Explore self-guided walking holidays and outdoor adventures in South Wales — from the dramatic cliffs of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast to the riverside paths of the Taff Trail. This is a place of contrasts, where rugged coastlines meet wooded valleys, and castle ruins overlook rivers once driven by coal and steel.
From the windswept cliffs of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast to the upland ridges of the South Wales Valleys, the landscape tells tales of resilience, reinvention, and deep cultural roots. Walking here brings together coastal beauty and inland grit, linking market towns, industrial heritage, and wild green spaces.
Whether you’re tracing a riverside path through a former mining town, climbing to a panoramic viewpoint above the coast, or following the Taff Trail into the Brecon Beacons, South Wales rewards the curious with variety, history, and a grounded sense of place.
Follow clifftop trails between Ogmore-by-Sea and Llantwit Major, with views over wave-cut platforms, sea stacks, and fossil-rich rocks. This dramatic stretch of the Wales Coast Path is dotted with Iron Age hillforts, golden beaches, and historic ruins — ideal for day walks or combining with sea kayaking.
Discover a network of trails through former coalfields now green with recovery. The Taff Trail links Cardiff to Brecon, winding through riversides, parks, and old railway lines — a perfect mix of natural beauty and industrial heritage.
Once a centre of coal mining, now a haven for walkers and mountain bikers. Forest trails pass viaducts, sculpture installations, and panoramic viewpoints above the Afan Valley.
Walk through peaceful countryside rich in wildlife, abbey ruins, and ancient woodland. The Usk Valley Walk offers gentle riverside paths, while nearby Wentwood Forest is one of Wales’s largest surviving ancient woodlands.
South Wales is a place of stories — old and new, written in stone, sea, and soil. To walk here is to trace the region’s reinvention, one path at a time.
Top routes include the Glamorgan Heritage Coast for dramatic sea views, the Taff Trail for a city-to-countryside journey, and forest circuits in Afan Forest Park.
Yes — the Taff Trail and parts of the Wales Coast Path are accessible by train or bus. Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport make excellent bases for public transport access to walks.
Definitely. Alongside walking, try mountain biking in Afan Forest Park, sea kayaking along the Glamorgan coast, or exploring castle ruins and heritage sites.
Late spring to early autumn offers mild weather, long days, and coastal wildflowers. Winter brings quieter trails but shorter daylight and wetter conditions.
Yes — there are self-guided and guided walking holidays available, from weekend breaks to multi-day treks linking coastal paths, valleys, and historic towns.
