Walking in Southern Wales
With so much stunning countryside and wonderful coast it comes as no surprise to learn that the walking in Southern Wales is amongst the best in the world. If you prefer walking up stunning mountains, rambling along distance paths, hiking along rugged cliffs or a gentle stroll around historic towns then Southern Wales can cater for you.
Listed below are some of the more popular walks, but remember that there are hundreds of different walks throughout Southern Wales and details, maps and booklets are available from local Tourist Information Centres.
Offa’s Dyke National Trail
The Offa’s Dyke trail is one of the most challenging in Wales. It stretches for 285km right from the Severn Estuary in the South East all the way along the Wales/England border to Prestatyn in the North. The section of the trail that goes through Southern Wales is probably the most spectacular section of the route, taking in the beautiful Wye Valley and the Eastern edge of the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park.
Celtic Trail – Route 4
If the Offa’s Dyke goes straight up the csountry then the Celtic Trail cuts right across it. Taking in the fabulous scenery all the way from Chepstow right through the heart of Southern Wales and on to Pembrokeshire in the West. Although also used as a cycle route the path is popular amongst walkers.
Taff Trail
Stretching from Cardiff Bay all the way along the River Taff to the Brecon Beacons, the Taff Trail is probably one of the most popular routes in Southern Wales. It takes you northwards through the Capital City and out into the spectacular scenery of the Southern Wales Valleys where you’ll be in awe at the magnificent views you’ll encounter.
Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is a magnet for walkers and it is easy to see why with its rugged mountains, rolling hills and, of course, its magnificent views. It is fitting then that this area has some fantastic walks. The Beacons Way is a challenging 161km (100 miles) route which highlights the best of the Beacons or there are paths to the summits of Pen y Fan, the Sugarloaf and Ysgyrid Fawr from where there are spectacular views in each direction for miles around.
Wye Valley and Vale of Usk
The outstanding natural beauty of the Wye Valley and wonderful scenery of the Vale of Usk mean that this area is a haven for walkers. Among the most picturesque is the 218km Wye Valley walk which goes from Chepstow past the beautiful Tintern Abbey and on to Monmouth and eventually Rhayder. The Three Castles walk combines the stunning countryside with the area’s fascinating history as the route takes you past Skenfrith, Grosmont and White castles. Shorter walks in the area include the Caerleon Heritage Trail, the Lower Wye Ramble and the Priory Grove Circular Trail.
Valleys of Southern Wales
The Valleys of Southern Wales has some of the most varied walking in the region. For the keen there are long distance and challenging routes such as the Sihowy Valley Walk and the Taff Ely Ridgeway Walk or some shorter circular walks which include Time Tracks in Caerphilly, The Aneurin Bevan Walk, Trevithick’s Trail, Waterfall Country and Blaenavon Industrial Lanscape. All these walks off excellent scenery and an insight into the rich history and culture of this part of Wales.
Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Countryside
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast stretches for 14 miles from Penarth in the east through to Kenfig in the west. While the seaside holiday resorts of Porthcawl and Barry Island are popular with families those wanting to something a little bit more active can follow one of the many walking routes in the area. The heritage coast path itself is very popular and takes in some rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and daunting sand dunes. Head inland from the coast for some more challenges including the 20km Ogwr Ridgeway Walk or the spectacular Sky to Sea walk which takes you from the top of the valleys over the Bwlch mountain and down through some stunning countryside to the coast at St Athan.
Cardiff City Walks
For a country renowned for its rugged terrains it might come as a surprise to learn that Cardiff is one of the flattest cities in Europe. This means it is ideal for some gentle city centre strolls. There are designated walks from the City Centre to Cardiff Bay along the river, out to the National History Museum at St Ffagans, or northwards through the city’s famous parklands to Llandaf Cathederal and Castell Coch.
Download a brochure for more information about walking in Southern Wales
