Glyndwr's Way 10-Day Self-Guided Walking Holiday

The youngest of Wales' three National Trails, Glyndwr's Way is also probably the most remote and peaceful. It starts at the English border, and crosses open moorland, farmland and forest en-route to Machynlleth, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. Yo'll then travel eastwards and inland again, past beautiful Lake Vyrnwy, to finish in Welshpool. Owain Glyndwr was proclaimed Prince of Wales in 1401 and his army and guerilla forces fought against English dominion in a battle for Welsh independence. Glyndwr's Way remembers this folk hero's contribution to the Welsh nation. Machynlleth, where he established his parliament, is one of several sites you'll pass that is linked to his life and work.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Knighton.

Day 2: Knighton to Felindre - 15 ¾ miles (25 km). Start off in the border town of Knighton, straddling Offa's Dyke, the ancient walkway. Today's route involves some climbing as you leave the town of Knighton behind and head for the open views and heather moorland of Beacon Hill.

Day 3: Felindre to Abbeycwmhir - 15 ¾ miles (25 km). Stunning views of the Brecon Beacons to the south today. Spend the night in Abbeycwmhir, site of the 12th century Cwmhir Abbey. Once Wales' largest Abbey, Cwmhir was destroyed by Glyndwr after falling into English hands.

Day 4: Abbeycwmhir to Llanidloes - 15 ¼ miles (24 km). Picturesque woodland paths and excellent views of the Severn Valley as the route continues through Mid Wales to Llanidloes. The beautiful black-and-white timbered market hall at the heart of this friendly town is a sight not to be missed.

Day 5: Llanidloes to Dylife – 13 miles (21 km). A reminder of the Industrial Age today, as the path skirts the spectacular Llyn Clywedog reservoir, also home to the Bryntail lead mine, which was in operation in the 18th century. You'll also enjoy superb views over the Cambrian Mountains to the South.

Day 6: Dylife to Machynlleth - 14 ½ miles (23 km). Beautiful views of the Glaslyn Lakes, as well as the trail high point – Foel Fadian at 1,530 ft (510m). Finish in Machynlleth, site of Glyndwr’s Parliament House and a much more recently built attraction - the impressive Centre for Alternative Technology.

Day 7: Machynlleth to Commins Gwalia - 13 ¾ miles 22 km). Great views of Cader Idris as the route winds North from Machynlleth along Snowdonia's eastern boundary. Open moorland gives way to woodland and more sheltered walking as you descend to Cemmaes Road and the Twymyn valley.

Day 8: Commins Gwalia to Llangadfan - 14 ½ miles (23 km). Slow-paced walking through farmland and coniferous forest to the village of Llangadfan, named after the Breton Saint Cadfan, who came to Wales in the 7th century.

Day 9: Llangadfan to Lake Vyrnwy - 7 miles (11 km). The impressive Vyrnwy dam is surrounded by wonderful sights. The lake's RSPB reserve is a delight for birdwatchers, with around 90 species recorded in the surrounding area. Don't miss the panoramic view from the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel – the ideal spot for a sundowner!

Day 10: Lake Vyrnwy to Meifod - 15 miles (24 km). Today's path is shared with the Ann Griffiths Walk. The trail commemorates an 18th century Methodist hymn writer and a significant female figure in Welsh literature. This is one of the less strenuous days encountered on the walk, as the path follows the Vyrnwy Valley.

Day 11: Meifod to Welshpool - 10 ¾ miles (17 km). A climb from Meifod brings you to the top of Broniarth Hill, and fine views of the Vyrnwy Valley. Walk on through farmland until you reach the Montgomeryshire Canal. You may catch a glimpse of a steam train on the Welshpool and Llanfair light railway - a 16 mile narrow gauge line. The walk ends in Welshpool, home to 13th century Powis Castle, which incorporates the Clive Museum and has Italianate terraced gardens, an orangery, and an aviary.