The Best Unexpected Country Walks in Cardiff

There are so many beautiful places in Cardiff to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. Cardiff’s local country walks include green spaces, hikes up mountains, tranquil forests and even a country park – all within a capital city. Whether you’re heading out solo, with your partner, friends, family, or your dog, it’ll be easy to forget that the hustle and bustle of the city is behind the treeline.

Some of the walks below don’t require a car to access them. 

Unexpected Country Walks in and Around Cardiff 

1. Garth Mountain Walk Route 

The Garth Mountain, known as The Garth, has beautiful wildlife and incredible scenery as you climb past farms, fields and forest. You get stunning views of Cardiff Bay, Flat Holm and the Bristol Channel from the top. The waymarked route is roughly 6km which takes you to a 1007-foot-high summit.

  • Difficulty level: Challenging
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Accessibility: The route is only accessible on foot
  • Facilities: None
  • Open: 24 hours
  • Parking: If you’re starting in Taffs Well, there is free parking along Cardiff Road Sat Nav: CF15 7PR. You can also park in and walk from Gwaelod-y-Garth village, with free parking, Sat Nav: CF15 9HH.

 

 

2. Roath Park Lake

Roath Park Lake

A gentle walk around Roath Park is an enjoyable experience. There’s plenty of thriving wildlife, including ducks, geese and swans. If you visit in spring, you can often see the chicks following their parents or playing amongst the trees. Just past the lake and iconic Captain Scott Memorial Lighthouse are the recreation grounds, play park and Pleasure Gardens.

The Wild Garden has winding paths and wildflowers that are shaded by trees. The Botanic Garden has floral displays and the Roath Park Conservatory, where many unusual plants are grown. There’s even a large fish pond with carp and turtles.

  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Accessibility: The pathways are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
  • Facilities: There are bathrooms at the Boat House and in the Pleasure Gardens
  • Open: The recreation ground is open 24 hours. The park and pleasure gardens are open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
  • Parking: On-street parking is available in the surrounding area.

 

 

3. Insole Court and Gardens

The gardens at Insole Court in Llandaff are a peaceful quiet walk. The Grade II listed mansion house was saved with lottery funding, and the outbuilding has undergone extensive refurbishments. Visit the Potting Shed Café for a refreshment or light bite. They make everything in their tiny kitchen, and it tastes incredible. You could also visit the nearby Llandaff Cathedral, Pontcanna Fields – an extensive network of footpaths and parkland – and Hailey Park.

  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Accessibility: The majority of pathways are accessible; however, there are uneven surfaces
  • Facilities: There are bathrooms next to the Potting Shed
  • Open: The gardens are open from 7.45am until 9pm daily. The house and café are open from 10am until 4pm.
  • Parking: Free on-site parking. Sat Nav CF5 2LN

 

 

4. Llanishen Reservoir Walk

The walk at Llanishen Reservoir is easy and circular. The waterside paths even have views of the adjacent Lisvane Reservoir. A swanky new visitor centre with water sports and café facilities will open in 2023. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s almost a given that it will be beautiful. Start the walk in Nant Fawr and through kissing gates to Nant Fawr Woods, which allows you to follow the reservoir’s perimeter. About halfway along is a viewing platform.

  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Accessibility: The initial pathways are accessible, but the majority are uneven surfaces
  • Facilities: None at the moment, pending the opening of the Visitor Centre
  • Open: 24 hours. It is advisable only to walk during daylight hours.
  • Parking: On-street parking in Llanishen

 

 

5. Taff Trail to Castell Coch Walking Route

Cardiff Castle

If you’re looking for a long walk through Cardiff, follow the River Taff to Castell Coch. You can choose where you’d like to start, but most will begin at Cardiff Castle. The mix of riverside trails, railway paths and forest roads will keep you on your toes. The Taff Trail is easy to navigate, and plenty of places to stop and admire the surroundings. Highlights include Blackweir Bridge, Pontcanna Fields and the Melingriffith Water Pump.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate (the hill up to Castell Coch will be the most challenging part)
  • Duration: 4-6 hours
  • Accessibility: As the Taff Trail is part of the National Cycle Network, the route is mostly suitable for prams and wheelchairs. However, it is uneven in several places.
  • Facilities: None. However, cafes, pubs and restaurants will be in nearby suburbs, especially in Llandaff North and Tongwynlais.
  • Open: 24 hours. It is advisable only to walk during daylight hours.
  • Parking: On-street parking and pay and display in various locations.

 

 

6. Fforest Fawr Walks

If you’d like to extend your time at Castell Coch, Fforest Fawr is the woodland behind the castle. There are three walking trails; along the way, you’ll notice mounds and hollows, which are old iron-mining workings and adjacent spoil tips. It’s a popular spot for foraging for wild garlic in the spring and vast patches of bluebells.

One of the most popular of the Castell Coch walks is the Sculpture Discovery Trail which has wooden characters telling the story of a sleeping giant who lives in the woods. At the far end of the trail, there is a panoramic view of the valley and surrounding hills.

  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Accessibility: A flat walk with cleared pathways. However, it’s more suitable for those who are sturdy on their feet as it has broken ground and exposed tree routes. In winter, it gets very muddy.
  • Facilities: None
  • Open: 24 hours. It is advisable only to walk during daylight hours.
  • Parking: Free parking and a small car park Sat Nav CF83 1NG

 

 

7. Forest Farm Nature Reserve

Once immersed in Forest Farm, you’ll hardly believe that the M4 motorway is behind the treeline. You’ll find ancient beech and oak trees along the heritage Glamorganshire Canal. Whilst you can glimpse the industrial past, today, there are quiet paths, picnic benches and a network of walking trails – even connecting to the Taff Trail. The bird hide is ideal for resting up and indulging in nature. The main route around Forest Farm is 5km and is a lovely country walk near Cardiff.

