7 Best Walks In and Around Cardiff

Providing driving lessons in Cardiff is a rewarding profession but even our experienced instructors need to get up, have a stretch and go for an energising walk now and again.

The great news is Cardiff city centre and the surrounding area is a great place to find interesting walks.

While people often think of the city as full of roads and buildings, Cardiff is home to many parks and it’s not that difficult to get away from the hustle and bustle of the traffic and crowds.

Here we take a look at just some of our favourite walks both in the city itself and further afield.

1. Bute Park

The park covers some 130 acres so there are plenty of different trails to explore and it’s great for getting out and about all year around. Because it’s in central Cardiff, Bute Park is popular with locals as well as tourists and a place with a brilliant community spirit.

During the summer, there’s a wildlife trail where you can see what local park rangers are doing to encourage butterflies and bees to the region. Towards dusk, you can also see bats that have been attracted by the increasing wildlife diversity.

2. Forrest Fawr

Outside the city centre in nearby Caerphilly, lies Castle Coch and the surrounding forest. This has no less than three different trails where you can explore not only the region’s mining past but see beautiful carpets of bluebells and other fantastic blooms during the spring.

These are ancient woodlands and they have recently been the subject of nature conservations and clearing to help return the natural flora and fauna. Some of the walks are easy, others a little harder but there’s something for all the family.

3. The Bailey Trail, Usk Valley

The River Usk and its valley lie to the east of Cardiff and is no more than a 30-minute drive. The Bailey Trail is a fairly demanding walk that takes in some breath-taking scenery over about 9 miles.

You’ll be able to see the remains of past ruins from the quarries that operated in the 19^th century when the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal was being built.

4. Forest Farm Country Park

Covering some 150 acres, Forest Farm Country Park is another local nature reserve that has a lot to offer including some invigorating walks. Animals you are likely to see as you walk through the forest paths are red squirrels and birds of prey.

The area has redeveloped in recent years with ponds and habitats added to help encourage the local wildlife. The amenities include a large orchard which is home to around 70 different varieties of fruit trees.

5. Cefn Onn Park and the Two Ridges

Cefn Onn Park lies to the north of Cardiff and it’s a great place for a walk if you want a birds-eye view of the city and the River Severn. You’ll also be able to see Caerphilly Castle in the distance and, on a clear day, you might even catch sight of the highest point in South Wales, Pen y Fan.

6. Penarth Pier to Sully Island

If coastal walking is your thing, Cardiff has several different routes. Penarth Pier is one of the few Victorian piers still left in good condition in Wales and the rest of the UK. Its art deco design is well worth a visit on its own.

The walk to Sully Island is about 5 miles and clearly signposted. Along the way, you’ll catch sight of the historic St Lawrence Church along with the rugged coastline and plenty of wildlife to boot.

7. Limpert Bay to Barry Island

Another slightly longer coastal walk, this follows beaches and promenades as well as moderately taxing cliff walks that stretch for about 7 miles. It’s the perfect exercise for a warm Sunday afternoon followed by pub lunch and a few beers at one of the several bars along the way.

Driving Lessons in Cardiff

Offering driving lessons in Cardiff, we know the importance of getting out regularly to stretch those legs and have a long walk in the country.

If you are currently learning to drive or planning to in the future, our approved driving instructors are here to help. Contact us today to book an appointment.