The Best Walks in South Wales: Coast, Mountains & Forests

South Wales is a rambler’s paradise, with winding coastal paths, lush forest trails, and exhilarating mountain hikes. Thanks to the abundance of scenic walking routes, there is a trail to suit every level of fitness and experience.

Best of all, you are never far from civilisation. Cardiff entices weary travellers with world-class restaurants and refreshing craft beers. Brecon and Hay-on-Wye are slightly more rural but perfectly equipped for people who love the best of both worlds. Ready to lace up your boots? Keep reading as we share the best South Wales walks to add to your holiday itinerary.

Best Coastal Walks in South Wales

Glamorgan Heritage Coast

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast trail is a gorgeous 14-mile stretch forming part of the Wales Coast Path. We suggest leaving from Dunraven Bay and scaling the cliff tops down to Nash Point lighthouse and St Donat’s Castle. The terrain is mostly accessible with level footpaths, however, there are some short, steep climbs and stiles.

Nash Point Lighthouse has been standing proudly since 1832. Fun fact: it was the last manned lighthouse in Wales to be automated. You’ll also find a quaint café here serving hot drinks. Continue on to reach the medieval St Donat’s Castle—the longest continually inhabited castle in Wales, standing high above the Bristol Channel.

The Wales Coast Path (Chepstow to Swansea)

Fancy a longer challenge? The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is just one tiny section of the Wales Coast Path—an 870-mile unbroken route that traces the entire country. The southern section stretches from Chepstow to Swansea.

This section is slightly less rugged than the trails further north, making it highly accessible. One highlight is the pleasant amble from Ogmore-by-Sea to Barry Island. The golden sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs are stunning, and if you keep your eyes on the water, you might spot porpoises in the waves below.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path (Tenby to Saundersfoot)

South Wales walks do not get much better than the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. One of our favourite short routes covers Tenby to Saundersfoot. Although it’s under five miles, you will need a reasonable level of fitness to surmount the heavily undulating paths.

You’ll leave Tenby and wander past Castle Beach, with views out to St Catherine’s Island (a Grade II listed 19th-century Palmerston Fort). The trail then passes Monkstone Beach before dropping down into Saundersfoot, where countless pubs await to serve you a well-deserved lunch.

Best Mountain Walks in South Wales

Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons

If you are looking for a true challenge, Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales, nestled in the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park. At 886 metres of elevation, the scenes from the top are breathtaking.

The simplest route (affectionately known as “The Motorway” due to its popularity) leaves from the Storey Arms or Pont ar Daf car parks and takes around 2.5 hours round trip. If you want a more difficult challenge, the Horseshoe Ridge route involves steep scrambles and narrow, unmade footpaths. It’s fantastic preparation if you’re planning to ascend Snowdon in the future.

Skirrid Mountain (Ysgyryd Fawr)

Skirrid is an isolated mountain in the eastern area of the Brecon Beacons, near Abergavenny. Despite its modest size, it’s one of the most memorable mountain walks in South Wales. You’ll journey through glorious, ancient woodlands onto the open mountainside before scaling the crest.

Start from the car park along Old Ross Road and follow a gravel path to Pont Skirrid Wood. You’ll know you’re near the top when you come across the ruins of St Michael’s Chapel—a medieval church marking the skyline.

Garth Mountain, Cardiff

The Garth Mountain walk (which is technically a large hill) is brilliantly accessible and famously inspired the film The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain. You can park in Gwaelod-y-Garth and hike up from the village pub.

There are two routes to the top: an easy path that follows Mountain Road along pretty country lanes, or a harder route that takes a narrow, windy footpath up the steep grassy bank. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed sensational views over Cardiff and the Bristol Channel from the summit.

Best Forest Walks in South Wales

Afan Forest Park

Afan Forest Park near Port Talbot is a goldmine of natural treasures. While famous as one of Britain’s most celebrated mountain biking destinations, it is also a haven for walkers. Pick up a map of the waymarked trails from the visitor centre.

We recommend the flat, accessible path that traces the old railway line along the River Afan, where herons and kingfishers patrol the shallows. Alternatively, tackle the Gyfylchi Ridgetop—a steep climb across forest roads that rewards you with incredible views of the surrounding conifer valleys.

Brechfa Forest, Carmarthenshire

Brechfa Forest offers magical walks through giant redwoods and sessile oaks. While densely packed, the trails are clearly waymarked and feature makeshift picnic tables hidden between the towering pines.

The Forest Garden trail takes around three hours to complete. It was planted as a special site to test how certain trees grow in UK forest settings, meaning you’ll walk past 89 different plots featuring diverse global species, including giant redwoods from California and eucalyptus from Australia.

Best Circular Walks in South Wales

Cardiff Bay Circular (The Barrage)

Circular walks in South Wales are some of the most accessible because they are easy to navigate without worrying about transport back to your car. The Cardiff Bay Circular is completely flat and fully paved, looping across the Cardiff Bay Barrage into the seaside town of Penarth via the Pont Y Werin bridge.

Along the route, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Norwegian Church, the Wales Millennium Centre, and the Senedd. Once you hit Penarth, enjoy an ice cream on the Victorian pier while looking out over the Severn Estuary.

Newport Wetlands & Goldcliff Loop

The Gwent Levels is an intricate web of footpaths, bridleways, and green lanes sandwiched between the South Wales hills and the Severn Estuary. The saltmarshes and mudflats provide a tasty feast for dunlin and avocets, and if you are lucky, you might spot bearded tits and bitterns skulking in the reeds.

Start from the Newport Wetlands visitor centre and stroll past the striking East Usk Lighthouse on the Wales Coast Path before looping back via the beautiful churches of St Mary’s at Goldcliff.