Glyndwr’s Way South

Walk Overview

Glyndwr’s Way is one of the United Kingdom’s 16 specially protected “National Trails” and is the most recent of Wales’ three designated National Trails. The path traverses 214 kilometres (133 miles) between Knighton and Welshpool and has great historical significance because it follows in the footsteps of the legendary Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndwr who fought against English domination in the fifteenth century.

The walk which is the subject of this page, Glyndwr’s Way South covers 120 kilometres (75 miles) of the southern section of the Glyndwr’s Way between Knighton and Machynlleth. It’s a great option for those with limited time and who wish to get a taste of the natural splendour, wild scenery and historical heritage of the secluded mid-Wales region.

The walk starts at the quaint market town of Knighton which lies on the England-Wales border. The town is rich in history and features a central clock tower, seventeenth century half-timbered buildings and a maze of narrow winding streets. There is a wide range of places to stay and many places providing good food and refreshments.

From Knighton, the trail heads northwest into the secluded Radnorshire Hills. It follows a line through long green valleys and secluded hills. The Glyndwr’s Way features some of the finest scenery in Wales where much of Glyndwr’s campaign against the English was conducted. This ancient uplands path affords panoramic views across mid-Wales, Cardigan Bay in the west and the Snowdonia Mountains in the north. As the track mainly traverses hilly farmland and moorland, there are continuing ascents and descents which can be strenuous but rewarding.

There are many highlights on the walk, including:

• Far-reaching views of the dramatic mountains in the northern Snowdonia region such as Cadair Idris and Pumlumon Fawr

• An abundance of rare wildlife and birdlife such as buzzards and red kites

• Varied and unspoilt scenery of rivers, lakes, woodland, rolling hills, open moors and farmland dotted with traditional villages and towns

• Breathtaking views along the majestic Dulas Valley from the highest point of the trail at Foel Fadian (510m/1,675ft)

Glyndwr’s Way South ends at the vibrant and historic town of Machynlleth where Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales and established Wales’ first parliament in 1404. It is also home to the inspiring Centre for Alternative Technology which is dedicated to sustainable development.

Glyndwr’s Way South covers 120 kilometres (75 miles) and generally takes between 5 and 8 days of walking. Your total trip duration then depends on how far you wish to walk each day and whether you incorporate rest days along the way.

Further information:

• A six day itinerary is described below.

• For more information on walking in Mid-Wales, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes about 5-8 days to complete. A typical 6 day itinerary is shown below.

Day 1

Knighton to Short Ditch

Distance: 15.2 km

Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2

Short Ditch to Llanbadarn Fynydd

Distance: 20 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast; Inn

Day 3

Llanbadarn Fynydd to Abbeycwmhir

Distance: 13.6 km

Time: 3.5 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast; Inn

Walk Options

Guided

There are currently no tour operators who offer Glyndwr’s Way as a guided trip.

Assisted self-guided

Many tour operators offer self-guided trips on Glyndwr’s Way.

Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Accommodation, usually with ensuites (the range and quantity of accommodation available in some villages is limited; also, the basic package offered by some tour operators might not always extend to ensuites). Due to the rural nature of the walk, it may be necessary to stay at some accommodation for 2 nights, in which case transfers between the path and the accommodation will be included in the holiday cost.

• Luggage transport between accommodation (and sometimes, where necessary, vehicle transfers between track and accommodation)

• Breakfasts and optional packed lunches

• 24/7 Support

The duration of the self-guided options varies depending upon how far you wish to walk each day. Accommodation options range from comfortable through to luxury, again depending upon the size of the village or town and the purchased package.

Independent

There are some camping areas along the route that make camping on some nights a possibility. It’s also quite feasible to book accommodation along the route yourself and, if you require luggage transfers, to arrange that independently.

For those considering this option, it’s worth noting that the self-guided tour operators often have preferred rates with accommodation providers and luggage transfer companies. They also often have reserved allocations at the best-located/most suitable accommodation for the particular walk, so sometimes when accommodation shows no availability to an independent inquiry there’s still availability through a self-guided operator.

Essential Information

Access

The starting point for Glyndwr’s Way South is Knighton. 

Knighton and Machynlleth are both accessible by public transport:

• For Knighton, there are regular trains from London’s Euston station, with changes at Birmingham and Shrewsbury..

• From Machynlleth, there are regular trains to London’s Euston Station with one change at Birmingham.

Best time

The best time to do the walk is between March and October.

Difficulty

This walk is rated at a difficulty level of moderate to demanding. It is waymarked and is generally well-defined and maintained.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options at either end of Glyndwr’s Way South(Knighton and Machynlleth). Availability of accommodation along this rural route varies depending upon the size of the hamlet, village or town. Some accommodation providers require a two night stay which will necessitate transfers between the path and the accommodation. Accommodation options include camping, hostels, B&B’s, guesthouses, inns and hotels.

Many of the accommodation providers, particularly those near to the route, are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers. 

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Dining

We can assist you in choosing special dining options along the route, where available.

Other activities

Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore the villages along the route. Some will do that through rest days along the trail; others prefer ‘add-ons’ at either end of the walk. Some do both!

We can assist walkers to choose where to add extra days along the Glyndwr’s Way South.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.