Covering a total of 135 miles (217km), Glyndwr's Way National Trail forms two sides of a triangle, starting from Knighton in the Welsh Marches and running north-westwards to Machynlleth near Cardigan Bay before turning back eastwards towards Welshpool and the border with England. The third side of the triangle is completed by another National Trail, Offa's Dyke Path. The acorn waymarks lead the walker through the heart of Mid-Wales which has some of the most remote and unspoilt countryside in the British Isles, providing a succession of panoramic views over river valleys, the peaks of the Cambrian Mountains and two of Wales' most beautiful lakes, Llyn Clywedog and Llyn Efyrnwy.

This is the official guide to the route, published in association with the Countryside Council for Wales. It can be used with confidence by both the long-distance walker and the weekend stroller. The entire route is split into 16 convenient sections each with OS Explorer mapping marked with special points of interest. Route information on each section is supported with colour photographs and notes on nearby features. There is also background information on landscape and local history, plus details of transport, tourist facilities and useful organisations.

Glyndwr's Way, named after Owain Glydwr who led the Welsh in a rebellion against the English in the 15th century, is the third National Trail in Wales and a fitting tribute to Wales's greatest hero. The route runs from Knighton to Welshpool, a distance which this guide estimates to be 143 miles (230.5 km). At Welshpool the Trail links with the Offa's Dyke National Trail to create a 172 mile circular walk back to Knighton. The Way passes through farmland, forestry and open hill country, following old Roman roads, drover's roads and modern public rights of way. The route is full of interest, with varied flora and fauna and many historical sites relating to Owain Glyndwr.

The book describes the route in twelve sections, providing information on places of interest, as well as practical facilities walkers need, such as shops, post offices and eating places. The route is illustrated with OS Landranger mapping to support the descriptive text, together with colour photographs of places of interest. The guide also provides the historic background to Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh Revolt and details a number of prophecies, myths, legends and traditions surrounding him.

Owain Glyndwr is Wales' national hero; a late-medieval nobleman who lead the Welsh in a long hard revolt against English colonialism in his country. He provided rewarding successes, but his resources were limited and he finally vanished into the unknown and into his land's legends. Not once was he betrayed, and the aims he set out for himself have been the cornerstones of Welsh modern history.

After six hundred years, his dreams are slowly becoming reality. This book places that revolt in its historical and geographic background. The Glyndwr's Way National Trail starts at Knighton on Offa's Dyke and passes close to battlefields, abbeys, historic houses and castles en route to Machynlleth and Welshpool. In addition to following the history of Owain's revolt the path also passes through some of the finest scenery in central Wales. The journey includes the wooded vales of Radnor, the Clywedog valley, the unspoilt areas of old Montgomeryshire and along the Afon Dyfi, perhaps the loveliest river valley in Wales.

About two thirds of this book is devoted to a fascinating history of Wales before and after Glyndwr. This knowledge will make the journey along the Trail a more rewarding and enriching experience because you will have an affinity for the places visited. The last third of the book gives directions for walking the route, but here, as well, much of the text is providing additional contextual information. We recommend purchasing this book in addition to one of the other more practical guides which offer more detailed route finding. You will then be assured the best experience from this adventure.