Details
A spectacular 15 mile linear walk passing by Lake Vyrnwy, and leading to Britain's oldest Romanesque shrine at the ancient church of Pennant Melangell. It is a challenging walk that traces a route between the Vyrnwy and Tanat Valleys, trodden for centuries by pilgrims, quarrymen and drovers.
The name of the walk 'Pererindod MelangeIl' roughly translates from the Welsh for 'Melangell's Pilgrimage'. The legend of Melangell derives from two seventeenth century transcripts of a lost medieval Life of the Saints. One day a prince named Brochwel was hunting at a place called Pennant.
His hounds raised a hare that took refuge in a thicket. On pursuit, the prince found a virgin praying, with the hare hiding under the folds of her garment. The hounds were urged on but fled, howling; their huntsman raised his horn to his lips and was unable to remove it. The virgin informed the prince that she dwelt at this place, and that she had fled here for refuge.
So impressed was the prince by Melangell's godliness that he granted the valley to her and here she founded a religious community. St Melangell’s Church is located near Llangynog in the Tanat valley.
Miles: 15
Address
Llanwddyn,
Powys,
SY10 0LY
Location and nearby places
Directions
Map reference: SJ 016191 Lat: 52.76101 Long: -3.45876
From Llanfyllin, take the B4393 to Llanwddyn. Continue along the B4393 to Llanwddyn by taking a right turn. At the dam, turn left, then left at the end of the dam. The RSPB visitor centre is on the right.
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 20 miles from Welshpool station
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Regional Tourist Board Member
Accepts groups