Glyndŵr’s Way (or Glyndwrs Way) is a walking holiday through some of the finest wild scenery in Wales. Named after Owain Glyndŵr, the legendary Welsh nobleman who led a successful revolt against English domination in 1401, The Glyndŵr’s Way is the most recent of Wales’ three designated National Trails.
Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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The Victorian dam structure is found on the perimeter of Snowdonia National Park, and just south of Lake Bala. It's often described by visitors as 'magical', with its sprawling 12 mile radius and setting among the Berwyn Mountains.
The Glyndŵr’s Way has views over the dam and reservoir on the Llangadfan to Meifod section of the GW1, GW2 and GW3 itineraries.
A small historic market town on the river Severn, Llanidloes seems to exude a certain rustic, bohemian charm. The town itself is popular with walkers, with dedicated routes leading up and around the hills enclosing. There are plenty of excellent places to eat and a strong focus on local craftsmanship in the town's shops.
The town is found towards the mid section of all our itineraries.
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.
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.
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