We recently visited one of the Welsh Marches’ best-kept secrets – the church at Pilleth, just over the border into Powys. This tiny, well-hidden building is only a few miles from Knighton (the town on Offa’s Dyke, well worth a visit in itself). It has a most beautiful setting looking out across the valley of the River Lugg, and it is full of interesting things, including a Holy Well. The church is a very ancient one, and was old when, in 1402, it was at the centre of one of the bloodiest battles in the fight for Welsh Independence led by Owain Glyndwr. Glyndwr won the battle, defeating and capturing the great local lord Sir Edmund Mortimer. Have a look round the area when you stay with us – the name of Mortimer is still written large across the landscape in many place names, speaking of the enduring power of the Mortimer family over the centuries, while the great leader of Welsh Nationalism, Owain Glyndwr, the victor of Pilleth, has for the most part faded into history.
We are hoping soon to include the scenic road tour to Pilleth and the surrounding area into our unique guidebook, kept at Acorn Lodge for the benefit of our guests.