The Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail can be completed in sections, although it is important to always plan your accommodation or transport in advance as services are scarce along much of the Trail. Users of the Trail can walk sections of any length to suit their own needs but the following is an example, covering the Trails in sixteen stages:-
Section 1: Knighton to Llangunllo – 6½m/10½km
Knighton, “Knights Town” is also known as Tref - y – Clawdd, “The town on the dyke”. Knighton is situated at the beginning of Glyndŵr’s Way and half way along Offa’s Dyke path. The clock tower in Knighton is the official start of Glyndŵr’s Way National Trail. This is a relatively easy start to the Trail, with the hardest bit being a climb through farmland for a mile or so. Eventually reaching Llangunllo at the bottom of a quiet valley with trees all around. This section of the Trail ends at the War Memorial in Llangunllo.
Section 2: Llangunllo to Felindre – 9¼m/15km
Here the path leads you through the village of Llangunllo to open moorland – one of the real attractions of the Trail. Gradually the hills and open moorland give way to farmland as you near Felindre.
Section 3: Felindre to Llanbadarn Fynydd – 7½m/12km
On leaving Felindre, you will pass the remains of an ancient motte (which is not open to the public). The Trail then gently rises through farmland to a short section of road. On leaving the road the Trails takes you past an old earthwork known as Castell-y-Blaidd and on into Llanbadarn Fynydd.
Section 4: Llanbadarn Fynydd to Abbeycwmhir – 8¼m/13km
From LLanbadarn Fynydd the Trail climbs to open moorland. The remainder of this section takes you along a ridge rising to a 450m summit, before dropping through Neuadd Fach wood into the valley of Bachell Brook and on into Abbeycwmhir.
Section 5: Abbeycwmhir to Blaentrinant - 6¾m/11km
Abbeycwmhir gets its name from a Cistercian abbey founded in 1143, but little of it remains today. The Trail takes you along a sunken green lane, gently climbing through a tall and dense forestry plantation. Ending with spectacular views, at Blaentrinant, of the peak of Cadair Idris (893m) to the North West, in Snowdonia.
Section 6: Blaentrinant to Llanidloes – 8½ m/13½km
From Blaentrinant to Llanidloes the Trail zigzags through some of the most picturesque countryside on the route.
Section 7: Llanidloes to Afon Biga – 9m/14½km
This part of the Trail starts at the Market Hall in Llanidloes, crosses the River Severn, then following the path in the shadows of the Clywedog Dam wall, you will arrive on the shores of the Clywedog reservoir. Making sure you keep your eyes open for Red Kite, you will eventually arrive at the Afon Biga picnic site.
Section 8: Afon Biga to Aberhosan - 9¼m/14¾km
Crossing the river you walk through the Hafren Forest with its giant pine trees, climbing through attractive moorland takes you to a ridge where you can see Dylife, a small settlement known at one time for its mining, below you. Continuing along the Trail you pass the remains of a Roman fortlet, Glaslyn to your left and Foel Fadian in front of you. Following the track you reach the highest point on Glyndŵr’s Way where a spectacular view awaits you and on a clear day you can see Cardigan Bay.
Section 9: Aberhosan to Machynlleth – 9½m/15¼km
After a demanding climb up Cefn Modfedd you leave the old route and head south to begin the largest new section of the Trail. Walking through woodland on Ffridd Rhiwlwyfen the Trail takes you round to the far side of Machynlleth, a vibrant little town with a rich history, to enter the town via the “Roman Steps.” Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales and established a parliament in Machynlleth in 1404.
Section 10: Machynlleth to Cemmaes Road - 8¾m/14¼km
From the Owain Glyndŵr centre in Machynlleth the Trail starts with a 3 mile stretch along a minor road south east to Forge and onto Abercegir. From here the Trail once again climbs up onto open moor with views of the Cadair Idris Mountain before descending once again into Cemmaes Road.
Section 11: Cemmaes Road to Llanbrynmair – 6¾m/10¾km
This part of the Trail is a true delight through rolling hills and scenic valleys. The initial climb from Cemmaes Road is quite steep, though the rest of this section is relatively easy.
Section 12: Llanbrynmair to Llangadfan – 10¼m/16½km
Leaving Llanbrynmair the route takes you northwards on a new section of the Trail under the railway line. It soon takes you up a steep hill, but the climb is worth it, for the views of the valley below. The route continues along a forest trail before rejoining the old Glyndŵr’s Way. You soon climb to the edge of Pen Coed and across a particularly lonely stretch of bracken covered moor.
Section 13: Llangadfan to Llanwddyn – 6½m/10½km
The route now takes you through the huge plantation of Dyfnant forest. Llanwyddyn caters to a steady stream of visitors to Lake Vyrnwy and its impressive 33 arched dam.
Section 14: Llanwddyn to Dolanog – 8¼m/13¼km
This section marks the end of the more arduous moorland part of the Trail. It is quite easy from now on, passing through pretty valleys, gentle farmland and along pleasant riverside walks.
Section 15: Dolanog to Meifod – 7m/11km
This section of the route shadows the Vyrnwy as it undulates through woods, continuing through gentle farmland before crossing the edge of the wooded slopes of Gallt yr Ancr (Hill of Anthracite)
Section 16: Meifod to Welshpool – 10¾m/17½km
On leaving Meifod you encounter a steep but pleasant climb through woods of Broniarth Hill before looping round Llyn Du (Llyn means lake in Welsh). More comfortable farmland walking will eventually lead you to Y Golfa and on to Welshpool’s Raven Square. Glyndŵrs Way reaches its end in a garden beside the canal bridge in Welshpool, where it links with the Severn Way regional route.
Powis Castle, half a mile from Welshpool is also worth a visit. Built in the 13th century the castle features impressive terraced gardens, an orangery, an aviary and a smattering of statues. It also houses the Clive of India museum.