South Wales Dog Walks

When we first adopted Archie we struggled to find the perfect walks that were quieter and slightly more out of the city centre. I knew of some main walks such as Bute park, Forest Fawr and Taffs welll however these were a little busy to be training off lead. Therefore I have made a list of my favourite quieter dog friendly walks so other doggies can also enjoy.

One of the first walks we took Archie on was the Trethomas river walk. Perfect for off lead training in the mostly enclosed meadow! It was also lovely and quiet (especially midweek) and the river provided the perfect place to cool off in the summer.

It is especially lovely in the spring - Lots of beautiful meadow flowers.

We usually take a visit to sub zero following our walk (extra yummy ice cream).

Another favourite of mine is Fairwater fields - This is perfect if you need somewhere quiet to walk your dogs and there are so many trails to explore both in the woodlands and the fields. We've only come across one field with just horses so I'm pretty certain most fields are safe for off lead but its always better to check beforehand.

Water loving dogs? Check out Llanishen reservoir as there are lots of small little puddles to splash about in or Sirhowy valley park has a lovely long river that is easy to access from the car park and has both shallow and deeper areas to swim in.

Long wood nature reserve - Very pretty afternoon walk along the canal with lots of different trails. Dogs also have to be on lead when walking along the canal due to the wildlife but there is a lovely meadow at the top for them to play about off lead.

Caerphilly fields (Van road) - My favourite place for walks in Caerphilly! Lots of space for zoomies in the fields or you can hike up the mountain for some great views. At the bottom of the fields are some lovely little streams to mess about in (Watch out for the sharp wire as there are some parts with broken barbed wire dangling from the fences).

Caerphilly mountain/woods - We don't do this one as often as its usually very busy but its lovely during the weekdays and the views are great from the top. The Caerphilly snack bar is opposite and is a great lunch stop following a walk.

Parc Penallta - Slightly further out of the city but well worth a visit. Lots of different paths and there are some great fields for zoomies to the left (Make sure you check for livestock before letting off as there are usually cows in some of the fields).

Newton beach - My favourite beach in South Wales. Lots of space and its very quiet compared to Barry. Make sure you check tide times before going as once the tide is in there isn't very much of the beach to explore.

Barry beach - Great place to socialise a puppy as there's lots of doggies here.

Forest Fawr - My favourite wooded walk as there are so many trails and its a really pretty woodland with lots fo wooded sculptures. Plus the forest cafe is a must visit - yummy food and great coffees.

Wennalt forest - Quieter compared to Forest Fawr but also very pretty especially when its bluebell season as the whole forest is covered in beautiful flowers! Lots of space to explore and the forest isn't as dark and dense compared to Caerphilly woods so its a great place to visit on both sunny and cloudy days.

Salmon leaps walk - One of the prettiest walks I've been on! Lots of space to run about on and its a lovely circular walk for the dogs.