Area: Glamorgan

'The Aber Valley, which was originally part of Glamorgan, but now in its post-mining era is part of the County Borough of Caerphilly, is made up of Abertridwr village and the more northerly village of Senghenydd both original mining communities with an extensive history of events that made the Valley what it is today. The valley has subsequently been in decline since the closure of the pits, the major employer in the area for over a century. This has continued, exacerbated by the economic decline within the valley itself ...'

Aber Valley Heritage Group

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Descriptions of sixteen places associated with the naturalist and evolutionist.

The Alfred Russel Wallace Website

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

Access to details of a small number of Walks around and about Bridgend.

Bridgend County Borough Council

'Comprises 38ha of secondary, and some ancient, semi-natural woodland, scrub, marshy grassland, dry grassland and ruderal habitats ... The two circular walks will take you through woodland and meadows, the woodland is a mix of ash, oak, willow and hazel and there is a fantastic display of bluebells in spring.'

Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales

'Around 80% of the rights of way in the county borough are open and with about 5000 hectares of open access land available for walkers, exploring the countryside couldn’t be easier.'

'Wales's most scenically beautiful and challenging long distance trail.'

Tony Drake

'The circular trail for cyclists and walkers is 10km or 6.2miles long and runs around the Bay and across to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont y Werin, a 140 metre bridge providing a link for pedestrians and cyclists between Penarth and the International Sports Village.'

Sustrans

'The club was formed in 1926. The programme of walks is sent out twice a year with a planned walk on every Saturday throughout the year. Additionally we walk on most of the Bank Holiday Mondays, have a Tuesday walk once a month and other weekday walks of special interest.'

'A local walking group organising weekend walks and weekends away throughout South Wales and beyond. We have a varied programme, offering something for everyone from the committed enthusiast to the absolute beginner.'

'Public rights of way are footpaths, bridleways and byways open to all traffic and any roads used as public paths. In total there are well over 100 miles of public rights of way across Cardiff. View public rights of way on a Map ... A variety of leaflets are available on Outdoor Cardiff along with information about a wide range of activities and amenities.'

Cardiff Council

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'Our Cardiff walking tours are available most days and must be booked in advance. Booking is easy - just check availability on the BOOK NOW page and follow the booking instructions.'

Cardiff on Foot

'We have created a number of leaflets for walks in the Cardiff area. Although no longer available in print, they may be downloaded from this site.'

Cardiff Ramblers

'The Botanical Gardens house one of Wales' premier plant collections, with spectacular herbaceous borders and large glasshouses ... There is something to see throughout the year. The herbaceous borders are a fantastic sight from late March until mid October, and even during the harsh winter months the garden has lots to offer with up to 200 different plants having been seen in flower during the Christmas season. As this garden is set within the tranquil surroundings of Singleton Park, it is a very relaxing place to come and browse or gain inspiration for your own garden. There are plenty of places to sit and admire the delightful views.'

Friends of the City of Swansea Botanical Complex

'The Coed Morgannwg Way is a dramatic walk of 36 miles (58km) almost all which traverses hills Forestry Commission Forest and Afan Forest Park park ... The whole route can be walked in about 16 hours, starting from either Gethin Woodland Park in the north (where it is linked with the Taff Trail) or Margam Country Park in the south ... '

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

'Cwmcarn Forest has some of the best walking in Wales. Choose from the 12 mile circular "Raven Walk" encompassing Cwmcarn Forest and the Sirhowy and Ebbw Valleys or take the "Coal, Celts and Contrasts" which takes in the impressive Twmbarlwm mountain or shorter walks in and around the Forest.'

'Dare Valley Country Park is a great place for walking. You can stroll at will in the country park or try one of our three way marked walks.'

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

'Dinas Powys (the modern-day standardised spelling - it was previously also spelt 'Dinas Powis') is a large village and a community in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales which takes its name from the Dinas Powys hillfort that dates from the Iron Age ... Despite the addition of several housing developments over the past fifty years, the old village centre of Dinas Powys still has a mostly unspoiled and almost rural feel, retaining a large village common and a traditional village centre complete with a post office and a range of small independent shops, public houses, restaurants and community facilities ...'

'With beautiful waterfall walks, country parks, towpaths, a seafront promenade and rights of way through some of the most spectacular views of Neath Port Talbot, the Brecon Beacons and Swansea, there is a huge variety of scenery to enjoy.'

'The Dulais Valley is an ex-coal mining community situated at the northern boundary of Neath Port Talbot and is on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park ... The trails on this site will help you to learn more about the valley and its history. Explore the links ... to see school trails, village trails, a time line and other useful information.'

