GLYNDWR S WAY - SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR Follow in the footsteps of Owain Glyndwr, the th century Welsh warrior prince who fought against English domination, on this mile National Trail through the heart of Wales. From the English borders you walk into this historical region through a myriad of enchanting landscapes from moorland to ancient forests. SUMMARY The walk starts in the market town of Knighton heading north west to the ancient capital of Machynllerth and then east to finish beside the Montgomery Canal in Welshpool. The route takes in the best of ancient Wale, affording the chance to experience traditional villages and farmland that lies in the shadow of the rolling hills. You will also walk amidst the wild landscapes of the surrounding mountains and woodlands. Passing the ruins of skirmishes made by Glyndwr during his rebellion against English rule, you will also experience the delights of the local flora and fauna. HIGHLIGHTS Viewing the abundant wildlife including buzzards and red kites Standing in awe of the magnificent Powis Castle Taking in the panorama of the beautiful Dyfi Valley and spectacular Cader Idris mountain. Warmest and friendliest of welcomes from the locals Walking along trails that wind through mining villages, forests and windswept moorland WHY CHOOSE A SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR WITH US? Macs Adventure are specialists in self guided walking tours. As passionate and regular walkers we understand what makes for an unforgettable adventure and we deliver outstanding tours where every last detail is taken care of. Great routes, breath-taking scenery and warm, welcoming accommodation can be expected. Each tour can be tailor made to meet your requirements. From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a specialist who knows the region intimately. They will help you to make the most of your time in Wales with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see attractions on the way. We will supply you with a guidebook and map to help you every step of the way. The trail is extensively way marked ensuring you don t miss a turn. Your baggage will be collected and moved onto your next accommodation, leaving you free to enjoy each days walking. In the unlikely event you should require emergency support our office is always more than happy to help with your queries. So, from the moment you decide to walk through this stunning countryside you can relax and look forward to an unforgettable self-guided walking tour. Tour: Glyndwr s Way Code: WWSGW-WWSGW Type: Self-guided walking tour Price: See website Single Supplement: See website Dates: March-October Walking Days: -9 Nights: -0 Is It For Me? If you enjoy walking through a country landscape steeped in historical heritage and natural splendour this would be ideal. The route involves ascents so a reasonable level of fitness is required. However the superb views are sight to behold. What s Included? Accommodation: Hand-picked B&B s, Country Inns and Guesthouses. Meals: A hearty breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are not included but always available nearby. Baggage Transfer: Door-to-door baggage transfer. Information Pack: Comprehensive guidebook as well as a pre-departure information pack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Arriving in Knighton Knighton is easily accessible by road and rail with the Heart of Wales line running through the town linking Shrewsbury with Swansea. The town s Welsh name of Tref-y-Clawdd means Town of the Dyke referring to its position right on Offa s Dyke, the 8th century man-made border between Wales and England. The town, today a quaint settlement with a central clock tower, was attacked by Glyndwr in the early years of his campaign. Knighton to Felindre The official start of Glyndwr s Way is the clock tower. Moving out of town the walking on the first day is relatively easy-going through farmland and with an initial steady ascent up Garth Hill (m). The views from the top are a lovely introduction to the next few days. Ascend down into Llangunllo, situated in a sheltered valley with a th century church. The trail continues across open moorland and eventually merges into farmland as you near Felindre. Careful scanning of the skies may be rewarded with views of buzzard. Felindre to Abbeycwmhir The trail rises out of Felindre passing an ancient mound of earth with a keep known as a motte and continues through farmland to join a short section of road. The trail then passes Castell-y- Blaidd or Wolf s Castle, a Norman earth ringwork that stands high on the hills. The trail moves on to Llanbadarn Fynydd and up to moorland with a ridge walk affording spectacular views into the surrounding valleys. Continue down to the Bachell Brook Valley and into Abbeycwmhir. This hamlet is famed for the ruins of its th century Cistercian Abbey. Abbeycwmhir to Llanidloes. Coming out of Abbeycwmhir the trail climbs through forest bringing you out on a route toward the ridge of Upper Esgair Hill. From here the undulating walk takes you to Blaentrinant