Glyndwr's Way National Trail

Owain Glyndwr was a late-medieval nobleman who led the Welsh in a long hard revolt against English colonialism in his country. He aspired to creating an independent Welsh nation and is therefore regarded as a national hero in Wales. He achieved a number of remarkable successes in his endeavour, but his resources were limited and he finally vanished into the unknown and into his land's legends. He was never once betrayed, and the aims he envisioned have been the cornerstone of Welsh modern history.

Owain Glyndwr's Way was devised to incorporate many of the sites associated with the legends of Owain Glyndwr. It therefore has an historic fascination and it is well worth reading his story before embarking on the Trail. The Trail was originally established in the 1970's as a recreational long distance path, but was designated a Welsh National Trail in 2000 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Owain Glyndwr being declared Prince of Wales.

Starting at Knighton on Offa's Dyke, the Trail passes close to battlefields, abbeys, historic houses and castles, visiting Abbey Cwmhir, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Llangadfab and Hope on its way to Welshpool. In addition to following the history of Owain's revolt the path also passes through some of the finest scenery in central Wales, through farmland, forestry and open hill country following old Roman roads, drover's tracks and more recent footpaths. The journey includes the wooded vales of Radnor, the Clywedog valley, unspoilt areas of old Montgomeryshire and along the Afon Dyfi, perhaps the loveliest river valley in Wales.

It is best to allow 9 to 11 days to complete this walk. The itinerary below is ten long day walks. Many sections are sparsely populated and facilities few and far between, so planning overnight accommodation and supplies for each days walking should be considered carefully. As this Trail begins and ends on the Offa's Dyke National Trail you can return to Knighton from Welshpool by travelling south along Offa's Dyke (29 miles), thus making a 277 km circular walk. Allow an additional three days for this.

Knighton - Felindre 15.5m
Felindre - Abbey-cwm-hir 15.5m
Abbey-cwm-hir - Llanidloes 15.25m
Llanidloes - Glaslyn 15m
Glaslyn - Machynlleth 12.5m
Machynlleth - Llanbrynmair 15.5m
Llanbrynmair - Llangadfan 11m
Llangadfan - Llanwddyn 7.5m
Llanwddyn - Pontrobert 11.25m
Pontrobert - Welshpool 14m

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