January doesn’t have to mean hibernation. In fact, with crisp air, quieter paths and low winter sun, it’s one of the best months to explore the capital on foot. Cardiff is uniquely blessed with hills, coastline, woodland, wetlands and castles – often all within a single afternoon’s wander.
Whether you’re shaking off the festive slump or setting the tone for the year ahead, here are 15 of the best walks in Cardiff to get you moving this January.
1. The Garth Mountain
Location: Taff’s Well / Pentyrch
Distance: 3–4 miles – Time: 1.5–2 hours
The Garth is Cardiff’s most iconic hill walk – and for many locals, the place where their love of walking begins. Rising above Taff’s Well, the broad, friendly summit offers one of the best viewpoints in South Wales, with sweeping views across Cardiff, the Severn Estuary and, on clear days, the Brecon Beacons.
The walk itself is short but satisfyingly steep, following well-trodden paths to the trig point at the top. It’s a perfect introduction to hill walking, popular with everyone from families and dog walkers to seasoned hikers chasing sunset.
Did you know?
The Garth is closely associated with the 1995 film The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill ButCame Down a Mountain, starring Hugh Grant. Although the story is set in a fictional Welsh village, the real-life inspiration for the tale is often linked with the hills around this area – and locals still proudly tell visitors that this is the mountain in question.
At the foot of the hill sits Taff’s Well, named after the natural spring – the well itself – whose mineral-rich waters were once believed to have healing properties. In the 19th century the village even became a small spa destination, attracting visitors from across South Wales.
Craig Llysfaen (via Llwyn Celyn Whips)
Location: Lisvane (via Llwyn Celyn Whips)
Distance: 2–3 miles -Time: 1–1.5 hours
Craig Llysfaen is one of Cardiff’s best kept walking secrets – a leafy ridge that climbs gently from the Llwyn Celyn Whips car park up to an open summit with spectacular views across the city and beyond. From the trig-point lookout at around 264 metres, you can see Cardiff to the south, Newport and the Severn bridges to the east, and, on clear winter days, distant peaks of the Brecon Beacons to the north.
This route starts through woodland and quiet tracks before opening out along the ridgeway. The paths are well used by local walkers and dog-owners, and while the ground can be muddy after rain, it’s a rewarding winter ramble.
Interesting local fact: The name Craig Llysfaen translates roughly to stone hill in Welsh, reflecting its long-held identity as a distinct high point in Cardiff’s northern landscape.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Location: St Fagans
Distance: Flexible -Time: 1–3 hours (or longer if you keep wandering…)
St Fagans is one of Cardiff’s most rewarding places to walk, especially in winter when the paths are quieter and the low light turns the landscape golden. While many people come for the museum buildings, the surrounding 100 acres of parkland, meadows, orchards and woodland trails make this a brilliant destination for a proper countryside ramble without leaving the city.
Winding footpaths connect historic farmhouses, cottages and chapels that have been carefully rebuilt here from across Wales, while open fields lead down to the River Ely. One of the most charming attractions on site is the Vulcan Hotel – the much-loved Cardiff pub that once stood on Adam Street, carefully dismantled and reconstructed here brick by brick. Stepping inside is like walking straight back into the city’s social history.
But don’t stop at the museum gates. The village of St Fagans itself is threaded with public footpaths and quiet lanes, making it ideal for extending your walk through traditional farmland, hedgerows and into the surrounding countryside if you fancy exploring even more on foot.
Did you know?
St Fagans Castle dates back to the late 16th century, with Victorian landscaped gardens that still form one of the most beautiful corners of the estate.
Castell Coch & Fforest Fawr
Location: Tongwynlais
Distance: 4–6 miles- Time: 2–3 hours
This is one of the most enchanting walks in the Cardiff area – a route that feels like it belongs in a storybook. Starting in the village of Tongwynlais, the path climbs steadily into FforestFawr, an ancient woodland that wraps itself around the fairytale turrets of Castell Coch.
The forest is a rich mix of beech, oak and ash, with deep wooded valleys, moss-covered rocks and hidden streams. Along the way you’ll pass the atmospheric Three Bears Cave, a natural rock shelter steeped in local legend, and sections of the sculpture trail, where carved figures and artworks are tucked quietly into the trees, rewarding those who wander off the main path.
