Glyndŵr's Way

Glyndŵr's Way passes through the least-visited part of Wales — the rolling green hills and moorland of Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire, a landscape of sheep pasture, ancient oak woodland, wide skies and very few people. Named after Owain Glyndŵr, the Welsh chieftain who led the last major Welsh uprising against English rule in the early 1400s, the route connects Knighton on the English border with Welshpool in the north, looping west through the Cambrian uplands.

For trail runners it is a three to five day challenge on varied but not extreme terrain. The paths are mostly clear though the waymarking can be sparse in open country. The total ascent of around 6,000 m is earned across many small climbs rather than dramatic mountain ridges — this is a softer, gentler landscape than Snowdonia but with its own powerful character.

Aberdyfi, the Dyfi Estuary and Lake Vyrnwy are the main scenic highlights.

Knighton to Machynlleth (~130 km): The western loop. Over Beacon Hill, past Llanbadarn Fynydd, to the Cambrian Mountains and down to the coast at Machynlleth. This is the wildest section.

Machynlleth to Welshpool (~88 km): East through the Dyfi valley, over Foel Fadian, around Lake Vyrnwy and north to Welshpool. Easier terrain, more populated.

Start: Knighton, on the Heart of Wales railway line from Swansea and Shrewsbury.

Finish: Welshpool. Train connections to Shrewsbury and Birmingham.

Accommodation is limited in mid-Wales — plan ahead. Llanidloes, Machynlleth and Lake Vyrnwy are the main overnight options. Wild camping is possible in many areas but check land access.

Best time: May to September. Mid-Wales can be wet year-round.