which offers awe-inspiring views of the mountain peak of Cader Idris (89m) in neighbouring Snowdonia. Some of the most beautiful countryside of the Glyndwr s Way follows with the trail meandering down to the town of Llanidloes, the heart of the medieval kingdom of Arwystli. The first town on the River Severn, it boasts a th century church. Llanidloes to Dylife If you can force yourself to leave beautiful Llanidloes you will cross the River Severn and follow the trail as it joins the Severn Way Path through mixed forest. In season you may note many local bird species including redstart. The trail descends into the Clywedog Valley following a dam wall down to the shores of Clywedog reservoir. In the forests that follow many local bird species abound and in the skies above you will may be able to see Red Kites. Moving on through Hafren forest the trail climbs to moorland following a Roman track along to the small settlement of Dylife Dylife to Machynlleth Leaving the old mining village the trail continues across windswept moorland passing Afon Clywedog, a valley carved by glaciers in the last Ice Age. Buzzards may be see circling above. Moving through woodland the trail passes the azure waters of Glaslyn, which translates as blue lake, and you are provided with the wonderful spectacle of Foel Fadian Hill (m). A demanding ascent brings you to the highest point of the trail which has views all the way to Cardigan Bay in the west. The trail continues down through woodland to the town of Machynlleth, which you enter via the Roman Steps, a fitting way to finish the section. Machynlleth is a vibrant town steeped in history and it was here that Owain Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales and established parliament in 0. Today it is the home of the Centre for Alternative Technology dedicated to sustainable development in the modern world. Machynlleth to Llanbrynmair Starting at the Owain Glyndwr centre in the town, the trail commences with a three mile minor road section to Abercegir. From here the route enters moorland once again affording further views of Cader Idris. The trail reaches Cemmaes road and makes its way through forest and beautiful valleys toward Llanbrynmair. Llanbrynmair to Llanwddyn. The trail travels north along a new section which climbs up a steep valley to provide lovely views at the summit. Continuing through a forest the trail climbs the edge of Pen Coed (0m) and leads on across open moorland. You then enter the Dynant forestry plantation and eventually emerge to views of impressive Lake Vyrynwy and it s thirty three acre dam ahead. An evening on the shores of the lake is an experience few forget. Llanwddyn to Pontrobert. Leaving the shores of the lake the trail winds along through forest tracks and gentle farmland, shadowing the course of the River Vyrnwy into the pleasant and tranquil village of Pontrobert. The wildlife viewing potential on this section is very good with the chance to see Pied Flycatcher in season and Kingfishers feeding in the river. Pontrobert to Welshpool Once again the trail makes its way through farmland and woodland passing the pleasant village of Melford to climb sedately up Broniarth Hill. The trail then skirts Llyn Du or black lake
before farmland walking takes you down to the end of the Glyndwr s Way at Welshpool, a market town nestling into the upper reaches of the picturesque Severn Valley. Evolving from the historical name Pool the Welsh princes kept Pool as their stronghold and it is a fitting end to the Glyndwr s Way. The th century Powis Castle is a magnificent and impressive reminder of the border exploits of both the Welsh and English forces as they each fought for control. DETAILED ITINERARIES We offer the Glyndwr s Way trail in three itineraries varying in distance each day. Please see the different walks below: WWSGW DAYS & 0 NIGHTS Description: Suiting experienced walkers or those looking for a challenge. The full Glyndwr s Way in 9 walking days. Walking Days: 9 Nights: 0 Average Daily Distance: 8 9 0 Walk to Abbeycwmhir Walk to Llanidloes... Total Distance WWSGW DAYS & NIGHTS Description: The Southern section from Knighton to Machynlleth. This itinerary fits perfectly into a week and allows you to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the Welsh countryside. Walking Days: Nights: Average Daily Distance: Walk to Abbeycwmhir Walk to Lllanidloes Description: This is an easier version of the Southern section as it incorporates shorter walking days breaking down the route into more manageable sections. Walking days: Nights: Average Daily Distance:. Grade: Moderate. Total Distance. WWSGW 8 DAYS & NIGHTS 8 WWSGW DAYS & NIGHTS Description: The Northern section from Machynlleth to Welshpool. This itinerary is ideal for a short break while taking in some of the best walking on the Glyndwr s Way. Finish the walk off with a visit to the outstanding military stronghold of Powis Castle Walking Days: Nights: Average Daily Distance:. Walk to Llananno Walk to Bwlch-y-Sarnau Walk to Llanidloes Arrive in Machynlleth 0 9. Total Distance.. Total Distance.
