Autumn Walks in South Wales
Ancient woodlands, beautiful forests and colourful canopies. Across the region, the evenings start drawing in, cool, crisp mornings appear and nature takes on a new visual splendour. The burnished bronze, gold and orange hues of Wales make for a hiker’s paradise.
If autumn walks in South Wales sounds like just the ticket, there are countless options to choose from. To give you a hand, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite local walks to take in the best of the season.
Six of the best autumn walks in South Wales
Grab your hiking boots and head out on a new adventure.
Fforest Fawr, Cardiff
If you don’t want to go far from the capital to soak up the colours of the season, Fforest Fawr is the place to go for the best autumn walks in South Wales. Batches of beech trees turn bronze with leaves falling over a variety of sculptures to spot along the way. As a bonus, beech trees tend to hold on to their leaves for longer, so the autumn colours will stick around for longer.
There are three heritage trails to try, ranging from 1 mile to 2.5 miles. Nearby, there’s Castell Coch to explore and Three Bears Cave, a filming location for Sherlock, Merlin and Doctor Who.
Afan Forest Park, Port Talbot
Nestled among the slopes of the Afan Valley and the communities of Pontrhydyfen, Cymer, and Glyncorrwg, this is one of the best autumn walks in South Wales. Covering a total of 3,000 hectares (although the whole forest is closer to 11,000), there is plenty to discover in the forest park. Abandoned mines, tramways and overgrown railways speak of times gone by.
There are nine way-marked routes - and cycle trails too if you feel the need for speed. The Afan Valley provides plenty of colourful autumnal vistas to enjoy, whichever route you choose.
Wye Valley
You could pick anywhere in the Wye Valley and be sure of serene beautiful walks in South Wales. There are several wooded areas along the England-Wales border to experience the charms of the countryside. Wander these woodlands and you’ll be treated to peaceful picnic spots and truly wonderful views.
If we had to choose, the marked Wye Valley Walk between Chepstow and Tintern takes the top spot. Forest-filled vistas. Ancient pathways and stone steps. Impressive cathedral ruins on the banks of the river. Everything you could want from an autumn walk in South Wales.
Waterfall Country, Bannau Brycheiniog
Heading over the famous Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (once known as the Brecon Beacons), the first place to mention is Waterfall Country. This is a region of woodland gorges and Atlantic Temperate Rainforest that provide a splash of colour all year round.
And then there are the waterfalls. There are several waymarked trails to help you find the most dramatic within this stunning region. The famous Four Waterfalls Walk or the Elidir Trail are both good options for your first visit - and there’s no doubt you’ll be back for more.
Garwnant, Bannau Brycheiniog
Staying within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Garwnant and the Coed Taf Fawr woodlands are a great family-friendly option for your autumn walks in South Wales. The mixed woodland offers a serene and relaxed outing of autumn colours and bubbling streams, nestled around three reservoirs that offer impressive views.
There are tea rooms and other facilities at the Visitors Centre and several waymarked routes to explore. For active youngsters, give the rope assault course a try or head out on one of the many bike trails. And to make it part of a longer route, the 55 mile Taff Trails leads from Cardiff to Brecon and passes through the centre.
Taf Fechan Nature Reserve Circular Walk
Just south of Garwnant is another great option for autumn walks in South Wales - Tef Fechan Nature Reserve. The waymarked circular walk takes in the best of this dramatic limestone gorge, crossing the bridges of Pontsarn and Cefn Coed over the River Tef Fechan.
It’s not just beautiful canopies, a diverse range of habitats call this nature reserve home. Flowing freshwater, open and dense deciduous woodland, glasslands, limestone cliffs, tufa spring. Nature lovers can keep their eyes peeled for signs of otters, badgers and range of birdlife.
Court Colman Manor’s location in Bridgend makes it the perfect base to access some of the best autumn walks in South Wales. From Afan Forest Park to Tef Fechan Nature Reserve, you’ll have easy access to some of the best spots to experience autumn in all its splendour. As crisp morning and crunchy leaves arrive, you’ll find a friendly welcome and exceptional customer service.
Escape the hustle and bustle to our tranquil countryside location. Court Colman Manor is ideal for anyone looking to get away from it all - and autumn is the perfect time to do it. With 29 guest rooms, we can offer all the amenities of a larger hotel but with a personal service experience. Discover our peaceful retreat for yourself this autumn.