Walkers overlooking rolling hills of Welsh countryside

Glyndwr’s Way is one of the walking communities’ best-kept secrets. If you are looking for an under-used route to take you through some of the best landscapes Wales has to offer, it’s a route for you.

Glyndwr’s Way is a 135 mile (217 km) National Trail.  It starts in Knighton (at the clock tower) and finishes at Welshpool (at the canal).  Both start and finish are in the county of Powys.  A relatively new national trail, it was established in 2002.  Interestingly it joins Offa’s Dyke at both ends, thus making a longer circular route a possibility.

Glyndwr’s Way was named after Owain Glyndwr,  the last Welshman to hold the title of the Prince of Wales.  He organised a rebellion against the English King, Henry 1V in 1400.

View over a gate to a path leading across to golden skies
The beautiful landscape near Hafren Forest Hideaway

The trail links a variety of towns and villages, which gives it interest, places to eat and stay and its unusual V shape.  Having said that the distance between the towns & villages may well be too far for some walkers, so the help of a taxi service may need researching.  There are a number of Independent Hostels along the route, offering wallet-friendly, walker-friendly accommodation. The handy map shows where they are in relation to the route.

Sole walker heading off towards the Welsh hills
Heading to the solitude of the Welsh landscape from Mid Wales Bunkhouse

The route crosses some of the best landscapes in Wales.  You will pass the serene Radnorshire Hills & skirt the edges of the Clywedog Reservoir.  You will get amazing views of Cadair Idris, Lake Vyrnwy and the Cambrian Mountains.  The highest point of the route is at Foel Fadian (1530ft/510m), where on a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views to the sea.

Glyndwr’s Way is by no means a level walk, but rather one of a progression of ups and downs.   The joy of walking through this beautifully quiet corner of Wales, along a route overlooked by the hordes far outweighs the effort involved in making the journey.

More information on Glyndwr’s Way can be found on the National Trail’s website

 


Accomodation on Glyndwr's Way