Best walks in South Wales

Distance: 4 miles

Terrain: easy

This next route is a nice easy walk that will take you on a tour of local flora and wildlife. You will feel yourself transported back to prehistoric eras at the Bay of Ceibwr, which is surrounded by the striking cliff faces that bear spectacular patterns of ‘folding’ from generations of erosion.

Distance: 2 miles

Terrain: easy

An hour’s drive south-east from our Quay West Holiday Park, you’ll come to the edge of the infamous Brecon Beacons: one of the UK’s most treasured National Parks, which is full of many of the best walks in South Wales. The historic market town of Llandovery, which sits just to the west of the Brecons, is the starting point for this gentle and pretty river walk. The route passes notable landmarks such as the 12th century Church of St Mary and the impressively imposing ruins of Llandovery Castle. Keep an eye on the river, too, as otters are known to swim in these waters alongside the sea trout and other fish.

Distance: 5.5 miles

Terrain: moderate

Venturing into the Brecons, this next route takes you on a tour of the Usk reservoir and dam, with stunning views of the Black Mountains on the horizon. This is a nice trail to hike for beginners with a way-marked path, though it can get muddy in wet weather, so be sure you’ve got some good protective footwear with you. If you stay on past dark, Glasfynydd Forest is known for its pitch dark night skies which allows for the brightest of star displays.

Distance: 8 miles

Terrain: easy to moderate

To the southwest of the Brecon Beacons, is the lesser known, but no less beautiful region of  Gower, the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk from Llanrhidian to Cheriton will take you along the coastal path and through the surrounding countryside which is filled with historic landmarks and stories that will stay with you for years to come. Starting at the 13th-century Church of St Rhydian and Illtyd’s, the route also takes in the stunningly preserved 14th-century castle at Weobley and passes through the Llanrhidian salt marshes: a home to osprey and welsh mountain ponies.

Distance: 4 miles

Terrain: moderate to difficult

This circular route starts and finishes at the Welsh Wildlife Centre, a 40-minute drive south of our Quay West Holiday Park. It’s quite challenging terrain, so be sure you’ve got some good boots and a sturdy gait before setting out. Great for history lovers, this route takes you to Cilgerran Castle - a proud and imposing Norman outpost, as well as the Church of St Llawdog, which dates back to the 13th century.

Distance: 0.5 miles

Terrain: moderate to difficult

This is a short but challenging walk and certainly one of the best walks in South Wales for photographers wishing to capture the landscape at its finest. You’ll make your way down to Rheidol gorge via 675 steps and then all the way up the other side where you’ll be rewarded with a view of the breathtaking Mynach waterfall. This is a fabulous route that will leave a lasting impression, but do be sure you’re keen for a challenge before putting your leg muscles to the Devil’s Bridge test! 

Distance: 0.5 miles to 2.5 miles

Terrain: easy to moderate

This beautiful forest is located under an hour from our Quay West Holiday Park by car. There are several routes to choose from, depending on how far you want to walk and what you want to see. On arrival at the car park, pop into the visitor centre to get a map and find the route that’s right for you. Choose from the miner’s trail where you can climb up to the Giant’s chair for a fab photo opportunity, the Barcud Trail where you can witness the daily feeding of red kites, or the ridge top trail for some fabulous views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian mountains.