Dulais Valley Partnership

'Cathays Cemetery, in the heart of Cardiff, is the third largest municipal cemetery in the UK, covering some 110 acres, and is owned and managed by Cardiff City Council. The cemetery was opened in 1859 when it was designated both as a place of burial and “as space was limited in the Victorian era“ as a pleasant environment in which to walk ... In recent years cemeteries in towns and cities have been rediscovered as places to visit and their importance as wildlife habitats is increasingly recognised.'

Member of the Ramblers - Greater Gwent Area Grouping

'Following the southern edge of the South Wales Coalfields, this long-distance scenic route takes you through 5 county boroughs, from Port Talbot to Caerphilly - with a visit to RCT in between. You'll be treated to panoramic views of the rugged narrow valleys, which were once filled with coal mining industry. During the route, you'll also see views of the Brecon Beacons to the north and the Bristol Channel to the south, with Devon and Somerset possibly catching your eye.'

Visit RhonddaCynonTaf

'Provides a haven for wildlife within a stone's throw of the centre of Neath. Why not enjoy one or all three  of the Gnoll Wildlife Walks that help you explore the Park and discover its wildlife.'

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

'Gower was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With cliffs and woodlands ringed by sparkling beaches, this tongue of land is so adored by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers, it’s been scooping awards ever since.'

This is Gower Audio Trail [Audio Trails]

'There are a total of 24 individual commons on Gower covering over 70 square kilometres and constituting 50% of the total land area of the Gower Peninsula ... Historically, most areas of common land in Wales have been open for public access with the consent of the landowner. In May 2005 the Countryside Rights of Way Act (CRoW) established common land, mountain, moor, heath and down as open access land where people can walk in some of the most spectacular landscapes in Wales. These areas are clearly marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps.'

Gower Commons

Usually held Early September.

'It was always designed to take the walker away from the more popular coastal areas and to introduce the quieter but no less interesting aspects of inland Gower. At 56 km length, the route extends from Worms Head Rhossili across the lordship of Gower to Penlle'r Castell high on Mynydd y Gwair.'

The Gower Society

'Surely no other walk in the UK offers neolithic burial chambers, Edwardian gardens and supernatural legends all within an easy 7.5 mile country trail?: St Nicholas, Dyffryn Gardens and St Lythans: 7.5miles / plus 3.5mile optional walk. The burial chambers of Tinkinswood and St. Lythans, both older than Stonehenge, provide early highlights of this appealing walk ...'

Visit the Vale

Member of the Ramblers - Greater Gwent Area Grouping

'This NNR is one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves, with all the special plants, birds and insects that depend on this type of coastal habitat for their survival. Situated on the edge of the reserve is Kenfig Pool, Glamorgan's largest lake. The rest of the Reserve consists of a large expanse of sand dunes which lead to the coast and Sker Point, with lovely views across Swansea Bay to the Gower. On the western side of the Reserve is the stark horizon of Port Talbot's industrial area and steelworks - a strange contrast that only serves to highlight the wild beauty of the Reserve itself.'

First-Nature.com

Where do we walk? 'Anywhere in South Wales and adjacent areas. We are indeed fortunate in covering an extremely varied area of countryside extending from the Wye Valley in the east, through to the Gower Peninsular in the west; this, of course, includes the Brecon Beacons National park and all the other mountains, valleys, coastal and farmland areas in between.'

'Llantrisant Community Council has a footpath agency agreement with Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council to maintain the 27 miles of public rights of way within the wards. The paths cover a wide variety of landscapes from riverside rambles to fields and commons. Native woodland to cobbled streets.'

'Formed in March 2005 by the Mawr Development Trust when trust member, Terry Davies, was handed the task of encouraging local communities to take part in planned walks throughout south and west Wales. The club now has more than 250 members and some 40 members regularly turn up to each walk ... The Lliw Walking Club was formed in June 2016. It has replaced the Mawr Walking Club which was formed in 2005. The renaming was necessary due to unforseen circumstances. It is just the name that has changed.'

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'The 800 acres of Margam Park provides a perfect backdrop for a walk in the countryside whether it be a stroll after Sunday lunch or a hike along the Coed Morgannwg Way to Afan Forest Park Country Park, our sister country park in the Afan Valley.'

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'A leisurely walk through 6,000 years of beauty, culture and history in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.'

Valeways

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'Cardiff's parks and green spaces make this one of the greenest cities in the UK. Discover the variety of walking trails from 1 mile to long distance treks all on your doorstep! The walking trails are all waymarked, have individual leaflets including a map and start point information to help plan your journey.'

Cardiff Council

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'On the northern fringe of Swansea, and within sight of the M4 motorway, lies Penllergare Valley Woods. It is a secret and magical place. A place where you can enjoy the sound of birds, delight in the profusion of wild flowers, discover evidence of exotic plantings and uncover for yourself the hidden features of a grand design ...'

