The village of Aberhosan is situated a few miles south-east of Machynlleth, off the scenic mountain road that goes via the old mining settlement at Dylife (one of the biggest lead producers in Europe at one time) to Llanidloes. Glyndwr’s Way National Trail also links the two towns following a route that very roughly, but far more circuitously, parallels the road. You’d need a couple of days to walk it (this route samples a short section), but the drive is worth doing in any case – don’t miss the impressive view of the gorge just east of Dylife. This walk provides a view of an equally dramatic ravine – the Dulas – seen from a stretch of Glyndwr’s Way, and also takes you past the superb Wynford Vaughan-Thomas memorial viewpoint. The memorial is named after one of Wales’ most well-known and respected broadcasters, war correspondents and environmental champions. The spot was a favourite viewpoint of his.
[1] From the bus stop at the top of Aberhosan (SN810974), follow the village lane uphill to Ty-gwyn farm. Continue ahead on a track that climbs gently.
The route affords ever improving views back towards the Tarren hills, with Cadair Idris beyond.
The gradient increases as you continue the ascent past a conifer plantation to reach the Wynford Vaughan-Thomas memorial just before the road.
At the gate just below the memorial, there’s a Montgomery Wildlife Trust information panel about the Glaslyn and Bugeilyn Audio Trail. Yellow posts mark a route up the pathless hillside to the top of 564m/1,850ft Foel Fadian, which affords excellent views on a fine day. There’s another opportunity further on to climb it, if you wish.
(A) Vaughan-Thomas (1908–87) had a great love for the Welsh landscape, and this viewpoint on the slopes of Foel Fadian was a favourite. The toposcope identifies the various peaks that can be seen in the distance, the closest and most easily recognisable being those of the Tarrens and Cadair Idris. There’s a depiction of Vaughan-Thomas pointing towards Snowdon, which is just visible on a clear day.
[2] Turn right along the road for about half a mile, then turn right along a track signed 'Nature Reserve', with Glaslyn visible in the distance. A further half-mile on, there is a right turning along another stony track, which you will bear down shortly, but it’s worth continuing the short distance to Glaslyn, bearing right at the next fork.
A Montgomery Wildlife Trust information board tells you about the reserve and there’s a circular walk around the lake you can do if you want to.
[3] Return to the junction and turn left, now on Glyndwr’s Way. The trig point on top of Foel Fadian can be seen ahead and you’ll pass a yellow-topped post on the hillside to the right, which marks another (pathless) route to the summit.
Over to your left is the dramatic Dulas Ravine and look out for the lovely views ahead.
As you descend, the track becomes quite rocky and slippery in wet conditions, so take care. At a fork, bear round to the left and continue along the track, which becomes grassy underfoot for a while. Another track joins from the right and you continue on down past the caravan site and farm of Esgair Fochnant. Carry on down to Nantyfyda farm, where you swing round to the right and join a tarmac road.
[4] Bear right at the first fork to continue on the route of the Glyndwr’s Way (though this turns off left before long). Carry on along the lane past the farm of Cefnwyrgrug. Approaching Aberhosan, ignore the bridleway turn off to the right (a very rough path that’s not recommended) and stay on the road. Just before the road junction, turn right over the footbridge and right up the village road back to the start.