Heights of Cardiff

John Thorn

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Cardiff is backed by a ridge of hills. Tucked into the bottom is the pretty Cefn Onn Park, noted for its rhododendrons. Leaving the park at the top, we climb a broad zigzag through woodland to emerge onto an open ridge with panoramic views north and south. We soon descend into a fold in the ridge where it seems miles from any civilisation. Crossing a stream, we climb out of the fold along the edge of a forest to return to the start.

Wales - South Wales - Cardiff - Countryside

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Castle, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

3/23/2014 - Valerie Monaghan

We did this in mid-March 2014. An excellent walk, with easy navigation. A short extension of the walk (~0.7 miles extra each way) would take you to the Maenllwyd Inn: essentially, carry straight on along the ridge at Point 7, instead of turning right onto the road. On the return, turn left just before two sets of bridleway gates and then keep right where the path divides, to get to Point 8 and rejoin the walk. A couple of minor notes: Point 3: the boulders have gone, but there is still a signpost indicating where to turn right. Point 6: no sign of the old rails now. Point 7: there isn't any footpath marker near the stile, but there is a nearby old postbox for the house you pass later on. Point 10: there were 4 or 5 fallen trees across the path as you walk down through the short stretch of woodland before turning right, but all were passable. Point 13: there was a large tree across the path leading to the end of the demolished bridge.

4/22/2012 - David Owen

Walked this 22-4-2012 - a bit of a wet day - but enjoyable nonetheless. I think it would be better walked on a clear day to fully appreciate the views. -- Thanks for the other member's comments - those definitely helped. -- I think that the steel gate at WP 4 and WP 13 are one and the same and that the Gate may no longer be there - however we hit all of the WPs, so not a huge issue. -- Great Walk - Recommended and so nice to find another view of Cardiff since the one at the top of the Wenallt that was there in my youth is now obscured by trees.

1/29/2012 - Steve Ranger

Another great walk from John Thorn, felt like more than 5 miles but that could be because of the ups and downs along the way. Watch out for cattle as you get towards the top of the zigzag in step 5. There appear to have been some changes to the paths and fencing between steps 10 and 11 but if you carry on in the same direction then you will still end up on the road at 11. In wet weather some parts of the latter stages can be quite slippery. Really enjoyable walk with a great mix of terrain.

5/22/2011 - Paul Benson

The two large boulders at point 3 are no longer there. If you reach the pond you went too far. Fantastic walk.