It runs for 135 miles (217 km) in an extended loop through Powys between Knighton and Welshpool, and anchored on Machynlleth to the west.

[6] Glyndŵr's Way was granted National Trail status in 2000 to mark the beginning of the third millennium and the 600th anniversary of an ill-fated but long-running and culturally significant rebellion in 1400.

The footpath officially begins in Knighton, on the English border, where it links with Offa's Dyke Path.

Running in roughly a horseshoe shape, it passes small market towns such as Llanidloes and quiet villages including Abbeycwmhir and Llanbadarn Fynydd, traversing central mid-Wales to Machynlleth near the Dyfi estuary and returning across Wales via Llanbrynmair, Llangadfan and Lake Vyrnwy and the valley of the River Vyrnwy to Welshpool 4 miles (6.4 km) from the Wales–England border.

The route passes nationally important Welsh natural habitats such as sessile oak woodlands, upland mire and heath, and ancient hedgerows.