6 Places for Outdoor Walks in Penarth and Barry

Enjoy the weather and a short stroll in Penarth, Barry and the Vale.

For an enjoyable and inexpensive day out in Penarth and Barry why not take a leisurely walk surrounded by nature. There are plenty of places with different scenery to enjoy at each. Get yourself moving more by looking at these local walks to complete solo or with others.

1

The Knap

The Knap in Barry is a great outdoor walking spot. You have the beautiful gardens that you can take a walk through, with plenty of benches to take a moment to observe your surroundings. There is also the lake which is normally teeming with ducks and swans. Take along a picnic with yourselves to enjoy this location even more. If you are feeling up to it there is also a pebble beach which you can venture onto.

This peaceful walk offers a free car park so you don’t have to spend a penny on this day out. The walk around is largely flat and easy to navigate. Will this be your little hidden gem to explore? If you haven’t brought any food with you, you can visit one of the lovely coffee shops and eateries nearby. On weekends it is a popular place for model boat enthusiasts as well.

Bright sun over a calm ocean, with a few scattered clouds in the clear blue sky. - Home Instead
2

Barry Island

Barry Island is famous for its golden beaches, family amusements, colourful beach huts and, of course, “Gavin & Stacey”. Access to the island was either by foot at low tide or via a steamer until the end of the 19th Century. Now it is very accessible to all with a few different spots to park in and take a stroll on the promenade. The train station is also very close to the seafront. There is plenty of places to stop of a drinks break or even to have a bit to eat! On the next sunny day why not make this on the top of your list of places to visit for a lovely outdoor walk.

Colorful climbing wall with handholds spelling out "Barry Island" on a sunny day. Green mat at the base and blue sky above. - Home Instead
3

Penarth Pier

Penarth Pier stands majestically looking out over the Severn Estuary. On the pier you will see the iconic 1929 art deco styles refurbished Pavilion building. In the Pavilion they have regular exhibitions and film screenings. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat which you enjoy to sea views looking across the Bristol Channel.

There are some parking spaces opposite the pier and on the road passed the sea front. The pier itself is lovely and flat for a stroll while taking in the view. Accessible toilets are also located in the Pavilion. If you’re visiting the pier with your dog they are only allowed here from the start of October to the end of April.

Aerial view of a long pier extending into a body of water, with people walking and buildings in the background. - Home Instead
4

Cliff Top Walk

On this short walk, in Penarth, you will be able to take in the seaside views but also keep an eye out for wildlife in the hedgerows. The walk is very exposed so it is very important to bring some extra layers with you on your walk depending on the time of the year. You can start your walk from the car park which is free. Here you have a little café and toilets. The flat walk then takes you along the cliff top to take in those sea views. There are plenty of benches on the route to take a seat and enjoy.

If you are a bit more adventurous you can then continue the path to Lavernock however it is unsteady on the ground, so good walking shoes would be required, and has steep inclines. However, the short route offers the best of the views.

A serene view of a calm sea under a clear blue sky, with lush green foliage in the foreground and distant islands. - Home Instead
5

Cardiff Bay Waterfront

Not only can you have a lovely outdoor walk around Cardiff Bay Waterfront there are more than 30 restaurants, cafes and bars to stop and take in the scenery that is around you. You can walk along the flat walkway which is situated right next to the freshwater lake known as ‘the Bay’. The Bay itself has been regenerated to provide this large pedestrian walkway that all can enjoy.

This walk takes you past the Senedd, Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Pierhead Building and many more noteworthy places. There is a number of routes that you can take depending on what you are up for. From a short stroll to the 10km circular walk around the entire Bay. However you will be able to find plenty of rest spots along the way to take in its full beauty.

A large Ferris wheel and a historic red-brick building by a waterfront under a blue sky with scattered clouds. - Home Instead
6

Cosmeston Lakes

The Cosmeston Lakes are open all year around for people to enjoy and is mainly flat. Therefore it enables every one of all abilities to discover and enjoy the countryside. The park is a paradise for local wildlife and areas of the park are designated Site of Special Interest to help protest the plant and animal species. On a rainy day it is important to have the correct foot wear as paths can get muddy. There are also plenty of benches to sit down and even feed the birds.

The park has a car park which is pay and display but season parking tickets are available if this becomes your new favourite place to go on a walk. There is also a café to stop and have a bite to eat which have toilets located beside them.

Swans and ducks swimming in a pond near a wooden deck, with people walking and relaxing in the background on a sunny day. - Home Instead

Penarth, Sully and Barry all have plenty of lovely walks to offer. Whether that is taking in the wildlife or the sea views, you have a choice of doing both. So on your next outing why not pop to one of these local places, get some exercise and that much needed fresh air.

There are lots of exciting and rewarding opportunities for supported living around the area, so find out if home care in Penarth and Barry could be right for your loved ones.