Getting our rescue dog, Ivan, has been so rewarding. It has also meant we get to do more Cardiff walks. There are so many dog-friendly walks in Cardiff. We are so lucky; there are so many green spaces, parks and gardens. It is easy to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city is often behind the treeline. Here are our favourite dog walks in Cardiff.
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Best Dog walks around Cardiff
Time for you and your four-legged friend to get outdoors and start exploring dog parks in Cardiff, South Wales. There is some breathtaking scenery and good dog walks in Cardiff. Meet friends, take the family, or just enjoy some time for you and your dog.
Bute Park, Cardiff City Centre
Formerly a Victorian pleasure ground, Bute Park is behind the iconic Cardiff Castle in the city centre. There is a lot to discover when dog walking. The Blackfriars Friary remains, Arboretum contains a mix of interesting trees and greenery, Gorsedd stones and a sculpture trail. Pathway areas can get busy, especially in the summer months. If you let your dog off the lead, keep a close eye on them as bikes move quickly along the trail.
Cathays Park is nearby and is often thought of as an extension to Bute Park. The formal parks of Alexandra Gardens are home to the Wales National War Memorial, Gorsedd Gardens and Friary Garden. The walks are in front of Cardiff City Hall’s impressive buildings and the National Museum of Wales. There are so many museums in Cardiff that you can visit for free.
Open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
Pay and display car parking.
Make sure you stop by the Secret Carden Café. You can grab a coffee and cake. As it is dog friendly and even serve pupaccinos. (And a free dog biscuit!)
Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cardiff Bay
Dog walks Cardiff Bay follow the 10km circular trail around Cardiff Bay that takes you through the Cardiff Bay Wetlands and across the Cardiff Bay Barrage. The manmade walkway has stunning water views in every direction, perfect for enjoying the wind in your hair – or fur. There are plenty of things to do in Cardiff Bay.
Open 24 hours a day.
Pay and display car parking in Cardiff Bay or Penarth Marina.
Roath Park, Roath
A gentle dog walk around the lake is always an enjoyable experience. There is plenty of thriving wildlife, including ducks, geese and swans – that don’t mind getting too close for comfort. Further along, there is the Wild Garden, Botanic Garden, Pleasure Garden and recreation grounds. The dog walk around Roath Park is extremely sociable. Evenings and weekends can be busy, so Dog owners are advised to keep the dog on its lead. Roath Park has an interesting history.
Open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
On-street parking.
Insole Court, Llandaff
The gardens at Insole Court in Llandaff are a peaceful quiet walk. The Grade II listed mansion house was saved with lottery funding, and the outbuilding has undergone extensive refurbishments. Visit the Potting Shed Café for a refreshment or bake. They make everything in their tiny kitchen, and it tastes incredible. Here are 9 things you didn’t know you could do at Insole Court.
It is one of the quiet dog walks in Cardiff. You could also visit the nearby Llandaff Cathedral, Pontcanna Fields and Hailey Park. There is also places to eat in Llandaff.
Open 10am-4pm.
Small free car park.
Pontcanna Fields, Pontcanna
Llandaff and Pontcanna Fields are an extensive network of parkland and footpaths. Both are perfect for letting your dog run and play fetching games. The pathways can get busy, especially as the Taff Trail runs through the fields. You could even park at Sophia Gardens and walk through.
Open 24 hours a day.
On-street parking.
Hailey Park, Llandaff North
In Llandaff North is Hailey Park, which is part of the Taff Trail. Our family lives in the area. We often start at the car park, walk up to Blackweir Bridge in Bute Park, and walk back. The route takes you past Llandaff Rowing Club and through Gabalfa. Whilst there, check out the places to eat in Llandaff North.
Open 24 hours a day.
Small free car park.
Forest Farm Nature Reserve, Whitchurch
Forest Farm Country Park is full of surprises. Sections of the former Glamorganshire Canal survive here, which you walk beside. The Taff Trail runs through a division of Forest Farm. There is also woodland, the Northern meadows, bird hides, ponds and marshland to discover. Whilst there, discover all of the things to do in Whitchurch and the places to eat in Whitchurch.
Open 24 hours a day.
On-street parking.
Llanishen Reservoir Walk, Llanishen
Llanishen Reservoir dog walks Cardiff is a peaceful place for you and your dog to walk. With plenty of like-minded walkers and owners on the way. Walk around the reservoir or follow the Nant Fawr trail. It is an oasis of calm.
