The Ann Griffiths Walk

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The Ann Griffiths Walk: A Mid-Wales Heritage Trail

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 6 June 2026

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HikeList Score

The Ann Griffiths Walk scored 83/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Great Hike

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 98
Varied terrain 87
Accommodation 74
Food & support 74
Path quality 98
Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Ann Griffiths Walk is an 11 km point-to-point heritage trail in Powys, Wales, usually walked in one day. This moderate route follows the River Vyrnwy from Pont Llogel, on the edge of Dyfnant Forest south of Lake Vyrnwy, to Pontrobert. It suits hikers wanting a short waymarked walk with river gorge, woodland, hilltop views and places linked to Welsh Calvinistic Methodist hymn writer Ann Griffiths.

Route Overview

The route starts at Pont Llogel picnic site near Llwydiarth and finishes at Hen Gapel John Hughes in Pontrobert. It is a linear walk, so plan a lift, taxi or use linked paths to make a circular outing. The trail follows the River Vyrnwy through Dyfnant Forest, passes near Dolwar Fach, climbs to Allt Dolanog for the main views, and continues via the Dolanog area, Plas Dolanog, Llys-y-cawr and Pontrobert. It shares ground with, and is often combined with, Glyndwr's Way National Trail for longer circular walks. For other Welsh day and multi-day routes, compare the Aber Falls Walk, Anglesey Coastal Path or the Beacons Way.

Ann Griffiths and the Welsh Methodist Heritage

Ann Griffiths, née Thomas, was born in 1776 near Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa in Montgomeryshire and lived at Dolwar Fach. Raised Anglican, she joined the Calvinistic Methodists in 1796. She composed her hymns orally; they were preserved by John Hughes of Pontrobert and his wife Ruth, who had worked at Dolwar Fach. Griffiths died in 1805 after childbirth, aged 29. She is regarded as the foremost female hymn writer in the Welsh language, and this modern waymarked walk links places associated with her life.

Notable highlights

Dolwar Fach: The isolated farmhouse where Ann Griffiths lived for most of her short life. The trail passes near it, making it the central heritage site of the walk.
Ann Griffiths Memorial Chapel, Dolanog: A short detour leads to this memorial chapel honouring the poet and hymn writer. It is one of the clearest links between the landscape and the story behind the trail.
Allt Dolanog viewpoint: The walk’s high point at 264 m. From here there are views towards Cadair Berwyn, Aran Fawddwy, Maesglasau and distant Cadair Idris.
River Vyrnwy gorge: The early section follows the Vyrnwy through Dyfnant Forest. Expect wooded riverside walking and a loosely surfaced path beside the river.
Hen Gapel John Hughes, Pontrobert: The finish point is the chapel associated with John Hughes, who helped preserve and publish Ann Griffiths’ hymns and letters.
Llys-y-cawr Iron Age hillfort: This ancient hillfort adds prehistoric interest to a route better known for its religious and literary heritage.

Challenges to expect

This is a short walk, but not entirely flat or urban. Expect footpaths, forest tracks, meadow, woodland and a climb onto Allt Dolanog, with 289 m of ascent overall. Mid-Wales hill and forest ground can be wet or muddy, especially outside summer. The route is waymarked, but it is linear, so return logistics need planning unless you combine it with Glyndwr’s Way.

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Ranked #318 of 974

See the Top 100 →