Autumn in Cardiff is peak cosy season, perfect for walks!

There’s something about Cardiff in autumn that feels almost cinematic. The city shifts from the buzz of Freshers’ Week to the calm of crunchy leaves, misty mornings, and takeaway coffees warming your hands. Whether you’re a new student looking to explore or a returning one in need of a reset, this is the season to slow down, breathe in the crisp air and discover how beautiful the Welsh capital really is. Here are some of the best autumn walks around Cardiff to help you unwind, catch up with friends, or just romanticise your student life for an hour or two.

Bute Park - Cardiff’s Autumn Heart

📍 Address: Bute Park, North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER

💰 Price: Free entry

🐶 Dogs: Welcome (some areas on lead)

Right in the centre of Cardiff, Bute Park is the city’s green heart. 130 acres of meadows, woodlands, and riverside paths that make you forget you’re minutes from Queen Street. In autumn, the park transforms into a painter’s palette of gold, copper, and amber. Conkers scatter the paths, the trees begin to bare, and the smell of crisp air and leaves fills the air.

It’s the perfect place to unwind after lectures, just start at the Students’ Union, follow the River Taff, and loop back through Sophia Gardens. You’ll pass ancient trees, carved wooden sculptures, and maybe even spot a heron by the water! (I have seen two). 

☕ Café stop: The Secret Garden Café in the middle of the park, great for a sit down or a takeaway hot drink.

PS: The squirrels here love peanuts!

Castell Coch & Fforest Fawr - Fairytale Autumn Adventure

📍 Address: Heol-y-Fforest, Tongwynlais, Cardiff CF15 7JS

💰 Price: Free for the woodland, entry fee for the castle

🐶 Dogs: Allowed on leads

Hidden in the trees above Tongwynlais, Castell Coch looks like something out of a storybook! a red-brick Gothic castle surrounded by forests that turn gold every October. The nearby Fforest Fawr offers three walking trails, each dotted with wooden sculptures and scenic viewpoints. It’s an ideal autumn escape - peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for a day out with friends. Take the Dragon Trail for a gentle woodland loop or explore the longer paths that weave through the hills.

Coed y Wenallt - Cardiff’s Secret Woodland

📍 Address: Coed y Wenallt, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AZ

💰 Price: Free entry

🐶 Dogs: Welcome

If you are after a walk that feels like stepping out of the city and into a quiet storybook, head to Coed Y Wenallt in Rhiwbina. This 44-hectare stretch of ancient woodland is a designated nature reserve and one of Cardiff’s hidden gems.

In autumn, the forest floor disappears under a blanket of orange leaves, and the towering beech trees glow golden in the low afternoon sun. Bring snacks, wrap up warm, and have a wander.

Roath Park and Lake

📍 Address: Roath Park Lake, Cardiff CF23

💰 Price: Free entry

🐶 Dogs: Welcome

Roath Park is the definition of a classic cardiff autumn walk. The trees surrounding the lake turn every shade of orange and red, reflected beautifully in the still water. Ducks and swans glide past as you circle the path, it’s peaceful, nostalgic, and one of Cardiff’s most photogenic spots. Don’t miss the Wild Gardens at the north end for a quieter, more natural vibe. Visit at sunset to catch the light bouncing off the Scott Memorial Lighthouse, it’s a Cardiff icon for a reason.

☕ Café stop: Lakeside Café or Coffee#1 Roath for a cosy post-walk drink

Garth Hill - For the Hikers!

📍 Address: Near Taff’s Well, CF15

💰 Price: Free entry

🐶 Dogs: Allowed

If you’re up for a challenge, Garth Hill is one of the best hikes near Cardiff. It’s a steady climb, but the panoramic views at the top - stretching from the city to the Brecon Beacons.

On clear autumn days, the path is lined with fiery leaves and crisp air. It’s said to be the inspiration for “The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain,” and once you’re up there, you’ll see why. Bring layers, water and some snacks - plus your camera! it’s one of Cardiff’s most rewarding autumn adventures.

Cefn Onn Park - A Hidden Autumn Gem

📍 Address: Lisvane, Cardiff CF14

💰 Price: Free entry

🐶 Dogs: Allowed

Tucked away in North Cardiff, Cefn Onn Park feels like stepping into another world. Japanese maples, the iconic bridge, winding paths, and streams trickle through this landscaped woodland that’s particularly breathtaking in autumn. Even on drizzly days, the canopy above keeps you sheltered; the mix of rain and rich earthy scent is pure serenity. It’s one of those walks where you forget how close you are to the city.

☕ Café stop: The Deri Inn in nearby Rhiwbina for a post-walk roast or a mug of hot cider.

Where will you explore?

From Bute Park’s riverside calm to Castell Coch’s fairytale forest, Cardiff really shines this time of year. The parks glow with warm colours, the air smells like rain and coffee, and even a short walk feels like a reset. Whether you go solo with a podcast, or take friends for a mini autumn adventure, these walks are your reminder to pause, breathe, and soak up the season. So, next time you need a break from revision, grab your coat, your headphones, and a coffee. Step outside! your perfect autumn walk might be just down the road.