  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Accessibility: A flat walk with cleared pathways. However, it’s more suitable for those who are sturdy on their feet as it has broken ground and exposed tree routes. In winter, it gets very muddy.
  • Facilities: None
  • Open: 24 hours. It is advisable only to walk during daylight hours.
  • Parking: Free parking and a small car park on Forest Farm Road Sat Nav CF14 7JH or Longwood Drive (near Asda Coryton) Sat Nav CF14 7YU.

 

 

8. Cefn Onn Walk

The historic park of Cefn Onn was a private garden in Lisvane. Hence, it has magnificent native and exotic trees and beautiful blooms. There is a lot to discover, with streams, ponds, woodlands and plenty of paths leading off onto other trails. There’s no point rushing here; take your time and enjoy a gentle stroll.

  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Accessibility: Most paths are paved, making them accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. However, there are steps towards the water, a slight uphill climb and uneven surfaces.
  • Facilities: Bathrooms in the car park
  • Open: Open from 7am until 30 minutes before sunset
  • Parking: Small free car park

 

 

9. Caerau Hillfort Walk

The large Iron Age site and the old parish church of St Mary’s has become a popular walk in Cardiff. The Caerau Hillfort was excavated in an episode of Time Team in 2012. Flint tools and weapons dating back to 3600 BC have been found here. The remains of St Mary’s Church are located along the walk and can be explored. The church dates back to the 13th Century and closed in 1961. The walk passes through woodland, kissing gates and a disused railway bridge.

  • Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Accessibility: The route is only accessible on foot
  • Facilities: None
  • Open: Open 24 hours, but recommended to only visit during daylight.
  • Parking: On-street parking on Rhiwsaeson Road, just before the terraced houses.

 

 

10. Bute Park Walks

Behind the iconic Cardiff Castle, Bute Park is one of the most unexpected country walks in Cardiff city centre. It is 130 acres (around the size of 75 football pitches), also making it one of the largest urban park in Wales. Formally a Victorian pleasure ground, it’s easy to forget that the hustle and bustle of the city centre is minutes away. Explore the Blackfriars Friary remains, Gorsedd stones and a sculpture trail. As well as extensive walking paths and trails.

With plenty of space for children (and big kids) to run, climb and play. You’ll often see groups of friends and students playing football, rugby, baseball or frisbee or simply sunbathing in the summer months. Couples and families also love to picnic here.

Cathays Park is also nearby, and it is often thought of as an extension of Bute Park. As well as the formal parks of Alexandra Gardens near the National Museum of Wales. Here you’ll find the Wales National War Memorial, Gorsedd Garden and Friary Garden.

  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Duration: The 3.9km circular trail takes around 50 minutes
  • Accessibility: Step-free access to the park and various bridges and pathways makes them accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Although uneven in places, most of the park is flat.
  • Facilities: Toilets and baby changing facilities are at the Secret Garden Café and the Visitor Centre. However, they are only open daily, generally between 10am-3pm.
  • Open: 24 hours. It is advisable only to walk during daylight hours.
  • Parking: Pay and display parking in Cardiff Bay Sat Nav CF10 5BS or The Barrage Car Park Sat Nav CF64 1LQ.

 

 

11. Cardiff Bay Barrage Walk

Cardiff Bay

Ok, this one isn’t really a country walk. However, with stunning water views in every direction, it’s trendy. The Cardiff Bay Barrage is one of the best circular walks in South Wales. The route is 10km (just over 6 miles). The relatively flat trail is designed for walkers to explore the waterfront, iconic landmarks and Cardiff Bay Wetlands.

  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Accessibility: Although the majority of the route is flat with tarmacked paths. You will need to negotiate two flights of steps, a bridge, and gates that push open.
  • Facilities: Mermaid Quay and Penarth Marina have bars, cafes and restaurants.
  • Open: From 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
  • Parking: Sat Nav CF64 5UY. Pay and display parking is £2 for 2 hours up to £5 for all day. Season tickets are also available for £30 for 6 months or £50 for 12 months.

 

 

12. Cosmeston Lakes

On the outskirts of Cardiff is Cosmeston Lakes. The 7.1km circular trail is ideal for birdwatching, hiking and walking. The country park is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Explore the 200 acres of woodland, meadows and two large lakes at the centre. You can also visit the reconstructed 14th Century Medieval Village, where costumed guides show you around the furnished buildings.

  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Accessibility: Step-free access to the park and various waterside walkways makes them broadly accessible. However, the further away you go from the lakes, the routes are only accessible on foot.
  • Facilities: Toilets and a café are near the car park, open from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily.
  • Open: From 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
  • Parking: Sat Nav CF64 5UY. Pay and display parking is £2 for 2 hours up to £5 for all day. Season tickets are also available for £30 for 6 months or £50 for 12 months.

 

Walk Cardiff

There are plenty of opportunities for unexpected but exciting country walks within Cardiff if people know where to look for them. And now you do! Take time to appreciate the breathtaking scenery, meet friends, take the family, or reconnect with nature. If you’re looking for walks further afield, check out our guide to the best dog-friendly walks in South Wales, or for a bit more adventure, Wales’ best long-distance walks.

About The Author

Katrina is a Marketing Manager in the tourism industry and has over 15 years of expertise in the field. She runs the website Real Girls Wobble, a multi-award-winning local travel and staycation blog. Focusing on things to do in her hometown of Cardiff and the surrounding areas. She is a passionate cider drinker, spiced rum enthusiast and a cook-from-scratch advocate. On weekends you’ll find her hiking with her rescue dog, Ivan, or exploring a local heritage site.

Written by Katrina Rohman

Date: 18th June 2023

Category:
  • South Wales
  • Trails & Hikes