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National Trails in Wales from Countryside Council for Wales |
Glyndwr's Way, Offa's Dyke Path and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
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National Trails allow walkers and riders to enjoy long journeys through some of Wales' finest and most remote countryside and coast. They are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which enables the creation of long-distance routes that allow the public to make extensive journeys on foot, horseback or bicycle. The upkeep of the paths is undertaken by various bodies, including the National Park Authorities, county highway authorities and volunteers, with funding from Countryside Council for Wales. |
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1. Glyndwr's Way
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Glyndwr's Way is a 132-mile (213km) walking route that runs through some of the finest secenery in Mid Wales. It is named after Owain Glyndwr, the famous Welsh warrior/statesman who fought a campaign for an independent Welsh nation in the early 15th century.
The route starts in Knighton on the English border where it links with the celebrated Offaís Dyke Path before heading westwards into the Radnorshire Hills. It visits the remote settlement of Abbeycwmhir before heading northwards into the former county of Montgomeryshire |
and the market town of Llanidloes.
 It then heads north-westwards along the shores of the Clywedog Reservoir and climbs to its highest point near Foel Fadian before descending to the focal point of the route at Machynlleth, where Owain Glyndwr held his parliament in 1404.
Glyndwr's Way leaves Machynlleth heading eastwards back across Mid Wales before turning northwards to visit the beautiful Lake Vyrnwy. The final leg of the journey heads south-eastwards through rolling farmland, ending at the border market town of Welshpool.
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A short unofficial extension to Glyndwrís Way leads back onto the Offaís Dyke Path just east of Welshpool. The long loop that Glyndwrís Way makes through Mid Wales can then be closed by following the Offaís Dyke Path south to Knighton.
The committed walker can enjoy a memorable holiday exploring the entire route in 8 to 12 days, or the route can be appreciated in shorter sections by local people and visitors to the area. However you choose to explore Glyndwrís Way it is sure to be a rewarding experience. |
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2. Offa's Dyke Path
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Originally conceived on the theme of the famous eighth-century earthwork, the path often follows the line dictated by the ruthless King Offa himself.
This ensures high ground and commanding views into the mountains and valleys of Wales. Where for practical reasons the Dyke cannot be followed, as in the Black Mountains and the Clwydian Hills, the route has been chosen for scenic quality alone. The result is a walk packed with interest, through patchworks of fields, over windswept ridges and
across infant rivers flowing down from the Welsh hills to the lush plains of England.
In dispute over centuries, the Welsh Marches bear the scars of countless battles and incursions. All along the Path the ruined castles and fortifications of bygone ages stand sentinel over strategic valleys and border market towns.
Traditional farming techniques have survived well in the Marches, and the hedges, old oak woods and hay meadows provide a habitat for a wealth of wildlife. Look out for the majestic buzzard soaring overhead, and the pale yellow primrose underfoot. |
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3. Pembrokeshire Coast Path
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Wales' first long distance route, the Pembroke-shire Coast Path, was opened in 1970, since then it has been extended to cover 186 miles of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Britain.
Much of the route is at cliff-top level, providing superb views of the cliffs, beaches, and offshore islands, with their wealth of marine and bird life.
The entire route represents an impressive physical challenge to the walker, including 35,000 feet of ascent and descent, whilst for those who would prefer something a little less demanding, it offers a tremendous variety for shorter day walks.
With its diversity of scenery and wildlife, its colourful blaze of cliff top wild flowers each spring, and its wealth of cultural and historical diversity, stretching from the Iron Age to the present time, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path provides something for everyone - and a surprise around every headland. |
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Associated Features
National nature Reserves
A Walk in the Park
Countryside Escapades
Welsh Wildlife Reserves; RSPB
The Countryside Code-Yr Côd Wledig
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