Higher up, the trail opens out onto ridge paths with long views across the Taff Valley and over Cardiff – a beautiful contrast to the enclosed woodland below.
Did you know?
Castell Coch’s origins date back to a 13th-century Norman stronghold, but the castle we see today was dramatically reimagined in the 19th century by the Marquess of Bute and architect William Burges, who turned it into one of the most romantic and fantastical castles in Britain.
Fforest Fawr itself is ancient woodland, once part of a much larger hunting forest owned by the medieval lords of Glamorgan. The land later became part of the vast Bute Estate, which played a central role in shaping Cardiff’s growth as a major port city.
Cardiff Bay Barrage
Location: Cardiff Bay / Penarth
Distance: 3–4 miles -Time: 1–1.5 hours
The Cardiff Bay Barrage offers one of the most refreshing and wide-open walks in the city. Stretching between Cardiff Bay and Penarth Marina, this exposed, coastal route is all about big skies, sea air and that unmistakable feeling of space that instantly clears your head.
As you follow the curved path across the water, the scenery constantly shifts. To one side lies the calm freshwater of Cardiff Bay, dotted with sailboats and wintering birds; to the other, the open Bristol Channel with its changing tides and distant cargo ships gliding past the horizon. On clear days you can spot Flat Holm Island, the islands of Steep Holm, and even the Somerset coastline.
Along the way you’ll pass the Norwegian Church, a historic seafarers’ chapel turned cultural centre, the striking architecture of the Wales Millennium Centre, and the colourful waterfront of Mermaid Quay. At the Penarth end, the sleek lines of the marina and the Victorian elegance of Penarth’s seafront create the perfect turnaround point.
Did you know?
Completed in 1999, the barrage transformed the former tidal docklands into the freshwater lake that now defines Cardiff Bay, triggering one of the city’s biggest regeneration projects.
Howardian Local Nature Reserve
Location: Penylan / Cyncoed
Distance: 1–2 miles – Time: 45–90 minutes
Tucked quietly between the suburbs of Penylan and Cyncoed, Howardian Local Nature Reserve feels like discovering a secret valley in the middle of the city. A network of winding footpaths follows the gentle course of the Nant Fawr stream, with woodland, wildflower banks and small meadows creating a surprisingly peaceful escape from nearby roads.
The paths here are informal and gently meandering – perfect for slow, curious winter walking. Footbridges cross the stream, tree roots twist through the soil, and birdsong carries through the valley, making it feel far removed from urban life.
A little local history:
The Nant Fawr valley was once heavily shaped by industry, with mills, quarries and small works operating along the stream in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time the land was reclaimed by nature and later protected as a Local Nature Reserve, allowing wildlife to return and the woodland to flourish.
Roath Park & Lake Loop
Location: Roath
Distance: 1–2 miles – Time: 45–60 minutes
Roath Park is one of Cardiff’s most cherished green spaces, and in winter it becomes a place of calm reflection and quiet beauty. The wide, circular path around the lake offers an easy, accessible walk with constantly changing views – mist rising off the water, swans gliding past in perfect formation, and winter light turning the park golden in the late afternoon.
The park itself is a fine example of Victorian design, laid out in the late 19th century with sweeping lawns, formal gardens and carefully planted trees that now tower over the paths. In January, with fewer visitors and softer light, it’s the perfect place to slow your pace and breathe.
Did you know?
The distinctive lighthouse at the edge of the lake is a memorial to Captain Robert Falcon Scott of Antarctic fame. His ship, Terra Nova, was built in Cardiff, and the memorial stands as a rare and touching link between the city and one of the world’s most famous polar expeditions.
Cefn Onn Country Park
Location: Lisvane
Distance: 2–5 miles – Time: 1–3 hours
Cefn Onn is one of those places that makes you forget you’re still anywhere near a city. Hidden away in a wooded valley between Lisvane and Caerphilly, it offers tumbling streams, mossy paths, old stone bridges and pockets of deep, quiet woodland that feel wonderfully timeless.
