Cardiff
Visit the best woodland walks near Cardiff? 14 trails listed below!
Visit the best woodland walks near Cardiff? 14 trails listed below!
Sculpture trail in Fforest Fawr by John Light under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The table above lists all the best woodland walks near Cardiff. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that walk.
The forests around Cardiff in Wales are some of the most beautiful in the world. The trees and plants here are so lush and green, and the wildlife is abundant. There are plenty of great woodland walks near Cardiff, and I highly recommend visiting them all to take in the spectacular scenery on offer! You can see the magnificent waterfalls at Gwaun Hepste, go back in time to the industrial period at Manor Wood or see the stunning views across the Wye Valley at Wyncliff Wood.
The top forest walks near Cardiff
In this blog post, we will be listing the many forest walks near to the city of Cardiff.
There's nothing better than a woodland walk taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Have a look below at the forest walks available on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each walk, to be taken to the Natural Resources Wales pages, for further information on the forest trails.
Beacon View
The paths at Beacon Hill are easy to follow with plenty of space for exploration; whether or not you’re looking out over beautiful scenery or having a peaceful stroll, the forest here offers a great escape from city life.
Coed y Cerrig National Nature Reserve
Shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, Coed y Cerrig National Nature Reserve sits in a small valley. The woodland can be explored on the accessible boardwalk surrounded by fragrant bluebells during springtime!
Cwm Carn Forest
The Cwm Carn Forest is an area rich in natural beauty. The Forestry Commission started planting trees here back when it was just hills, but now there is access not only to mountain biking opportunities thanks to the latest redevelopment - but walking routes as well!
Craig Cerrig Gleisiad a Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve
If you're looking for an awe-inspiring natural setting with some great walking opportunities, Craig Cerrig is where to go. With views across miles of mountainous terrain and into Wales' National Park - there are endless things that can be seen from any point here!
Fforest Fawr
Fforest Fawr is a beautiful place to visit in early spring when the bluebells are out and wild garlic grows among other flowers. Alongside these natural highlights, you'll find mining workings that have been overgrown by vegetation, leaving them looking like ancient ruin sites from another period altogether!
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Garwnant Visitor Centre
Garwnant Visitor Centre is a family-friendly place to explore and there are several trails available for visitors using wheelchairs, including one that allows them access to the deeper parts of this wilderness.
Gwaun Hepste
Gwaun Hepste, with its beautiful surroundings and magnificent waterfalls, is one of the best places to visit in Brecon Beacons National Park. The popular car park here serves as an excellent starting point for hikers who want access to four awesome falls along their circular journey through this historic region richly endowed by nature's gifts!
Manor Wood
Manor Wood is an area rich in history, with many signs that point to its industrial roots. There are charcoal and sawing pits left over from when it was once used for these purposes! The two trails can be quite challenging but are relatively short. Nice views are to be had across the Wye Valley.
Newport Wetlands RSPB Reserve
Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve
The best place in Wales for bird watching is at Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve! Tucked between the city of Newport and the Severn Estuary, this national nature reserve has diverse lowland habitats that are perfect spots to see various species of birds. You can enjoy walking along paths with raised viewing platforms or take in panoramic views from various hides. One to take the family on!
Spirit of Llynfi Woodland
The Spirit of Llynfi Woodland offers locals access to green space on their doorstep and has a range of facilities for all visitors. The varied landscape includes ponds, marshland, and heathland with over 60 thousand trees having been planted here including many fruit and broadleaves!
Taf Fechan Forest
Taf Fechan Forest is a hidden treasure in the Brecon Beacons National Park, just minutes from Merthyr Tydfil and South Wales Valleys. The peaceful forest has been created as an escape from city life with its short waymarked riverside walking trail that can be accessed from Owl’s Grove Car Park.
Wentwood
The largest area of ancient woodland in Wales, Wentwood was once a hunting ground for residents of Chepstow Castle and is home to many features that are still visible today such as the remains of an old mill. Restoration works are ongoing due to a large amount of commercial felling of trees in the 20th Century.
Whitestone
The car park at Whitestone has two walks that go past three historic viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Wye Gorge and river. There is also a spot for picnics along these routes with some benches available.
Wye Valley from Lower Wyndcliff Wood by Tony Teperek under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Wyndcliff Wood
Wyndcliff Wood is an attractive place to visit with its beautiful views. One such view, The Eagle's Nest lookout point provides stunning panoramic vistas of the Wye Valley and beyond! A circular trail allows you to access the viewpoint and get back to the car park easily!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the woodland walks near Cardiff. To find out more about free things to do in the area, click on the links below:
Please note...
All outdoor activities including forest walks involve a degree of risk. The walks are recommended due to the well known features of each forest but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each path so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your walk!
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