Open 24 hours a day.
Small free car park.
UPDATE – since reopening, the Reservoir no longer accepts dogs. The excuse is that it is because of biodiversity. Boo!
The Wenallt, Rhiwbina
Also known as Coed-y-Wenallt is an area of ancient woodland. The Wenallt is a local beauty spot. It is popular in spring for the bluebells and other wildflowers throughout the woods. Walk up to the Iron Age Hill or follow the footpaths through a wildlife haven.
Open 24 hours a day.
Small free car park.
Cefn Onn Park, Lisvane
Ivan loves walking in Cefn Onn. It’s a dog walkers paradise and always gets 5-star reviews. There is so much to smell and lots of dogs to meet and play with. It is a short walk, so we often walk around the gardens twice. The historic park used to be a private garden. Hence, it is full of magnificent native and exotic trees and beautiful blooms. Cefn Onn has lots to discover, with streams, ponds, woodlands and plenty of paths leading off onto other trails.
Open from 7am until 30 minutes before sunset.
Small free car park.
Fforest Fawr, Tongwynlais
Fforest Fawr dog walks Cardiff, which is close to our home, so is a regular long dog walk for us. The awe-inspiring woodland behind Castell Coch walks has lots to discover. The sculpture trail is a particular favourite and follows the story of a sleeping giant who lives in the woods. The carved wooden woodland creatures are perfect for your pooch to pose on.
Open 24 hours a day.
Small free car park.
Garth Mountain, Gwaelod y Garth
Known locally as The Garth, the mountain is located between the villages of Llantwit Fardre and Pentrych. When Ivan and I walk it, we either start in Gwaelod-y-Garth at the Llan Colliery. Or, start from the Taffs Well Inn (dog friendly).
You will need comfortable shoes, and there are some steep bits on the hike to the summit. You and your dog will walk miles, crossing cattle grids and passing old, crumbling buildings. The uphill walk is rewarding, especially as you get to take in 360 views of Cardiff and Pontypridd. On a clear day, you can even see Flat Holm Island.
Open 24 hours a day.
On-street parking.
Hendre Lake, St Mellons
A favourite site for birdwatching and fishing, Hendre Lake Park is in St Mellons, Cardiff. The nice dog walks Cardiff is a circular walk around the like is ideal for a quick stroll. I often meet a friend and her baby here for a walk. We make a couple of loops while talking. Ivan enjoys walking here. There are lots of things to sniff, and he often gets tib bits from fishers.
Open 24 hours a day.
Small car park and on-street parking.
Thompsons Park, Canton
One of Cardiff’s oldest parks, Thompsons Park, was laid out as a private garden initially. The attractive park has benefitted from being enlarged and landscaped in 1895. On the peaceful walk, you will see the famous water fountain and ornamental gardens.
Open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
On-street parking.
Heath Park, Heath
The park is bigger than you think. Heath Park is part of dog-friendly Cardiff and is on 91 acres. With sports and playing facilities for all ages. Walkers can explore the woodland areas, ponds, and wetlands full of wildlife. There’s even a sensory garden accessible from the hospital, a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course, plus footgolf and foot rugby. It’s one of our favourite off lead dog walks Cardiff.
Open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
Pay and display car park, with free parking for 2 hours for park users.
Victoria Park, Canton
One of Cardiff’s best-loved traditional parks is Victoria Park. Found in Canton, the footpaths have flower borders. Dogs can explore the bandstand, cast iron canopy and even the bronze sculpture of Billy the Seal – one of Cardiff’s most famous residents. There is a large children’s playground and splash pad, so the walk is not ideal for dogs who are nervous of mini-humans.
Open from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset.
On-street parking.
St Fagans National History Museum, St Fagans
Dogs are more than welcome at St Fagans Natural History Museum. It’s based on over 100 acres of land and offers an opportunity to experience life in Wales throughout the ages. Dogs do need to be kept on the lead at all times and aren’t allowed in the historic buildings. So, if you do want to look inside, you’ll need someone to hold the lead for you.
Open 10am-5pm daily.
Entrance into the site is free, but parking costs £5 regardless of how long you spend there. There are so many museums in Cardiff that you can visit for free.
