The Glyndwr’s Way is a stunning national trail in Wales taking you through moorlands, rolling farmlands, and mid-Wales forests.
The long-distance trail is 135 miles (217 km) and takes you through some of mid-Wales’ most stunning landscapes and secluded hill country. You start your long-distance walk in the town of Knighton and finish in the market town of Welshpool.
The hiking route is one of the best long distance walks in Wales was named after Owain Glyndŵr’, the Prince of Wales who led the Medieval rebellion against the English king, Henry IV, in the 1400s.
What’s strange about this is the hiking trail doesn’t follow any historic routes the Welsh prince took during that time.
Top 9 Highlights of Gylndŵr’s Way Hike in Wales
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- Radnorshire Hills: Traverse this wild, beautiful terrain, absorbing breathtaking panoramas of Wales’ undulating hills and serene valleys.
- Llanidloes: A historic market town that serves as a perfect rest stop for walkers, complete with timber-framed buildings and the Minerva Arts Centre.
- Plynlimon: The highest point of the Cambrian Mountains, boasting stunning vistas across mid-Wales, and the source of the River Severn.
- Hafren Forest: A tranquil woodland retreat with trails winding through a mix of pine and native broadleaf trees, a great spot for bird watchers.
- Llyn Clywedog Reservoir: Enjoy the serene beauty of this man-made lake, a haven for various species of wildlife and birds.
- Machynlleth: Known as the “Ancient Capital of Wales,” this town is rich in history, including the Parliament House, where Welsh rebel Owain Glyndŵr held his parliament in 1404.
- The Centre for Alternative Technology: An eco-education center filled with hands-on displays about sustainable living located just north of Machynlleth.
- Cadair Idris: While not directly on the Glyndwr’s Way route, a slight detour takes you to this majestic mountain, offering a memorable hiking experience.
- Welshpool: Conclude your journey in this charming town, a gateway to Wales, with Powis Castle, a medieval gem with terraced gardens, as the perfect finale.
The Glyndwr’s Way Walk is one of 16 national trails found in the UK.
Here’s a list of all the national trails in the UK: Cleveland Way, Cotswold Way, Glyndwr’s Way, Hadrian’s Wall Path, North Downs Way, Offa’s Dyke Path, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path, Pennine Bridleway, Pennine Way, Pembrokeshire Coast Path, The Ridgeway, South Downs Way, South West Coast Path, Thames Path, The West Highland Way, Yorkshire Wolds Way.
With that being said, let’s take a look at this beautiful trail:
Glyndwr’s Way Walk: 10-Day Itinerary
The 135-mile route is a challenging trail to hike due to its distance. It takes walkers anywhere between 9-14 days to complete, and of course, this depends on your fitness level.
I’ve hiked in the UK for 20 years, have experience in teaching outdoor education, and have walked the Glyndŵr’s Way so you’re in good hands. I’ll share the highlights, point out tricky or technical sections if there are any, and share my favorite accommodations for walkers each day. Let’s get started!
With that said, I’m going to give you a 10-day breakdown of walking the Glyndwr’s Way since that’s what I did:
Day 1: Walk From Knighton To Felindre
- Start Point: Knighton
- Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
- Total Ascent: 440 m (1,444 ft)
- Finish Point: Felindre
Today the route takes you through plenty of farmland and hilly pastures, eventually turning to moorland. After 15 miles of walking, you’ll reach the charming Welsh village of Felindre, where you can stay at the Shepherds Country Inn.
Day 2: Walk From Felindre To Abbeycwmhir
- Start Point: Felindre
- Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
- Total Ascent: 438 m (1,440 ft)
- Finish Point: Abbeycwmhir
Today is one of the most rewarding days of the trail and one of my favorite days of the entire route because of the breathtaking views of the famous Brecon Beacons (a small mountain range).
Another highlight was passing Castell y Blaidd (Wolf’s Castle), a Norman Defensive enclosure that’s a high vantage point on the Brecon Beacons.
