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United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales

Cathays

Easy hikes and walks around Cathays

4.5

(693)

11,498

hikers

25

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Cathays are characterized by urban green spaces and accessible riverside paths. The area features a network of routes along the River Taff, connecting the city center with surrounding natural areas. Notable landscapes include expansive parks like Bute Park and Roath Park, offering varied walking experiences. The terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for easy excursions.

Best easy hiking trails around Cathays

  • The most popular easy hiking route is The Animal Wall – Bute Park loop…

Last updated: July 1, 2026

4.3

(3)

87

hikers

#1.

Queen Street Carousel – Royal Arcade, Cardiff loop from Cathays

5.20km

01:20

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Cathays

Pedal through time – Britain’s landscapes & history by bike

Other adventures around Cathays

Pedal through time – Britain’s landscapes & history by bike

Cycling Collection by

British Cycling

Tips from the Community

Manny & Daisy
May 19, 2026, Cardiff Bakestones

Amazing fresh Welsh Cakes to be had here!!

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0

Friendly staff and the coffee is good too

1

0

A huge garden with flowerbeds as far as the eye can see. The roses are currently in season and the variety and quality is outstanding. Thank you to all those who maintain this flower Paradise ❤️

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Roath Park Lake has stunning vistas and tree-lined pathways. Lots of birds relax on the shores.

1

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This little stretch of Bute Park has stunning flowers on display of all kinds. Well worth slowing down to enjoy the views

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Liam
May 4, 2025, Roath Park Lake

lovely part of Cardiff, particularly on a sunny day. good spot for a stroll but very busy with families and people walking so not very suited for cycling

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0

St David's Alliance is a 25-metre-high (82 ft) sculpture in the centre of Cardiff, Wales, created by Paris installation artist Jean-Bernard Metais. It consists of a large, partly enamelled, stainless steel arrow, and a hoop that glows in the dark. It was financed by the St David’s shopping centre as part of a £1.5m public art scheme in the city centre, and was unveiled on 3 December 2009.[

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Peter Turner
February 14, 2025, Terra Nova Café

Wonderful cafe perched right over the edge of the lake - feels like being in a rowboat right on the lake! Enjoying a generous baked potato and chilli con carne marks a great end to a wonderful hike.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available in Cathays?

Cathays offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 20 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for various fitness levels.

What makes hiking in Cathays suitable for beginners?

The easy hiking trails in Cathays are ideal for beginners due to their generally flat terrain, well-defined paths, and accessible locations within urban green spaces and along riverside routes. Many routes, like Secret Garden Café, Bute Park – The Summerhouse Café loop from Cathays, are relatively short and offer pleasant, straightforward walks.

Are there any easy circular walks around Cathays?

Yes, Cathays features several easy circular walks. A popular option is The Animal Wall – Bute Park loop from Cardiff, which takes you through the historic Bute Park. Another great choice is the Roath Park Lake – Roath Park Rose Garden loop from Companies House, offering scenic views around the lake and its gardens.

What kind of natural landscapes can I expect on easy hikes in Cathays?

Easy hikes in Cathays primarily feature urban green spaces and riverside paths. You'll encounter expansive parks like Bute Park with its arboretum, and Roath Park with its lake and rose garden. The River Taff provides a network of scenic paths, connecting the city center with surrounding natural areas. You can also explore formal green spaces like Cathays Park, known for its historic gardens.

Are the easy hiking trails in Cathays family-friendly?

Absolutely. Many easy hiking trails in Cathays are very family-friendly, offering gentle gradients and interesting sights. Routes through Bute Park and around Roath Park Lake are particularly popular with families, providing open spaces for children and accessible paths for strollers.

Can I bring my dog on easy hikes around Cathays?

Yes, many of the easy hiking trails in and around Cathays are dog-friendly. Parks like Bute Park and the riverside paths along the River Taff are popular spots for dog walkers. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash where required and clean up after them.

What are some shorter easy hikes in Cathays?

For a shorter easy hike, consider the Secret Garden Café, Bute Park – The Summerhouse Café loop from Cathays, which is about 2.1 miles (3.4 km) long. Another option is the Queen Street Carousel – Castle Arcade loop from Cathays, which is around 3.2 miles (5.1 km) and offers a blend of urban and green spaces.

Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions to see on easy hikes?

Yes, easy hikes in Cathays offer access to several notable landmarks and attractions. You can see the historic Animal Wall in Bute Park on routes like The Animal Wall – Bute Park loop from Cardiff. Roath Park features the picturesque Roath Park Lake and the Scott Memorial Lighthouse. Further afield, the Taff Trail can lead towards the impressive Castell Coch, and you might pass Radyr Weir.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Cathays?

The easy hiking trails in Cathays are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 350 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the routes, the beauty of the urban parks like Bute Park and Roath Park, and the pleasant riverside walks along the River Taff. The blend of nature and city landmarks is also frequently highlighted.

Are there easy trails accessible by public transport in Cathays?

Yes, Cathays is well-served by public transport, making many easy trails easily accessible. The central location means that routes starting from Bute Park, Roath Park, or within Cathays itself are often just a short walk from bus stops or train stations. This allows for convenient access to trails like Blackweir Bridge and Weir – Secret Garden Café, Bute Park loop from Cardiff.

What is the best time of year for easy hikes in Cathays?

Spring and summer are generally the most popular times for easy hikes in Cathays, when the parks are in full bloom and the weather is mild. However, the well-maintained paths and urban nature of many routes mean that pleasant walks can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn offering beautiful foliage and winter providing crisp, quiet strolls.

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