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All walksMachynlleth & the Dyfi

Machynlleth & the Dyfi

Pennal and the Dyfi Estuary

A quiet loop from a village with a Roman fort, a Glyndŵr connection and the Dyfi estuary opening out below.

Distance
3.4 mi / 5.5 km
Time
1 hr 55
Ascent
200 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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

Field paths and lanes climb behind the village for views over the estuary before dropping back to the valley floor. Straightforward with a few stiles.

Worth knowing

  • The Pennal Letter, sent by Glyndŵr to the French king in 1406, was written here. A facsimile is in the church.
  • The estuary is internationally important for birds; take binoculars.
  • The Roman fort at Cefn Caer is on private land but the earthworks are visible from the road.

What you’ll see

The Dyfi estuary, oak woodland, and wading birds on the saltmarsh.

Background

Cefn Caer was a Roman auxiliary fort guarding the estuary crossing. The village church has strong Glyndŵr associations and the letter written from here is one of the key documents of the rising.