Penllergare Trust

Access to details of about a dozen Groups throughout the Area, plus to news of forthcoming walks and meetings as well as PDFs of the annual Newsletter Glamorgan Rambler.

'Notable sites have been linked by a series of heritage walks in Pontypridd, Aberdare and Llantrisant and by Driving Trails around the Borough, all of which can be downloaded from this site.'

'The nice thing about the Valleys is there is so much of them. So you can cycle on the Taff Trail. You can walk on the Ridgeways. Relax by the rivers. Or paraglide off the cliffs. However you like to escape the stress of modern life you can probably do it here. And we are only 10 minutes away from a motorway!'

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

'Explores the famous Rhondda Valleys of South Wales. This scenically beautiful route starts in Trehafod, and follows a clockwise circuit visiting Mynydd y Glyn, Mynydd Dinas, Mynydd William Meyrick, The Bwlch and Ferndale before returning to Trehafod via the iconic Tylorstown Tip. The route provides extensive views of the South Wales valleys and the Brecon Beacons to the north. The route has approximately 5000 feet of ascent.' Held Mid May.

South Wales LDWA

'A walk around the Caerphilly Basin across the Rhymney Valley. The walk follows countryside paths, rural lanes, through Beech woodland and across panoramic mountain tops.' Waymarked.

Green Spaces Caerphilly

'Linear walk which winds along the floor of the Rhymney Valley, following the river from its headwaters to the southern plains. There are many bus and train stops along the route – so it need not be walked in a single outing. The walk forms part of the Valleys Regional Park, a network of visitor facilities and accessible countryside activity routes across the Valleys.'

Green Spaces Caerphilly

'The two walking trails, entitled The Birthplace Trail and Childhood Trail will take you in Richard’s footsteps around Pontrhydyfen and Taibach. Both trails include a children’s play area and a scenic picnic spot.'

The Dramatic Heart of Wales

'We meet on the last weekend of the month.'

'Southern Wales Tourism represents tourism products in the ten Local Authorities of South East Wales.'

Over 20 walks in the 'County of Swansea'  plus several walks in surrounding 'Counties'.

Swansea Ramblers

'Constructed 1794-1798 by the Swansea Canal Navigation Company, the canal rose 375 feet through 36 locks from sea level at Swansea up the valley to Abercraf. Built to carry coal down to industries in the Lower Swansea Valley and for export, this new link to the sea enabled development all along the valley of industries and the towns we know today.'

BayTrans

Swansea Canal Society

'We are open to anyone who enjoys walking, and/or cycling and generally enjoys being active outdoors. Non-members are welcome to come along to up to three walks or other events before paying any membership fees. If you've been on a few walks, we would like you to join us. You must be a member to participate in any of our overnight trips.'

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'Situated in the Taf Fechan valley, between the Old River Bridge at Cefn Coed y Cymmer and the river bridge at Pontsarn ... Access is gained in three places, at the southern end ... in the middle ... and at the northern end.'

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'Multi-purpose route between the Cardiff waterfront at Cardiff Bay in the South and the Market Town of Brecon in the North ... Passes close to Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil and through a wide variety of urban and suburban landscapes of those towns and the open moorland of the Brecon Beacons. '

Sustrans

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'This is a fascinating walk within a short distance of Cardiff. It crosses the little known north east corner of the Vale and offers the walker historic villages, ruined castles and a battle site all combined with surprisingly attractive views. While a delightful area it is prone to flooding so can be wet underfoot.'  [St Fagans ... St Brides ... St Georges]

Valeways

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

'The 15.2 kilometre Trevithick Trail commemorates the first journey by a steam locomotive to pull a load on rails in 1804, the precursor of the Railway Age which changed the world in the 19th century ... Two years after the completion of its construction in 1802, the Cornishman Richard Trevithick ran a steam locomotive along its length, an event that was to establish a landmark in the history of railway development and forever link the tramroad with the name of the locomotive's constructor.'

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Member of the Ramblers - Glamorgan Area Grouping

Usually held Mid May.

Walking in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales: 'Valeways is a volunteer based project for the maintenance, protection, preservation and promotion of public rights of way in the Vale of Glamorgan.'

'If you like walking, or you just want to see a bit more of the beauty of Merthyr, going for a stroll on one of Merthyr's trails is a good way to see all that Merthyr has to offer.'

'Entitled Vale Trails, the series of five coastal and five inland walks have been developed by Creative Rural Communities, the rural regeneration arm of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, in conjunction with Vale of Glamorgan Ramblers and Valeways.'

Vale of Glamorgan Council