Itinerary Planner

Glyndŵr's Way Weekend | Two Days on the Trail from Llanidloes to Machynlleth

Glyndŵr's Way is a 135-mile National Trail across Powys, from Knighton on the English border to Welshpool by way of Machynlleth. It's one of the quietest long-distance paths in Britain. This two-day walk takes one of its wildest sections, from the market town of Llanidloes over the Cambrian Mountains to Machynlleth, where Owain Glyndŵr held his parliament in 1404.

The night before: Llanidloes

Arrive in Llanidloes, the first town on the River Severn, and stay at Plas Bwlch Bed & Breakfast, a Georgian farmhouse above the Upper Wye valley. Eat in town at Hiraeth, a restaurant and coffee house on the main street, and walk down to the old market hall, which stands in the middle of the crossroads on timber posts.

Day one: Llanidloes to Staylittle

Pick up the trail in town and climb west through farmland and forestry to Llyn Clywedog, the reservoir built in the 1960s to control the flow of the Severn. The path follows the shore past the dam and the old Bryn Tail lead mine, then heads out over open moorland. It's about 15 miles with steady climbs. Stay at Hafren Forest Hideaway near Staylittle, chalet-style rooms with the option of breakfast and evening meals, which matters here because there's nowhere else to eat for miles.

Day two: Staylittle to Machynlleth

The second day crosses some of the emptiest country in Wales, past the site of the lost mining village of Dylife and along the shoulder of the hills with views to Pumlumon and, on a clear day, Cadair Idris. The final miles drop through fields and woods into the Dyfi valley. Allow six to seven hours.

In Machynlleth, visit Y Plas, the town's mansion house and park, then celebrate at The Wynnstay, an old coaching inn on Maengwyn Street with rooms, a bar and a restaurant.

Good to know

• Both days are long and remote. Carry food, water, waterproofs and a map (OS Explorer 214 and 215).
• Machynlleth has a station on the Cambrian Line to Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. There's no train at Llanidloes; Caersws is the nearest station.
• Waymarks carry the National Trail acorn. Mobile signal is patchy on the moorland sections.

More routes are on our walking routes page.