Gwastedyn Church Trail
A pilgrimage route of 33 miles in central Wales linking seven historic churches in the county of Powys. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SN 969 681
Distance: 33 miles (53 km)
Time: 12–16 hours
Duration: 2–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
200 Llandrindod Wells and Elan Valley / Llandrindod a Dyffryn Elan
Summary
The Gwastedyn Church Trail in the county of Powys, Wales, is an established pilgrimage route beginning in Rhayader. It forms a near-circular route ending in Cwmdeuddwr, which is less than one mile from the start. The trail links seven historic churches using mountain paths, established lanes, roadways, and disused railway lines. The terrain provides a superb mix of mountain, lake, and river country, including parts of the Elan Valley. Following the trail serves as a history lesson of the region, visiting sites associated with Celtic saints, Romans and Romano-Britons, Normans, Welsh princes, medieval monks, romantic poets, and the Victorian industrial revolution up to present-day developments. From Rhayader, the route visits Elan Village, the Elan Valley, Caban-coch and Garreg-ddu reservoirs, the Wye Valley, St Harmon, Nantmel, Nantglas, and Llanwrthwl.
Note: The Gwastedyn Church Trail was created by Richard Tyler of Llandrindod Wells.