Caerphilly Mountain, Thornhill
Ok, technically not in Cardiff, but it is so close to the Thornhill border, I think it can be forgiven. Caerphilly Mountain is fantastic for humans and dogs. You’ll be surrounded by rolling countryside and a view of Cardiff Bay in the distance. Also, it’s not really a mountain; it’s just a bit hilly. Making it an easy walk. Climb to the top in 10 minutes, or take the circular walk, which takes about an hour. Make sure you grab some locally famous food in the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar.
Open 24 hours a day.
Car park at the Caerphilly Mountian Snack Bar.
Did you know dogs are allowed on trains?
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier. Transport for Wales allows a maximum of two dogs per passenger on the train, free of charge. Just remember they must be kept on the lead at all times or in a basket. I love Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And who doesn’t want to save money?
With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. There’s no excuse not to take your dog with you.
Caedelyn Park, Rhiwbina and Whitchurch
The park can be accessed from Whitchurch or Rhiwbina Village. With playing football and rugby fields and a children’s play park, Caedelyn is a wonderful place to walk your dog. When there are no matches or practice, the huge field can be used for off-lead fun, or there is dog walking route around the outside.
Open 24 hours a day.
Small car park accessible from the A470. On-street parking in Rhiwbina.
Caerau Hillfort, Ely
The largest Iron Age site and the old parish church or St Mary’s has become popular dog walk. The Caerau Hillfort was even excavated in an episode of Time Team in 2012. Flint tools and weapons dating back to 3600 BC have been found here. The remains of St Mary’s Church date back to the 13th Century and closed in 1961. The walk passes through woodland, kissing gates and a disused railway bridge.
Open 24 hours, but recommended to only visit during daylight.
On-street parking on Rhiwsaeson Road, just before the terraced houses.
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Best Dog Walks Cardiff
If you are looking for dog walks in the Cardiff area, hopefully, you have discovered some new ones to travel to on this list. Follow Ivan The Irresistible on Instagram to see what new walks and adventures we are going on.
Dog Walks Caerphilly
If you and your faithful friend love to travel, try out some of these dog friendly walks in Caerphilly. Highlights include Parkc Penallta, Parc Cwm Darran, Sirhowy Valley Country Park and Cwmcarn Forest Drive. There are plenty of things to do in Caerphilly.
Best Dog Walks South Wales
Dog friendly walks in South Wales never have to be boring again. Change your routine if you’re sick of doing the same daily route. You will be truly spoilt for choice with parks, gardens, mountains, waterfalls, country parks and beaches. Plus, off lead dog walks South Wales.
Dog friendly Places to Visit
If you’re struggling to search for dog friendly activities, let me help you with some suggestions, including the address, where to park, if it is free or if there is a cost, in my Dog Friendly Cardiff Guide. Our travel and staycations are included, so you can find some new places to take your dog on holiday.
Cardiff Dog Beach
There are so many beautiful beaches only 30 minutes from Cardiff. The beaches are perfect for a couple of hours sunbathing, playing sports, reading or relaxing, or an evening stroll or weekend walk. Dogs will especially love swimming in the sea or bouncing in the surf, feeling the sand in their paws.
Dog friendly Restaurants in Cardiff
Some of the best places in Cardiff to eat and drink allow you to bring your four-legged best friend too. Check out all of the dog friendly restaurants in Cardiff. From street food to pizza and ice cream to upmarket dining. Some of our favourites are Hubbox and Stable.
Dog friendly Pubs in Cardiff
Is there anything better than a quick pint in the local? What if you could take your four-legged friend with you too? There are so many dog friendly pubs in Cardiff. Some, like the Gwaelod y Garth Inn, offer a dog’s dinner (sausages and gravy), or there may be biscuits behind the bar.
Dog friendly Shops Cardiff
If you’re like me, you like to take your faithful pup everywhere with you, including shopping. There are plenty of dog friendly shops in Cardiff, so you don’t have to leave them at home when you want to window shop or splash the cash.
Dog friendly Hotels in Cardiff
Discover the best dog friendly hotels in Cardiff. Enjoy outdoor adventures, spectacular walking, and fabulous places to eat and drink together in these lovely places to stay with your pet. They include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses. Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits!
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The fact you list the very small garden and dog -unfriendly Insole Court says everything about this article.
Insole Court are super welcoming to dogs (and humans)! I noted it’s a small garden, so visitors don’t expect to have a long walk – like you get at many of the National Trust sites. The house, garden, Potting Shed and gift shop are well worth exploring with your dog.