Glyndŵr’s Way: National Trail
Published 24 June 2026
Applies to England and Wales
© Crown copyright 2026
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Glyndŵr’s Way is a 135-mile (217km) National Trail in mid-Wales. It’s a hilly trail that goes through open moorland, working farmland, woodland and forest.
The trail is named after Owain Glyndŵr, Prince of Wales and Medieval Welsh nationalist leader who organised a rebellion against the English king, Henry IV in 1400.
About the trail
The trail goes between:
- Knighton, Powys
- Machynlleth, Powys
- Welshpool, Powys
You can choose to walk the entire trail, a specific section or two, or find local circular walks that follow some of the trail.
You can find some circular and linear walks on the National Trails website.
When to visit
The trail is open all year. You should be prepared for rain and snow in winter.
Signposts on the trail
All National Trails are marked with an acorn symbol or the trail name. You’ll see these along the trail, for example on gates and signposts.
On Glyndŵr’s Way you’ll also see a dragon on signs, which is Powys County Council’s symbol for the trail.
Walking the whole trail
- Length: 135 miles (217km)
- Time to complete: around 9 days - if you walk around 15 miles a day
You can walk the trail in either direction. Signposts show the route in both directions so you can choose.
Most people start the trail at the town clock in Knighton and end at the canal in Welshpool.
You can also walk directly between Knighton and Welshpool on Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail.
Accessibility on the trail
Glyndŵr’s Way is very hilly.
Some sections of the trail are rough and remote. You may need to use a compass if it’s misty in these areas.
What you can experience on the trail
There are many things you can experience on Glyndŵr’s Way, including:
- wildlife – such as at Lake Vyrnwy and untamed ponies near Pencoed
- historic and heritage sites – such as the ancient earthwork of Castell y Blaidd
- nature reserves – such as Glaslyn
- local culture, food and entertainment
On the trail you can also visit towns and small villages, including:
- Llanbrynmair
- Llanwddyn
- Llanidloes
- Machynlleth
Sections of the trail
You can break the trail into sections that you can walk in a day, or that give you time to visit specific things on or near the trail.
There’s an example below, but you can find more information online and in guidebooks to help plan your route.
Knighton to Felindre – 15 miles (24km)
The trail climbs out from Knighton and goes through woodland and countryside. It goes to the Beacon Hill moorland before going down into Felindre.
Felindre to Abbeycwmhir – 15.5 miles (25km)
The trail goes up to high pastureland and past Garreg Lwyd windfarm and Castell y Blaidd. It then goes onto the wide, open moorland of Ysgwd Ffordd and then through woodland to Abbeycwmhi.
Abbeycwmhir to Llanidloes – 15.5 miles (25km)
This hilly section has many climbs and descents. The trail goes through high farmland, forestry, valleys and old woodland to the town of Llanidloes.
Llanidloes to Dylife – 14.5 miles (23.5km)
This section of the trail starts with a bridge across the Severn river. The trail continues through woodland and pasture to the Bryntail mine and the Clywedog dam. It goes high above Clywedog reservoir and onto the old Roman road to Dylife.
Dylife to Machynlleth – 14.5 miles (23.5km)
The trail returns to the Roman road, then onto high moorland and past Glaslyn lake. It continues to the town of Machynlleth.
Machynlleth to Llanbrynmair – 16 miles (25.5km)
The trail climbs from the Machynlleth to follow the ridge route . Then it continues over the hills above the Afon Twymyn before going down to Llanbrynmair.
Llanbrynmair to Llanwddyn – 18 miles (29km)
The trail goes through the town of Pencoed and into the Dyfnant forest. Then the trail goes into Llanwddyn with views of Lake Vyrnwy and the dam.
Llanwddyn to Meifod – 15 miles (24km)
The trail leaves the reservoir and continues alongside parts of the River Vyrnwy, passing through a few villages before arriving at Meifod.
Meifod to Welshpool – 11 miles (17.5km)
The trail starts in woodland and goes through quiet landscape towards the trig point on the great hill of Y Golfa. Then there’s a long, easy descent through the parkland of Llanerchydol Hall to the town of Welshpool.
Maps for the trail
You can find:
- a map on the National Trails website – you can also download GPX data
- other maps and guidebooks online and in print
- circular and linear walks online and from the local council
The Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer maps that cover Glyndŵr’s Way are:
- 201 Knighton and Presteigne
- 214 Llanidloes and Newtown
- 215 Newtown and Machynlleth
- OL23 Cadair Idris and Llyn Tegid
- 239 Lake Vyrnwy and Llanfyllin
- 216 Welshpool and Montgomery
Diversions or closures on the trail
You may find minor diversions, seasonal or tidal changes to the route. These will be clearly signposted and you should always follow the signposts on the trail.
Prepare for your visit
Read guidance on how to prepare for your visit for information on:
- checking the route – including for diversions or closures
- planning your trip
- what to prepare before you set off
- what to do on the trail
Contact
Use the relevant National Trails online form to:
- report a problem
- ask a question about accessibility on the trail
- find out about volunteering opportunities
Contact the local council to report a problem on a public right of way, for example obstructions, poor maintenance or a misleading sign.