Pererindod Melangell
A challenging 16-mile linear walk on the eastern fringes of the Welsh Cambrian Mountains and Berwyn Hills, tracing a route between the Vyrnwy and Tanat valleys. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SJ 032 154
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
Time: 6–9 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
239 Lake Vyrnwy / Llyn Efyrnwy and Llanfyllin
255 Llangollen and Berwyn
Summary
The Pererindod Melangell route is an undulating trail involving almost 1,000 metres of climbing, with long, arduous ascents from valley floors to open moorland and sweeping hills. Fit and experienced walkers can complete the walk in one day. However, due to the challenges of terrain and navigation, less skilled walkers may prefer to split the walk in two by breaking the route at Lake Vyrnwy. The village of Llanwddyn is close by, offering facilities around the village and lake.
Places of interest on the route — which begins at Pont Llogel — include the Lookout Tower on Fridd Cae-penfras, Ddol Cownwy, Lake Vyrnwy and Llanwddyn, Carreg y tair Eglwys, Carnedd Cerrig, Waen Llestri, Pennant Melangell (and St Melangell’s Church), and Llangynog.
St Melangell, who is depicted on the Pererindod Melangell waymark, is the subject of legend. It is said she hid a hare under her robes so it could escape being killed by a prince and his huntsmen. The prince was so impressed with her compassion that he bequeathed her the valley, where she established an abbey.