Green Escapes in and Around Cardiff
Finding nature to walk through in a city might seem like a challenge, but Cardiff makes it easy. With its mix of green parks, riverside paths, and coastal escapes, the city offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors without straying far from the centre.
From tranquil woodlands and historic gardens to wetlands rich in wildlife, Cardiff’s landscape blends natural beauty with accessibility. Whether you’re after a peaceful lunchtime stroll or a longer walk, there are countless places to stretch your legs and reconnect with nature.
This collection highlights some of the best spots to explore on foot, both within the city and just beyond its edges. While many are within easy reach of the centre, a few are perfect for a day trip or a change of scenery. All are accessible by public transport, making it easy for anyone to discover the walking opportunities Cardiff has to offer.
If you’re unable to make it to Cardiff, for similar walking inspiration in and around other city centres, take a look at other locations in our city walks series:
Where are the best city walks in Cardiff?
Bute Park
Nearest bus stop: Law Courts Stop RJ
Nearest train station: Cardiff Central
Tucked behind Cardiff Castle and stretching along the River Taff, Bute Park is a 138 acre expanse of landscaped parkland and arboretum that offers a rich blend of history and urban nature.
Originally the private grounds of the Bute family, the park was designed in the late 19th century by Andrew Pettigrew, head gardener to the 3rd Marquess of Bute. It was gifted to the people of Cardiff in 1947 and has since become a cherished public space. The park is now a Grade I listed historic landscape, home to over 2,000 catalogued trees, including many “Champion Trees” – the largest of their species in the UK.
Bute Park is a haven for walkers, runners, and nature lovers. The park features a network of self-guided trails, including the Champion Tree Trail and the River Trail, which follows the Taff and offers a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. Families can enjoy the woodland play trail, while nature enthusiasts might spot otters, woodpeckers, and even leaping salmon. The park also hosts educational trails via the “Love Exploring” app, blending augmented reality with local ecology and history.
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve & Cardiff Bay Trail Walk
Nearest bus stop: Mermaid Quat
Nearest train station: Cardiff Bay
Once a tidal salt marsh, the Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve was transformed into a freshwater habitat following the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage in 2001.
Officially opened in 2002, the 20 acre reserve was created to offset the ecological loss of the original mudflats and is now a thriving urban nature sanctuary. Located between St David’s Hotel and the River Taff, it features reedbeds, open water, and aquatic vegetation that support a wide range of wildlife, including reed warblers, herons, dragonflies, and amphibians.
You can explore the reserve via a short, family-friendly gravel path and boardwalk that leads to a viewing platform over the water, which is ideal for birdwatching or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in nature.
The reserve is also a key stop along the Cardiff Bay Trail Walk, a 6.2 mile circular route that loops around the bay. This trail offers a scenic and accessible way to experience Cardiff’s waterfront, passing landmarks like the Senedd, the Norwegian Church, and the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It’s popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists alike, and includes play areas, public art, and panoramic views across the bay. Together, the reserve and trail provide a compelling example of how urban regeneration can successfully integrate biodiversity and recreation.
The Bay also includes a section of the Wales Coast Path, offering a chance to explore a nationally recognised walking route.
River Taff & the Taff Trail
Nearest bus stop: Pomeroy Street
Nearest train station: Cardiff Bay
Flowing from the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) to Cardiff Bay, the River Taff has long shaped the city’s geography and history.
Once prone to flooding, the river was redirected in the 19th century to support Cardiff’s rapid industrial growth and port development. Today, it’s a central feature of Cardiff’s green infrastructure, offering a scenic corridor through the city. The Taff Trail, a 55-mile walking and cycling route, follows the river’s course from Cardiff Bay to Brecon, passing through historic sites, urban parks, and wooded valleys.
For those exploring from the city centre, the section from Cardiff to Castell Coch is particularly rewarding. Starting in Bute Park, the trail winds through Pontcanna Fields and Hailey Park, then continues past Forest Farm and the Melingriffith Water Pump, an industrial relic from 1807, before reaching the village of Tongwynlais.
From there, a short uphill walk leads to Castell Coch, a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle nestled in beech woodland. This 6.5-mile stretch is mostly traffic-free and suitable for walkers of all levels, offering a blend of riverside tranquillity, wildlife spotting, and architectural wonder.
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Nearest bus stop: Cosmeston Lakes
Nearest tram station: Penarth
Formed from the remnants of a former limestone quarry, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park near Penarth is a striking example of post-industrial land transformed into a thriving natural haven.
Quarrying began in the late 19th century and continued until 1970, after which the site was gradually developed into a country park, officially opening in 1978. The two main lakes were created when the quarry pits naturally filled with water, and the surrounding land was landscaped to support a variety of habitats.
