Upper Wye Valley
Builth Wells and the Wye
A riverside loop from the common through the town, with the castle earthworks above and the showground across the water.
- Distance
- 3.1 mi / 5 km
- Time
- 1 hr 40
- Ascent
- 70 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Shape
- Circular
Where it is
The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.
The route
From the Groe, follow the Wye upstream and return by field paths and lanes past the castle mound. Flat with one short climb.
Worth knowing
- The castle is earthworks only but the mound is substantial and free to walk.
- The Royal Welsh Showground opposite hosts the largest agricultural show in Europe each July.
- Llywelyn the Last was killed a few miles away at Cilmeri in 1282.
What you’ll see
The Wye, the common, the castle earthworks and the town bridge.
Background
Builth’s castle was rebuilt in stone by Edward I but was dismantled over the centuries, leaving only the motte and baileys.