You’ll finish your day in the historic market town of Abbeycwmhir, once the largest abbey in Wales before being destroyed by Glyndwr after falling into English hands.
If you’re looking for accommodation, check out the Happy Union Inn or Laurel Bank B&B.
Day 3: Walk From Abbeycwmhir to Llanidloes
- Start Point: Abbeycwmhir
- Distance: 15.5 miles (25 km)
- Total Ascent: 351 m (1,152 ft)
- Finish Point: Llanidloes
Today you’ll hike through forest plantations and remote tracks before reaching the small town of Llanidloes.
Along the way, you’ll have great views of the Severn Valley, a rural area in the West Midlands of Wales.
Before you reach Llanidloes, keep an eye out for the dramatic views of Cader Idris, a mountain in the Meirionnydd area of Gwynedd at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park.
When you reach Llanidloes, you have several accommodation options, including The Unicorn Hotel, The Mount Inn, or The Trewythen.
Day 4: Walk From Llanidloes To Dylife
- Start Point: Llanidloes
- Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km)
- Total Ascent: 306 m (1,004 ft)
- Finish Point: Dylife
Your hike starts by following beautiful woodland before taking a trip past the hub of Wales’s Industrial Age.
But one of the highlights of today’s route is the stunning man-made reservoir of Clywedog. Today you’ll also reach the walk’s highest point before eventually descending to Dylife, a former mining settlement in Powys, Wales.
You only have one option for accommodation in Dylife called Y Star Dylife, so make sure you book ahead of time.
Day 5: Walk From Dylife To Machynlleth
- Start Point: Dylife
- Distance: 14.5 miles (23 km)
- Total Ascent: 227 m (745 ft)
- Finish Point: Machynlleth
Today you’ll be walking through valleys, moorland, farmland, and forests before reaching the town of Machynlleth.
Machynlleth is where Owain Glyndwr set up his parliament after being crowned the Prince of Wales in 1404. In fact, his parliament building, called The Senedd, still stands in the center of town today.
If you’re looking for places to stay, check out the Toad Hall, Maenllwyd Guest House, or The White Lion Hotel.
Day 6: Walk From Machynlleth To Llanbrynmair
- Start Point: Machynlleth
- Distance: 16 miles (25.5 km)
- Total Ascent: 263 m (863 ft)
- Finish Point: Llanbrynmair
You don’t have much to see today on your route, unfortunately, if I’m being honest, but you do get better views of one of the tallest mountains in Wales, Cadir Idris. Besides that, the route is pretty simple, following the eastern border of Snowdonia while climbing rolling hills and forests.
Once you reach the village of Llanbrynmair, you can stay the night at Wynnstay Arms and Wynnstay House Bed & Breakfast.
Day 7: Walk From Llanbrynmair To Llangadfan
- Start Point: Llanbrynmair
- Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
- Total Ascent: 374 m (1,227 ft)
- Finish Point: Llangadfan
You’ll start with a steady climb out of Llanbrynmair up to the hills before eventually reaching the valley of Cwm Nant yr Eira, which roughly translates to “Valley of the Snowy Brook.”
Your walk takes you across farmland and open moorland before the path heads into cattle farms and then Dyfnant Forest.
Eventually, you’ll reach Llangadfan, where you can stay at the Cann Office Hotel or Riverbend Caravan Park.
Day 8: Walk From Llangadfan To Lake Vyrnwy
- Start Point: Llangadfan
- Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
- Total Ascent: 323 m (1,060 ft)
- Finish Point: Lake Vyrnwy
One of the most impressive parts of today’s walk is reaching the Victorian Vyrnwy Dam, built in the 1880s.
It was the first one of its kind in the world and not only that, but it’s also an excellent bird-watching area. The lake’s reserve is filled with peregrine falcons along with 90 other species.
There are only a few places to stay at Lake Vyrnwy, including Gorffwysfa and Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa.
