Introducing the Trail

Meandering through 135 miles (217 Km) of stunning Welsh countryside Glyndŵr's Way offers peace and quiet as you explore open moorland, rolling farmland, woodland and forests. Starting in Knighton and ending in Welshpool, 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.

Prepare for your trip

Select the blue arrow tabs below for more details.

Exploring the Trail

There are route descriptions in the Further Information section of this website.

The Trail is 135 miles (217 Km). It usually takes around 9 days to complete it.

Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the Glyndŵr’s Way, although it is very hilly, often dropping into valleys and ascending hills several times in a day. You should be aware that it crosses country that is sometimes rough and remote. The ability to navigate by compass will be very welcome if it is misty.

Diversions to the National Trail are shown on the interactive map.

Look for the yellow tags with an exclamation mark and click for more information.

Top tips for enjoying the Trail

The airport closest to Knighton is Birmingham with international flights from around the world arriving and departing every day. The airport is connected to Birmingham International railway station where services operate regularly to a range of destinations.

There are rail stations at both ends of the Trail. Knighton rail station is on The Heart of Wales line which links Shrewsbury with Swansea. Machynlleth and Welshpool are both on the Cambrian line which runs from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli.

For detailed rail information please see www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.traveline.info

There are regular bus services to/from Knighton and Ludlow and Kington, with connections to Hereford and Llandrindod. Rural buses offer a fragmented service, particularly on the southern part of the route. Reliable services link the towns of Llanidloes, Machynlleth and Welshpool.

You can find up-to-date information at www.traveline.info.

If you’re planning to drive and want to leave your car in a public place whilst spending several days walking on the Trail, we recommend that you inform the local police of your intentions. You may be able to leave your car with your accommodation provider.

There are short and long stay car parks at the start and end of the Trail in Knighton and Welshpool.

There is a good choice of accommodation close to the Trail and it can be viewed on the Interactive Map below or on the Create Your Own Trip page here.

Download and print a list of Trail accommodation for each section of the Trail.

The area is popular and accommodation can book up quickly in peak season so we recommend that you book it well in advance.

There are plenty of campsites along the Trail and they can be viewed on the Interactive Map. If you plan to camp please note it is not legal to wild camp in England or Wales – you will need to stay on official campsites.

There are several companies that will arrange to move your bags for you, help you plan your trip, or arrange a full package.

View a list of these companies here.

Glyndŵr’s Way can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Summer brings long and (sometimes) hot days but some people prefer the wild flowers of spring or the spectacular colours of autumn.

In winter, mid Wales under a cover of snow is a spectacular sight. However, one must keep in mind the Welsh climate, which can see rain at any time, and the fact that some accommodation is closed in the winter. Therefore, it is important to carry appropriate clothing. Remember also that there is limited daylight in the winter (only about eight hours in mid-winter).

One thing is for sure – whenever you walk it, it is bound to be an unforgettable experience.

The Trail starts at the Town Clock in Knighton and ends at the canal in Welshpool. This is the way most people walk it, you can go the other way, but navigating will be more of challenge.

We recommend that you take a map and/or guidebook with you, or a copy of the walk leaflet if you are doing a shorter walk. You may also find a compass useful.

If you are walking solo you may want to tell somewhere where you are going as there can be mobile black spots along the Trail. Ensure your phone is fully charged before setting off.

Weather in the UK can be changeable so it’s wise to be prepared. You’ll need good footwear, waterproofs and warm layers. Take plenty of water and just in case, pack a few plasters for your feet. In the summer you may need sun cream.

Phone reception can be patchy along the Trail, don’t rely on being able to use your phone to help you navigate. Wi-Fi is available at some accommodation and pubs/cafés along the route.

The UK is unique in having a network of paths that the public can use, this is the Public Rights of Way network. You can see these paths on Ordnance Survey maps.

National Trails are signed with an acorn symbol and/or the Trail name which you will see on stiles, gates and signposts. This is the symbol used by all the English and Welsh National Trails. In addition you will see a dragon, which is the logo for the Glyndwr’s Way, developed by Powys County Council.

As you are walking along the Trail you will also see waymarkers pointing to other paths. You can use the public rights of way network to leave the Trail to explore places of interest, reach your accommodation and find places to eat and drink.

You will often find a coloured arrow on signs which indicates the status of that section of path. The most common are yellow arrows which are footpaths and blue which are bridleways.

A GPX file can be downloaded from the Create Your Own Trip page (the button is below the map).

Need some holiday inspiration?

Visit our Walking Holidays Page for ideas to help plan your next trip.

Maps, Guidebooks and Merchandise

The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the The Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.

You can find a list of Ordnance Survey maps for the Trail here.

Certificates are available from the The Trails Shop.

Interactive Map

Use the Map Filter to see places to visit and where to stay along Glyndŵr's Way.

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Distance calculator

Distance measured: - Miles (- km)

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Accommodation

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Routes

Accommodation

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The custom route elevation is created when you use the distance calculator (above) to draw a line.

Voices of Glyndŵr's Way

Create your own trip

Feeling inspired? Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to this great National Trail here.

Contact the Trail Officer

If you have feedback or a question about Glyndŵr’s Way, please contact the Trail Manager.

Contact the Glyndwr's Way Trail Officer