The park follows the course of the Nant Ffrwd and the Rhymney River, with well-maintained trails climbing steadily into the surrounding hills. In winter, waterfalls sparkle, the forest floor glows with moss and lichen, and the bare trees open up long views across the valley – making every turn in the path feel like a discovery.
Did you know?
Cefn Onn began life as a private Victorian pleasure garden, created in the late 19th century by the McConnochie family, who planted many of the specimen trees that still dominate the landscape today. The park later became a public space and remains one of Cardiff’s most treasured natural retreats.
Rumney Great Wharf & Cardiff’s Lowest Trig Point
Location: Rumney
Distance: 3–4 miles – Time: 1.5–2 hours
This wonderfully off-the-beaten-track walk explores the far eastern edge of Cardiff, following the coastline and estuary around Rumney Great Wharf. It’s a landscape of wide skies, reed beds, salt marsh and tidal creeks – a complete contrast to the city centre and a reminder of how much wild space still surrounds the capital.
The route leads you to one of Cardiff’s most unusual landmarks: its lowest trig point, sitting just one metre above sea level. It’s a quietly brilliant little destination, tucked away among the grasses, and a must-visit for anyone who enjoys collecting obscure local achievements.
As you walk, expect to see curlews, redshank and flocks of wading birds feeding along the mudflats, especially in winter when the estuary becomes a refuge for migrating species. Cargo ships pass silently in the distance while the Severn’s famously fast tides creep in and out of view.
Did you know?
Rumney Great Wharf once played a significant role in Cardiff’s industrial past, handling coal, iron and timber exports during the city’s rise as one of the world’s busiest ports in the 19th century.
Llanishen Reservoir & Heath Circular
Location: Llanishen
Distance: 2–3 miles -1 mile Time: 1–1.5 hours
The circular walk around Llanishen Reservoir is one of north Cardiff’s most accessible and quietly beautiful routes, especially in winter. Wide, well-surfaced paths loop around the water, making it ideal for an easy but satisfying January wander, whether you’re stretching your legs after work or heading out for a weekend reset.
The reservoir is a haven for birdlife. In the colder months you’ll spot tufted ducks, great crested grebes, coots, herons and cormorants, while the surrounding trees reflect perfectly in the still water on calm mornings. There’s something deeply soothing about walking here -steady, rhythmic, and wonderfully open.
But this isn’t just a place for walkers. Llanishen Reservoir is also open for water sports and outdoor swimming, helping locals stay active all year round. From paddleboarding and kayaking in summer to brave cold-water dips in winter, it’s become a real community hub for outdoor wellbeing.
Did you know?
The reservoir was constructed in the 19th century as part of Cardiff’s growing water supply system and still plays a role in serving the city today.
Caerau Hillfort
Location: Ely / Caerau
Distance: 1–3 miles (or longer if you continue) – Time: 45–120 minutes
Standing high above west Cardiff, Caerau Hillfort is one of the city’s most extraordinary historic landscapes. The walk climbs gently onto the broad grassy plateau of the hillfort, where sweeping views stretch across Cardiff to the Bristol Channel, and on clear days north to the Brecon Beacons.
At the heart of the site sit the atmospheric ruins of St Mary’s Church, a medieval place of worship that later fell into ruin as the local population shifted downhill. Its lonely stone walls, surrounded by ancient earthworks, create one of the most evocative viewpoints in the city.
Did you know?
Archaeological evidence shows continuous human activity here for over 5,000 years, from Neolithic farming through the Bronze and Iron Ages and into Roman Britain – making it one of the oldest inhabited landscapes in Wales.
From the hillfort you can extend your walk by descending towards the River Ely and following the riverside path to Salmon Leap, a quiet and scenic stretch of water where the river bends and widens – a perfect place to pause and watch the world drift by.
The Taff Trail (City Stretch)
Location: Cardiff Bay to Castell Coch
Distance: Flexible: 2–8 miles (or longer if you choose) – Time: 1–4 hours (depending on how far you go)
The Taff Trail is one of Wales’ most iconic long-distance routes – a walking and cycling path that stretches approximately 55 miles (88 km) from Cardiff Bay all the way to Brecon in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. While many people tackle it in sections, the city stretch offers a brilliant, mostly-flat winter walk that showcases Cardiff’s green heart and riverside beauty.