Day 9: Lake Vyrnwy To Meifod
- Start Point: Lake Vyrnwy
- Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
- Total Ascent: 250 m (823 ft)
- Finish Point: Meifod
For most of today’s hike, you’ll have Lake Vyrnwy in view and the path crossing the river a few times.
This section of the trail commemorates Ann Griffiths, an 18th-century Methodist hymn writer and a very significant female figure in Welsh history.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the village of Meifod, where you can stay at the Kings Head Inn or Gwyndy Cottage.
Day 10: Walk From Meifod To Welshpool
- Start Point: Meifod
- Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
- Total Ascent: 225 m (738 ft)
- Finish Point: Welshpool
Today is your last day of walking along the Glyndwr’s Way. You start with an uphill hike that takes you to the top of Broniarth Hill (265 m), providing excellent views of Vyrnwy Valley.
If you’re lucky, one of the highlights of the day is watching the steam train on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway.
You’ll finish your trip in the town of Welshpool, home to the 13th-century Powis Castle, which incorporates Clive Museum, terraced gardens, and an aviary.
Summary of Accommodations for Walking the Glyndwr’s Way
Arrival Day: Knighton
Day 1: Felindre. Our Recommendation: Shepherds Country Inn
Day 2: Abbeycwmhir. Our Recommendations: Happy Union Inn or Laurel Bank B&B
Day 3: Llanidloes. Our Recommendations: The Unicorn Hotel, The Mount Inn, or The Trewythen.
Day 4: Dylife. Our Recommendation: Y Star Dylife
Day 5: Machynlleth. Our Recommendations: Toad Hall, Maenllwyd Guest House, or The White Lion Hotel.
Day 6: Llanbrynmair. Our Recommendations: Wynnstay Arms and Wynnstay House Bed & Breakfast.
Day 7: Llangadfan. Our Recommendations: Cann Office Hotel or Riverbend Caravan Park.
Day 8: Lake Vyrnwy. Our Recommendations: Gorffwysfa and Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa.
Day 9: Meifod. Our Recommendations: Kings Head Inn or Gwyndy Cottage.
Day 10: Welshpool
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Glyndwr’s Way in Wales, UK
Are There Any Similar Hikes In The UK?
If you’re looking for a similar hike in the UK to Glyndwr’s Way to tackle, you have a few options. The Cotswold Way takes you through stunning countryside and charming UK villages.
Another great hike in the UK is the Ridgeway Walk, which takes you past historical monuments and excellent British towns.
But if you’re looking for a walk in the same area, have a look at Offa’s Dyke Path, which follows the man-made border of Wales and England.
When Is The Best Time To Walk Glyndwr’s Way?
If you want the best possible experience, your best bet is to walk Glyndwr’s Way head in the summer. But even then, you have to remember it’s Wales… and it can rain at any point.
That being said…
Looking over the Welsh mountains when covered in snow makes for a magical experience you’ll never forget.
Who Will Enjoy Walking Glyndwr’s Way?
Although you don’t have to take on massive peaks, as you do on the Snowdonia Way, the length and elevation gain of this hike in Wales can make it difficult.
That said, anyone with a reasonable fitness level who loves exploring small villages will love this long-distance walk.
What Gear Do I Need To Bring on the Glyndwr’s Way Walk?
Here’s our list of recommended trekking gear for a multi-day walk like this. Of special note is buying clothing made from Merino wool, which is perfect for English weather, especially if you’re doing this hike in Wales in spring or fall.
Plus, I like to bring a good hiking book so I have something to read in the evenings (usually on my Kindle) and record the day in my hiking journal.
And for the ladies who still want to look good while doing this route, check out our hiking makeup tips.
More Information on Walking the Glyndŵr’s Way in Wales, UK
Guidebooks are great sources of information, like this guidebook which includes a route planner, and route maps if you’re planning on doing this hike in Wales by yourself.
Conclusion
In sum, Glyndŵr’s Way offers an authentic slice of Wales, blending rich history with stunning landscapes that will captivate every walker and wanderer’s heart. It’s more than just a walk; it’s an intimate journey through the soul of Wales.