Today, the park spans over 245 acres and includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and a designated Local Nature Reserve, protecting rare species like the Starry Stonewort algae and diverse birdlife.
You can enjoy a wide range of activities, with several well-maintained walking and cycling trails winding through woodlands, meadows, and around the lakes. The park also features a reconstructed 14th-century medieval village, an adventure playground, picnic areas, and a visitor centre with a café. Birdwatchers flock to the reed beds and open water, where they commonly spot species like mute swans, grebes, and herons.
The country park is within easy reach of the Welsh coast, so you can extend your walk from lakes to sea.
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Go to the shopRoath Park
Nearest bus stop: Wild Gardens Road (North), Lady Mary Road (South)
Nearest train station: Heath Low Level
Created in the late 19th century on former marshland, Roath Park was one of Cardiff’s first publicly owned parks and remains a quintessential example of Victorian park design.
The land was donated in 1887 by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and other local landowners, and the park officially opened in 1894. The centrepiece is the 30-acre man-made lake, formed by damming the Nant Fawr stream, which quickly became a hub for recreation and wildlife.
Today, Roath Park offers a rich variety of outdoor activities and walking opportunities that make it a standout destination for urban nature in Cardiff. You can follow accessible walking routes that take your around the lake, past the Scott Memorial Lighthouse, and through the Pleasure Gardens and Botanic Garden.
The park is also home to a conservatory filled with exotic plants, a wild garden with shaded paths and native flora, and a recreation ground with sports pitches and a trim trail. Birdwatchers can spot swans, coots, and cormorants, while families enjoy boating, playgrounds, and floral displays.
Coed y Wenallt
Nearest bus stop: Wenallt Road
Nearest train station: Rhiwbina
Nestled on the northern edge of Cardiff near Rhiwbina, Coed y Wenallt, or Wenallt Forest, spans over 100 acres on the northern edge of Cardiff near Rhiwbina. With its unique nature, it is Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The woodland dates back to at least 1600 AD and is rich in biodiversity, with habitats supporting badgers, dormice, buzzards, and great spotted woodpeckers. In spring, the forest floor transforms into a sea of bluebells, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike. The southern part of the woodland also contains the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, known as Wenallt Camp, which dates from between 800 BCE and 55 CE.
You can explore a network of footpaths and bridleways that weave through the woodland and connect to nearby reserves like Cwm Nofydd and Fforest Ganol. Coed y Wenallt offers moderate terrain and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, dog walking, and forest bathing.
Garth Hill
Nearest bus stop: Securicor or Pentyrch War Memorial
Nearest train station: Taffs Well
Rising prominently to the northwest of Cardiff, Garth Hill, or the Garth, has long been a defining feature of the local landscape.
Known for its Bronze Age burial mounds at the summit, it offers a glimpse into the area’s ancient past, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity dating back over 4,000 years. In more recent history, the slopes were dotted with small coal mines that once supplied nearby ironworks, though today little remains of this industrial heritage.
Outdoor enthusiasts explore the area for its expansive views and varied terrain. The ascent offers a satisfying challenge, with grassy paths, occasional steep sections, and panoramic vistas that stretch across Cardiff, the Taff Valley, and even to the Bristol Channel on clear days.
The open summit provides a peaceful spot for rest and reflection, while the surrounding woodlands and meadows are rich in wildlife, making it a rewarding destination for nature watchers. The hill is accessible from several nearby villages and is popular with walkers, families, and dog owners seeking a scenic escape within easy reach of the city.
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Go to the shopLlanishen Reservoir
Nearest bus stop: South Rise (North West), Hurford Place (North East)
Nearest train station: Llanishen
Set in the north of Cardiff, the Victorian Llanishen Reservoir has been transformed into a peaceful space for nature and recreation.
Originally built in the 1880s to support the city’s water supply, the reservoir was later decommissioned and remained closed to the public for many years. After extensive restoration and conservation efforts, it reopened as a managed nature reserve and visitor destination, offering a balance between ecological protection and public access.
Today, the reservoir offers a unique opportunity to experience urban nature in Cardiff. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along well-maintained paths that circle the water, with views across the reservoir and surrounding woodlands. The area is rich in biodiversity, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its overwintering bird populations and rare grassland fungi. Bird hides provide quiet spots for observing species such as grebes, swans, and tufted ducks. The site also features meadows, wetlands, and wooded areas, making it ideal for nature watching and photography.
Penarth
Nearest bus stop: Penarth Pier
Nearest train station: Penarth
Perched on the cliffs just south of Cardiff, the elegant seaside town of Penarth blends Victorian charm with natural beauty.
