Walking in Mid Wales
Are you fit enough to tackle three long distant footpaths and cope with delicious Welsh farmhouse breakfasts after a night on a farm in the midst of some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK?
Radnorshire is an old Welsh county which still retains its remoteness and quiet beauty. It is also unique in being bounded by three long distance footpaths which combine challenge, beauty and superb accommodation.
The Offa’s Dyke Path, the Wye Valley Walk and The Glyndwr Way conjour up pictures of walks along the ancient frontier between England and Wales, the glories of a river valley loved by the poet Wordsworth and the ringing battles of old in the wars of Owain Glyndwr. An ancient land and a peaceful one. They pass through Knighton, “The Town on the Dyke”, Abbeycwmhir, resting place of Llewellyn, the last Prince of Wales, Rhayader, “Gateway to the Elan Valley Lakes” and Hay on Wye, the famous book town. The list goes on.
Ten years ago a group of farmers’ wives got together to form Radnor Farm and County Holidays. Dotted around Radnorshire these provide superb homely accommodation which is just right for rest and relaxation at the end of a day’s walking or cycling. These homesteads are ideal for linking the three long distance paths or shorter walks either along the paths or by using the farms as centres for local walks.
The linking of the three routes adds a superb holiday opportunity to the existing “Radnor Ring” for cyclists which, again, uses existing cycle ways to provide a circular route through this wonderful countryside.
The Offa's Dyke Path, the Wye Valley Walk
and The Glyndwr's Way
This linking route between the Glyndwr's Way and the Wye Valley walk enables you to walk a circuit of approximately 100 miles (160 kms) using these 3 wonderful long distance routes.From Glyndwr's Way (Abbey Cwmhir) to the Wye Valley Walk (near Rhayader) - A 6 mile (9.5 km) route linking the two. We suggest that you use this sketch map and directions together with either Ordnance Survey Map 147 (Landranger series) or Map 136 (Explorer series).
Leave Glyndwr's Way at GR 041724. Turn left onto farm track to gate entering forestry, through gate and immediately left following fence, then right ascending to meet a forestry track.Turn right, then bear left, left down hill at the next junction. Look for the small gate on the right off the track. Go through gate and descend rough field between stream and fence. Cross large stream and track and ascend green lane to field. GR 030712. Ascend two fields to road. Go straight on to locate footpath through forestry, cross road and go straight on down field. Cross brook and join road at GR015703. Turn right at kiosk. After half a mile turn right by wood to Beili Neuadd. From Beili Neuadd take footpath across fields to Cwmythig. Turn left onto bridleway to B5418. Cross road, go through gate to GR 480708, joining the ancient road known as The Monks Trod. Go through gates to crossroads. Join Wye Valley Walk.
