The 135-mile Glyndwr’s Way National Trail is set in the heart of Mid Wales, one of the quietest areas for walking in the country. It starts at Knighton (through which the Offa’s Dyke Path also runs) on the English border, and meanders its way north-west to Machynlleth, then heads back east again to Welshpool where you can join the Offa’s Dyke Path to form a complete circuit. Much of this route follows the well-waymarked trail and takes in the Beacon Hill reserve (common land owned by the Crown Estate but managed by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust) from where there are far-reaching views – as indeed there are throughout the whole walk.
[1] Turn right out of the village hall car park. Soon you’ll see a turning on your right with a Glyndwr’s Way signpost on the verge to your left.
(A) Named after the Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr, the trail goes past a number of sites where he fought battles against the English in the early 15th century. He held Wales' first Parliament at Machynlleth in 1404.
Follow the drive up to Brandy House Farm, bearing right just before the buildings to go up a stony track (which climbs steeply and can be muddy higher up). Go through a gate and soon turn left, continuing to follow Glyndwr’s Way up the grassy slopes of Cefn Pawl. Cross the hill-top road and continue down a track to a junction of paths. The Way leads you south over moorland grazed by wild ponies, across Warren Brook, up past a grove and over the side of Black Mountain.
[2] At the col between Black Mountain and Stanky Hill where Glyndwr’s Way bears left, turn right down a clear track to the road. Cross and carry on up the track opposite to a house, turning right just before it. Follow the path up to a gate that leads onto common land once more. Continue with the fence on your right briefly, then bear left over rather rough, boggy ground, heading north-west to cross the west side of Warren Hill. The track becomes much more obvious as you reach the brow. Descend to pass a copse on your right. With the fence-line now on your right, follow the track that runs close to it until you meet a road that joins from the left. Continue ahead down this for a short distance to rejoin Glyndwr’s Way at the north-east end of Fron Top.
[3] Leave the road and turn right through a gate, following the Glyndwr’s Way waymarks across fields. Cross a surfaced track and continue northwards. You go through a small, rather overgrown copse, then head downhill to join a track which takes you to the road.
[4] Turn right up the lane towards Hope’s Castle Farm. Just before you reach it, turn sharp right along a track, soon leaving it to go left through a gate. Keeping the fence on your right, the Way leads you along the top of Rhuvid Bank, then down a track to Rhuvid Farm. Cross the farmyard (the barking dogs may be loose but should keep their distance) and carry on along the track beyond. This leads up onto a grassy ridge. At the top, where you begin to descend, do not go through the metal gate but keep the fence on your left and continue down the grassy slopes. At the bottom, go through the farmyard of Upper House Farm, turn left along the lane and right at the crossroads back to the start.