Starting at Cardiff Bay, you can follow the trail north alongside the River Taff, passing through Sophia Gardens, the sporting quarter, leafy Bute Park and the peaceful fields of Pontcanna. Further out, the path climbs gently past Whitchurch and Tongwynlais, arriving eventually near Castell Coch – a perfect turnaround point if you want a longer winter walk.
Did you know?
Originally waymarked in the 1980s, the Taff Trail links former railway lines, canal towpaths, city parks and rural lanes, offering an uninterrupted route from the sea into the foothills of Bannau Brycheiniog.
Hailey Park & the Glamorganshire Canal
Location: Llandaff North / Whitchurch
Distance: 2–4 miles – Time: 1–2 hours
This gentle riverside and canal-side walk offers a fascinating glimpse into Cardiff’s industrial past while feeling wonderfully peaceful and green. Starting in Hailey Park, the route follows the River Taff north before joining the remains of the historic Glamorganshire Canal, where still water, stone bridges and overhanging trees create a calm, almost storybook atmosphere.
Hailey Park itself is one of the city’s most relaxed green spaces – open fields, mature trees and river views make it perfect for an unhurried winter stroll. From here, the canal towpath winds quietly towards Whitchurch, passing moorhens, herons and the occasional flash of a kingfisher.
Did you know?
The Glamorganshire Canal opened in 1794 and was once one of the most important transport routes in South Wales, carrying coal, iron and goods from Merthyr Tydfil down to Cardiff Docks. Today, its peaceful remains are a far cry from its industrial past, but that history still lingers in the landscape.
Penarth Cliff Walk & Pier Loop
Location: Penarth
Distance: 3–4 miles – Time: 1.5–2 hours
This classic coastal walk combines high clifftop paths with Victorian seaside charm and wide, open views across the Bristol Channel. Starting from Penarth Pier, the route climbs gently onto the clifftops, where the path curves above the sea with uninterrupted panoramas that stretch from Flat Holm to Steep Holm and, on clear days, across to the Somerset coast.
The clifftop section is one of the most dramatic and uplifting walks near Cardiff – seabirds ride the winter winds, waves crash far below, and the whole landscape feels wonderfully alive. As the route descends back toward the town, you pass elegant Edwardian and Victorian buildings that hint at Penarth’s history as one of South Wales’ most fashionable seaside resorts.
Did you know?
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Penarth was known as the “Garden by the Sea” and was a favourite destination for wealthy Cardiff families escaping the industrial city.
Finish your walk with a wander along the Esplanade, where colourful beach huts and the restored Penarth Pier Pavilion provide the perfect place to pause for coffee, lunch or simply to watch the winter light fade over the water.
Wenallt Woodland & Ridge Walks
Location: Rhiwbina / Whitchurch –
Distance: 2–5 miles – Time: 1–2.5 hours
The Wenallt is one of north Cardiff’s most atmospheric and ancient-feeling woodlands – a dense expanse of trees that feels wonderfully separate from the surrounding suburbs. A network of winding paths climbs through oak and beech, with moss-covered ground, ferny gullies and the meditative hush of an ancient forest overhead.
This isn’t a viewpoint walk – it’s about immersion in place. In spring it bursts with bluebells, and in winter the bare branches and quiet paths make it a beautifully introspective stroll.
Historic highlights:
The wooded slopes are home to Wenallt Camp, an Iron Age enclosure with characteristic earthworks that hint at prehistoric settlement on the hill.
Rather than Roman infrastructure, the real history here lies in those ancient earthworks and woodland roots, reminding visitors that this landscape has been shaped by people for thousands of years.
A Winter Wellbeing Reminder
January can feel heavy – short days, long nights and a return to routine after the colour of December. But stepping outside, even for a short walk, can make a remarkable difference. Fresh air, movement and a change of scenery help reset your head, lift your mood and reconnect you with the world beyond the screen. Cardiff is incredibly lucky to have so many beautiful places to walk, right on its doorstep, and these winter months offer a quieter, more peaceful version of them. So pull on a coat, lace up your boots and get outside – your future self will thank you for it.
