    This is the 4th trail we have done with you - always a real pleasure and much better than other companies; very efficient service; excellent accommodation, with positive hosts; good documentation; all transfers included.
    - July 2019
    Penny was very efficient, professional and friendly. I was very impressed with the very details 'walk pack'. I love walking on my own, so that I can concentrate on the views and sounds around me and not be distracted by conversation.
    - May 2019
    The experience was great. The accommodation were chosen really well, nice hosts and good food! I also like the plan, shorter walking hours in the beginning and the end of the trip. Of course, the trail is well-marked and the weather co-operated for the most part.
    - May 2019
    Everything worked to plan, much easier than booking ourselves and valued the suggested itinerary. We wouldn't have thought of the two-night stops ourselves. We enjoy point to point walks and the scenery on Glyndwr's Way is spectacular. A definitely under-rated part of the country.
    - May 2019
    Everything worked to plan, much easier than booking ourselves and valued the suggested itinerary. We wouldn't have thought of the two-night stops ourselves. We enjoy point to point walks and the scenery on Glyndwr's Way is spectacular. A definitely under-rated part of the country.
    - May 2019
    It's a great walk.
    - May 2019
    We always have these holidays as we love being in the countryside; outdoor all day and we really enjoy walking - husband enjoyed Wales as a child, so wanted to return. We do walks like this across UK and Europe 2 or 3 times every year and hope to carry on in repeat places and new places.
    - April 2019
    Thank you for organising everything - so much simpler than sorting it all myself. Walking alone - it was good to know I'd be missed by someone at the end of the day if I was injured and didn't show up when expected.
    - October 2018
    Celtic Trails were excellent and met my expectations. What I most enjoyed about this walk was the remoteness and the scener
    - September 2018
    We enjoyed the remote countryside - it was very scenic, despite three misty days.
    - August 2018
    We loved the remoteness and the silence of this walk.
    - August 2018
    Walking is living.
    - May 2018
    "Overall everything was excellent - totally up to expectations."
    - July 2017
    "This is a lovely walk, not too ambitious, but absolutely beautiful in the spring. The walk from Dylife to Machynlleth on a glorious spring day was totally memorable. After such a pleasant stay with Maya at Bron Y Llys we were already singing, but the views at Glaslyn blew us away. We were warmly welcomed by everyone in Mid Wales and would encourage anyone thinking of doing this walk to book up."
    - July 2017
    "Celtic Trails compared very well with other companies. Pleased with accommodation, especially with our request regarding bed sizes - which went without a hitch, Thank-you."
    - June 2017
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