Glyndwr's Way
A National Trail through the remote hills and forests of mid Wales, following the footsteps of the Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr through the Cambrian…
Route overview
Glyndwr's Way is a National Trail of approximately 217 kilometres that loops through the remote hills and forests of mid Wales, commemorating the fifteenth-century Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr who led a major rebellion against English rule. The trail starts at Knighton on the English border, loops north through the Cambrian Mountains, and returns to Welshpool in the Severn valley. The route passes through some of the least populated and most remote landscape in Wales, including the Radnor Forest, the Cambrian Mountains, and the Dyfi valley. The terrain is a mix of moorland, forest track, and riverside path. The trail is quieter than the better-known Welsh coastal paths, offering solitude and a strong sense of Welsh history and identity. Glyndwr's Way is well waymarked with the dragon symbol and is supported by a network of small villages and market towns. The walking is moderate but some days are long and remote, requiring self-sufficiency.
A National Trail through the remote hills and forests of mid Wales, following the footsteps of the Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr through the Cambrian Mountains and the Severn valley.
Trail facts
- Country
- Wales
- Region
- Mid Wales
- Distance
- c. 217 km
- Typical duration
- 9–11 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- c. 6,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- April–October
- Trail type
- Hill and forest trail
Safety context
Remote moorland sections are exposed to weather with limited shelter. Forest sections can be disorienting. Some road walking connects the hill and valley sections.
The trail is one of the quietest National Trails in Britain. Accommodation is limited in some sections. Mobile phone signal is unreliable in the remote valleys.
Highlights
Knighton and the Offa's Dyke centre Radnor Forest remote moorland Llanidloes historic town Machynlleth and Owain Glyndwr's parliament Cambrian Mountains Lake Vyrnwy reservoir Welshpool and the Severn valley Welsh history and landscape
Why find a buddy
A remote Welsh trail through the Cambrian Mountains and Glyndwr's historic landscape — a partner shares the solitude, the Welsh history, and the challenge of mid-Wales walking.
Primary source
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.