The Most Beautiful Country Walks Around Cardiff Wales

If you’d like to enjoy the Welsh countryside and fresh air, then Cardiff and its surrounding area are well worth a visit. From Margam Country Park to the Machen Forge Trail, here are some of the most scenic walks to take in and around the Welsh capital.

Margam Country Park

Margam Country Park offers a wonderful array of walks and is just a 30-minute drive from Cardiff. The 800 acres (324ha) of Margam Park provide a perfect backdrop for a wander in the countryside, whether it be a stroll after Sunday lunch or a hike along the Coed Morgannwg Way to Afan Forest Park Country Park, the sister country park in the Afan Valley. There are half a dozen different hikes available, all with varying lengths and levels of difficulty, meaning you can come back to this idyllic location more than once.

Pen Pych Mountain, Rhondda

Iron Bridge Circular Walk, Newport

At just over 3mi (5km), the Iron Bridge Circular Walk is one of Newport Council’s shortest promoted walks, although it remains incredibly picturesque. It was created to celebrate the restoration of a 16m (52ft) cast-iron footbridge over the River Rhymney. The route follows public footpaths that can become quite muddy during bad weather, so make sure you’re wearing suitable footwear.

Castell Coch and Fforest Fawr

One for the children is the Forest Fawr sculpture trail near Castell Coch. This woodland area, just a short drive outside of Cardiff, is roughly 1.5mi (just over 2km) long and designed to take children on a magical journey through the forest, with many trails for walking and cycling. It is based on the idea of a giant creature who lives in the woods and has discarded different objects – like a watch, a treasure chest and a dragon. The woodland itself has an industrial history, and there are some impressive, deep holes left by iron mining here.

Bute Park and Llandaff Fields

A green oasis nestled amidst the capital’s cityscape, Bute Park and the conveniently attached Llandaff Fields provide a wonderful walk that takes you along the banks of the River Taff. There is also a wealth of flora in the park, all of which looks exceptional when coming into bloom. There’s nothing quite like seeing hundreds of daffodils sprouting here in the Welsh capital.

Fourteen Locks Canal Centre

Just a short trip outside of Cardiff, in the neighbouring city of Newport, the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre is a great day out for the family. Formerly consisting of the astounding man-made construction of 14 individual locks along the river, the trail now offers visitors an interesting look at the area, as well as an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. The terrific cafe in the visitors’ centre is a great spot to take a quick tea break.

Sgwd yr Eira

A quick drive out of the city and in the heart of waterfall country, the Sgwd yr Eira trail is a challenging trail that pays off with its picture-perfect views. The route takes you through some of the area’s serene woodland before a couple of climbs lead you to the pristine waterfall, Sgwd yr Eira. The walk itself is roughly 2.5mi (4km) and will take you right underneath the water, so make sure you pack your waterproofs.

Machen Forge Trail

A moderate loop walk through and around the quiet village of Machen, this route offers a peaceful getaway from the city. Outside of the picturesque village and woodland, the trail takes you into the industrial past of the area as you traverse closely to the old forge. Ending with amazing views across the valley, the walk is definitely one that calls for bringing your camera.

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