This park in Pentwyn has the area's leisure centre within its boundaries, plus sports pitches and a…read morebowling green surrounded by borders of flowers and plants and some covered seating. The best thing about this space, however, is the large area of centuries-old woodland it incorporates, which is the most established part of the park (the rest was created more recently when the residential housing area was created). There are wilder woodlands than these in other locations in and around Cardiff, but Parc Coed y Nant's woods still offer a great escape for Pentwyn residents. Next to the woods there's a large lake often lined with people fishing, with swans and other birdlife swimming about. The park is not far from the River Rhymney and more rural areas, so if you keep your eyes peeled you can sometimes spot more unusual visitors such as the odd kingfisher or heron around the lakeside. If you're visiting the park by car, you can park in the leisure centre car park.

The Apex Park is an informal leisure and wildlife park, created around the former clay pits - now…read moresmall lakes - of the Apex Brick works. The works closed in 1966, and the park was created and opened in 1972. The park, consisting of grassland, trees and hedgerows, covers some 42 acres. There are two main lakes: the larger, central one has an attractive hour-glass shape and its banks are lined with rushes. There are walks around this lake with park benches, and footpaths branch off to go to Highbridge (along the line of the old railway) and to Burnham's South Promenade, following the river bank of the River Brue (very muddy after wet weather!). There is a large car park off Marine Drive, which leads to a broad slipway into the lake. The other lake forms the park's north west boundary and lies partly within the Haven Holiday Village. Popular activities include BMX biking, model radio-controlled boating, jogging (there's a 'trim-trail' with various pieces of keep-fit apparatus) and fishing - the lakes are stocked with carp and bream. Dog obedience sessions also take place most Sunday mornings in good weather, and there's a children's play area and skate park. As well as the fish, wildlife includes birds, including geese, ducks, swans and various different types of sea bird, and the hedgerows contain a variety of different types of trees and bushes, home to insect and bird life. NB: The Highbridge Angling Association holds the fishing rights for the Apex Park. Permits can be obtained from Thyers Tackle Shop, 1A Church St, Highbridge - telephone 01278 786934.

Apex park is a beautiful wildlife reserve consisting of lakes, fish, sea birds, outdoor gym and…read morecarpark. There is loads to do with the features of the park including skating at the skate park, a rope climb and dog poo total wipeout. There is also adult entertainment with the odd dogger in the carpark on a summer Sunday evening. Overall apex park is a beautiful visit with activities fort all the family

A beautiful, quite remote lake to visit in the Taf Fechan Valley, though in reality it's only a few…read moremiles north of Merthyr Tydfil. It's a lovely place to walk and the Brecon Mountain Railway runs along part of the east side. The west side is particularly easy to walk on and there are many places to park along the roadside. There are lovely views and it's a bird-watcher's paradise too!

If you want some fresh air, or even fish and chips overlooking a lake - then here is your spot…read more Here is some information regarding this lake - About the reserve Breeding birds include great crested and little grebe, gadwall, tufted duck, shoveler and pochard. Hobbies often feed over the area in late summer. When the water level falls, the mud attracts waders such as dunlin, ringed plover and green sandpipers. Summer sees large populations of dragonflies hunting over the water. These include ruddy darters and, later in the summer, migrant hawkers. Wintering wildfowl include important numbers of shoveler, gadwall, teal and tufted duck. Goosander, great crested grebe and cormorant also occur in large amounts. The reedbeds are a vital autumn feeding station for reed and sedge warblers prior to their migration. The winter gull roost is a spectacular sight with up to 50,000 or more, mostly of black-headed, common and Mediterranean gull. Chew Valley Lake often attracts rare birds, including osprey, the scarcer grebes, and an American wader or duck appears most years. There is a visitor centre and cafe run by Bristol Water at the picnic site near the dam. The Chew Valley Lake Birding website contains frequently updated news and information on its birds and wildlife, access, maps, and the definitive Chew bird list

Chew Valley Lake is a large reservoir that was created to provide water for Bristol, but is also a…read morepopular recreation area in the Chew Valley just outside the city. It's a great spot for picnics, easy walks, and bird-watching. My only niggle is that you can't actually get down to the lakeside (unless you have a fishing permit, perhaps) - you can only get teasingly close along a parallel pathway. Far busier during the summer (or at weekends and during school holidays), if you venture to the lake on most weekdays you'll find you've got the place virtually to yourself, bar a few retired dog walkers. The lake is a protected area and a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' because it's home to so many different species and important habitats - including more than 280 species of birds at the last count. There are two well-kept lakeside nature trails. The Grebe Trail is the most accessible of the two, with a hard surface suitable for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs, starting and ending at the wooded picnic area. The Bittern Trail (1 mile circuit), on the other hand, can get a bit muddy in parts in wet weather, although some of it is a raised board walk - and there's a bird hide where you can sit and watch the wildlife over the lake. You can take your dog to some areas, too - although there are lots of ducks around so if it's got the chase instinct (like mine has!) you'll need to keep it on the lead. Back at the car parking areas you'll find a landscaped picnic area and a café with indoor and outdoor seating areas. The café isn't great but it isn't bad either - serving up the usual hot and cold drinks plus snacks, basic meals and cakes. Car parks (free over the winter from October until April - then £1.50 throughout the summer, I believe) close at dusk, so don't get caught out and locked in! Note also that dring the winter the Lake is only open until 4:30pm.

As others have said, this is a lovely, almost hidden park, with a small area of formal gardens with…read morea pond and fountain, complete with a statue of Peter Pan, wild woodland areas and a large playing-field area. It has wonderful views from the top across the lower Ely valley towards Llandough, as well as some amazing mature trees. It is one of the city's oldest parks, given to the city by Charles Thompson in 1911. Perfect for a short walk or a lazy summer afternoon picnic.