WWSGW DAYS & NIGHTS Description: The Northern section from Machynlleth to Welshpool. This itinerary breaks down the Northern route into more manageable sections. Walking Days: Nights: Average Daily Distance: Grade: Moderate Arrive in Machynlleth Walk to Llangadfan Accommodation.. Total Distance 9. TOUR INFORMATION We specifically choose inns, guest houses and B&B s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We always try and book your accommodation as close as possible to the trail. Occasionally a short transfer may be required but you will always be advised of this. Additional Nights and Extensions Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the way to sample more of the wonderful walking and attractions available on the Glyndwr s Way. Machynlleth and Welshpool are great for recovery days or sightseeing opportunities. There is also the potential to extend the full trip by adding a section of the Offa s Dyke trail to complete a full circle. Single Rooms If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Solo Walkers We welcome solo walkers on the Glyndwr s Way, although you should of course take extra care in the outdoors when walking solo. Supplements will apply to baggage transfers. Meals A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs/restaurants. Baggage Transfer Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to kg per person. Grade This tour is graded Moderate to Strenuous. For those wishing to complete the entire walk it is advisable that you have some previous long distance walking experience. The route is a mixture of paths, hill ascents and some minor road walking. Some of the path sections can be rocky and steep as you traverse the higher ground. Navigation The route is way-marked with wooden posts and with the national trail acorn symbol, plus a red dragon navigation skills may be required if you intend to venture off the trail for any distances. Equipment Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack. Travel Insurance It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care. TRAVEL INFORMATION Getting to Knighton By Train Knighton is on the Shrewsbury to Swansea train line and connections from major towns and cities to these points are well served. The journey time from Shrewsbury ranges from just over an hour to hours depending on changes. From Swansea the journey time ranges from around to hours depending on changes. For schedules and fares please go to the National Rail website. By Car The most direct route from Shrewsbury is the A88 with an estimated driving time of hour. There are no designated car parks but we would endeavour to accommodate you in properties with secure parking should it be required. Getting from Welshpool By Train/bus There is a train station in Welshpool and trains/buses regularly serve Shrewsbury to allow train travel back to Knighton or to further destinations.
Getting to and from Machynlleth By Train There is a direct train service from Shrewsbury to and from Machynlleth. The journey time is approximately. hours. By Car The A8 goes directly from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth with a journey time of about. hours. A good source of reference for travel details is the travel line website: www.traveline.org.uk PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Price Please refer to our website for up to date prices. Availability This walking tour is best enjoyed between the end of March and start of October. Springtime weather is changeable but usually is the driest time of year, from April to June. This is when hills and valleys are verdant are often filled with wildflowers. Also this is the time when the woodlands are filled with bird song. You can start on any date that suits your travel plans. The Glyndwr s Way can be very popular and accommodation can get booked quickly so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to. Included Bed and breakfast accommodation in ensuite rooms wherever possible Door to door baggage transfer. A detailed info pack and guidebook Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem. Excluded Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks. Travel Insurance. Transport should you need to skip a stage Maps not included though we recommend OS Landranger series,,,, and 8 M.A.C.S RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We operate tours in some of the most beautiful areas of the British Isles and try to operate in an environmentally aware and sustainable manner. We do this by following our M.A.C.S. Responsible travel policy. We believe that by engaging our team and clients in environmental and community projects we can make a real difference. Travel and our business activity does of course contribute to carbon output and climate change. We have put several policies in place to minimise our carbon footprint. Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that our holidays are sensitive to the community you are visiting and sustainable over the long term. HOW TO BOOK When you are ready to book you can do so securely online at www.macsadventure.com or by phone: + (0) 0 888. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Financial Security In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations99" all passengers booking with Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required (this insurance will not cover repatriation to the country of origin for the passengers outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd ABTA Member Statement Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA. ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist when things don t go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA s Code of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 0 Park Street, London SE 9EQ, Tel: 00 08 www.abta.com Book with Confidence. We are a member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide full financial protection for your money