Walking the Glyndwr’s Way
Glyndwr’s Way is an energetic, walking holiday through some of the finest scenery in Wales.
Glyndwr’s Way is the most recent of Wales’s three designated National Trails, named after Owain Glyndwr, the legendary Welsh nobleman who led a successful revolt against English domination in 1401.
The trail follows a horseshoe line through long green valleys and the secluded hill-country of the Radnorshire Hills. Because of its remoteness, Glyndwr was able to move rapidly and elusively along these numerous ‘cefnffyrdd’ ancient upland tracks, the key feature in enabling him to fight a guerrilla campaign against the English.
Today in less turbulent times, the countryside has hardly changed. Walking through the beautiful, secluded hill country of mid Wales you will meet few other people, and for many the unspoilt beauty and solitude of the route is its main attraction.
Your walk takes you through a great 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 Lyn 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 Snowdonia to the north. The notable ranges are Cadair Idris 892m (2,928’) and Pumlumon Fawr 752m (2,468’) which will fill you with contentment, far removed from the values of today’s world.
It is said the best views in Wales are had from here
The trail takes you past a number of battle sites where Prince Owain Glyndw’r fought against the English, in the 15th century. The 1401 Battle of Hyddgen, in the wilds of Pumlumon marked a turning point in Glyndwr’s rebellion, and was to establish him as Prince and later King of Wales The peace of the little church at Pilleth contrasts with the clashing of swords and hissing of arrows of 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 Glyndwr’s daughter.
Pass through the attractive old town of Machynlleth, the half-way point of your walk, where Glyndwr 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 it is still possible to hear the old Welsh language in everyday use. A visit to the famous 3C Powis Castle at the end of your walk is not to be missed.
In Welshpool, Glyndwr’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 Glyndwrs Way.
Celtic Trails has 20 years’ experience providing tailored, quality itineraries for walkers who appreciate good service, comfort and organisation.