Although there are a whole lot of parks in and around the Cardiff area, Thompson's Park in Canton…read morein somewhat unique. Most others offer wide stretches of grass, the odd flowered border and playgrounds. Thompson's Park is smaller than most, and has a particularly quaint feeling. This park is landscaped well, and combined areas of woodland in the heart of the city, with fountains (including the famous Peter Pan statue), duck ponds, winding stairs and a wide grassy area on its higher level. On this field I took part in many school sports days in my time. Never won anything though. Thompson's Park is small and compact, but large enough to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's like a lost garden in a city wilderness.

Even though this is situated within the stunning Brecon Beacons, which is roughly an hour away from…read moreCardiff I would recommend it be a valid tourist spot to take a walk in the wild woods too... It is full of peace and tranquillity and it's an amazing sight for sore eyes I can tell you. This place has a large man-made lake that is surrounded by lush; green mountains, tall trees and forests, and a few, long windy roads. You can hear the bird's twerp and flutter about. Winter is the best light and sight to see this place in, for you see the Ice laid over the water and freezing it up making the water become still so turns into ice. I would say that this is a very ideal for photographers and families or young couples romantically in love to come out walking too. Oh and wear some kind of walking boots or wellies.

Let me introduce you to one of my favourite places to exercise, stroll and stuff my face with…read moreprocessed meats (Summertime BBQ's) - Cosmeston Lakes. First opened in 1978, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village is situated not far from Cardiff, Barry and Penarth. It is open all year round for visitors to explore it's 247 acres of land, lakes, woodlands and meadows. There's even a reconstructed 14th Century Village set within the park. Things to remember for your next visit: Parking: FREE! Lakeside Café: The Lakeside Café serves breakfast, lunch and obligatory ice creams! Open daily from 8.30am - 6.30pm. Take a seat on the patio area and enjoy the lakeside views. BBQ and Picnics: There are several BBQ units throughout the park that are available to hire from £17. There are also lots of conveniently placed picnic benches. Bird Hide: For the keen bird watchers, a bird hide can be found overlooking the western lake (visit website for map). Access to the bird hide is via steps leading from the main path. Open 24 hours. Free of charge. Horse Riding: Horse Riding is permitted, however if you want to ride along the main paths you will have to purchase a permit which costs £20 per year. Medieval Village: Open 7 days a week. Free of charge! Adventure Playground: A large children's playground can be found on the opposite side of the lake from the car park. It features a range of climbing equipment, swings, slides and a boat.

Cosmeston Lakes are the filled in remains of limestone quarries in the 19th century. When I go…read morethere, I imagine old metal towers and drills slowly mouldering away under the calm surface, with all its ducks and reeds. Cosmeston offers an easily accessible set of lakes, paths, wide grass areas and boardwalks. It is a lovely area to take in, and is suitable for cycling. There's also a large play area for small and large children alike. Also on site there's a visitor centre, cafe and the ever-popular Medieval Village. This is a great area to settle down for the day. As you do so, imagine what the mines once looked like and be in awe of the restoration project that went on there.

This is just such a beautiful walk, especially in the winter after some rain when the falls flow…read morewith such gusto. The waterfalls are amazing and the damp drippy green valley a wonder to walk along. There are pools which are fun to play in in summer. Sgwd Gwladys (Gwladys' waterfall) is about a kilometer from the car park I believe. There is a pub, and there are clean public toilets near the car park. Take sturdy boots if walking in winter as the path can be muddy. Not suitable for wheelchairs.

It's quite amazing to see just how many waterfalls are along this route as you follow the path…read morebeside the river into the wilds. The best place to start the walk is next to the Angel Inn at Pontneddfechan where there is a rocky path which leads you through the woods alongside the River Nedd Fechan. You will need to allow a good hour in both directions and the path is uneven and even dangerous when wet and slippery, so not suitable for everyone (there are several warning signs) and sturdy shoes are a must. You pass an old mill and the entrance to a disused silica mine. Further along, the Nedd Fechan and Pyrddin meet and the path now borders the Pyrddin. The first waterfall to see is the Sgwd Gwladys, a lovely sight. It's possible to climb behind the falls as well though I haven't done this myself! Further along you'll come to more waterfalls including the Horseshoe Falls and the Lower and Upper Ddwli Falls. There are lovely views everywhere of the falls and trees overhanging the river. Well worth a visit.

Between Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon, you can't miss this reservoir if you're travelling on the A470…read more A nice place to stop and have a stroll or a picnic, there are two car parking bays on the roadside. There are waymarked paths to follow and you can walk or cycle all the way around. There is a cafe at the Garwnant Visitor Centre which is close to the northern end of the reservoir.

A beautiful setting situated between Merthyr and Brecon. Plenty of picnic tables so you can take…read moreyour own food and have a cheap day out. Lovely place for walking or cycling as it is flat so could also be great for kids.

This is another former licensed tipping ground that's now been transformed into a haven for…read morewildlife and conservation - something Cardiff seems to be very good at! At the heart of the park there's a 4 hectare lake , which is circled by two kilometres of footpath, plus a boardwalk that snakes across the lake. The lake itself is stocked with fish, and at the water's edge lots of reeds and other greenery has been planted to encourage wildlife. You can often spot coots, swans, mallards and other birds around the water's edge, and colourful dragonflies hovering about and landing on the reeds. The only thing I would say is that you're quite exposed at this park, so if it's very hot or very windy there aren't so many places to shelter! If you're driving here, there's a car park off Lamby Way with picnic tables, or you can park on streets in Rumney then just walk the short way to the park via Brachdy Lane.