Known for its well-kept promenade, historic pier and Alexandra Park, the town has long been a popular spot for day trips and leisurely walks. While it has a rich past as a Victorian resort, today it’s better known for its gardens, cliffside paths, and access to natural coastal features.
You can enjoy a range of walks as a break from the city bustle of Cardiff. There are ample opportunities to walk along the seafront and through cliffside gardens with panoramic views over the Bristol Channel. The town’s elevated position offers scenic vantage points, and the coastline is rich in wildlife, with seabirds, wildflowers, and even fossilised dinosaur footprints visible at low tide.
The promenade and surrounding parks provide accessible paths for relaxed strolls, while more adventurous walkers can explore wooded areas and coastal trails that connect to nearby nature reserves. Part of the Wales Coast Path runs through the area if a longer walk is more appealing, and takes you from Penarth to Cardiff city centre.
RSPB Newport Wetlands
Nearest bus stop: Newport Wetlands Reserve
Nearest train station: Newport (5.5 miles)
Created in 2000 to offset the ecological impact of the Cardiff Bay Barrage, RSPB Newport Wetlands lies on the Caldicot Levels near the Severn Estuary.
Once an industrial site used for ash disposal, the area has been transformed into a thriving mosaic of reedbeds, lagoons, and saltmarsh. Managed by Natural Resources Wales in partnership with the RSPB, the site has become a nationally important habitat for wetland birds and rare species like the bittern and shrill carder bee.
You can explore a wide range of walking paths that wind through the reserve’s varied landscapes, offering views across open water, reedbeds, and coastal mudflats. The flat, well-maintained trails are suitable for all abilities and provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially from the hides and viewing screens dotted throughout the site. Wildlife sightings may include marsh harriers, otters, dragonflies, and seasonal starling murmurations.
The reserve also connects with the Wales Coast Path, allowing for longer walks along the estuary.
Where can you find more nature walks in Cardiff?
Cardiff has a plethora of natural places to explore both in and around the city that make for a perfect walk. If you’re looking for more inspiration, consider a few lesser-known but equally as exciting locations such as:
- Llwyn Celyn Forest – a peaceful woodland escape with shaded paths and rich birdlife, perfect for a quiet walk in nature.
- Howardian Local Nature Reserve – a compact green space tucked within the city, offering a surprising mix of wildflowers, wetlands, and woodland trails.
- Fforest Fawr – a tranquil forested area with mature trees and wildlife, ideal for a refreshing walk away from the urban bustle.
- Parc Cefn Onn – a landscaped park blending ornamental gardens with natural woodland, offering gentle walks and seasonal colour.
- Forest Farm Country Park – a riverside haven with canals, meadows, and bird hides, great for leisurely walks and wildlife spotting.
- Hamadryad Park – a small urban green space near the bay, offering a short, breezy walk with views of the water and city skyline.
- Parc Tredelerch – a lakeside reserve with flat paths and open skies, popular for birdwatching and peaceful strolls.
- Cathays Cemetery – one of the largest Victorian cemeteries in the UK, combining heritage with tree-lined avenues and quiet walking routes.
- Cwm George and Casehill Woods – a scenic woodland valley with ancient trees and a sense of seclusion, ideal for a more immersive nature walk.
- Glamorganshire Canal – a historic waterway lined with greenery and wildlife, offering a linear walk through Cardiff’s natural and industrial past.
Do you want to go a little further than Cardiff for a walk?
Beyond Cardiff, Wales has countless outdoor opportunities for those seeking their next adventure. If you’re looking to step from a city stroll into a countryside hike, prepare yourself and take a look at a few suggestions on where to go:
- Wales Coast Path – follow one of the world’s longest continuous coastal trails, offering ever-changing sea views and rich coastal wildlife.
- Forest of Dean – wander through ancient woodland, hidden valleys, and sculpture trails in one of Britain’s oldest surviving forests.
- Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) – hike across open moorland, wooded gorges, and dramatic peaks in this iconic upland landscape full of natural beauty.
- Glamorgan Heritage Coast – walk along dramatic cliffs and fossil-strewn beaches with sweeping views over the Bristol Channel.
- Gower Peninsula – explore a stunning mix of sandy bays, rugged headlands, and rolling countryside in the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Margam Country Park – discover deer-dotted parkland, historic buildings, and forested hills on a walk through this vast estate.
- Wentwood Forest – wander through one of Wales’ largest ancient woodlands, rich in wildlife and panoramic hilltop views.
- Barafundle Bay – enjoy a scenic walk to this secluded, golden-sand Welsh beach framed by cliffs and turquoise waters.
