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!

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.

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 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.

Two reservoirs well worth a visit found high in the Brecon Beacons and perfect for walking along…read morethe banks and around the whole area. The smaller of the two is 12 acres and the other is more than four times larger. There are very few buildings in the vicinity; the ones that are there are run down and practically in ruins. The scenery is lovely with mountain views and there are many conifer plantations as well. I went there yesterday and enjoyed a walk in the spring sunshine. There were a few people fishing and a couple of others walking their dogs. You can park at the end of the cul-de-sac road next to the Lower Neuadd Reservoir.

Went here with my family in hopes for a good outing. Walk was lovely, great landscapes and the park…read moreis nice now they've upgraded it. But I have to say I was quite disappointed when I ordered my food, I ordered chips and gravy, most of the people working there looked young so I had my doubts but I've had chips and gravy here before so I wasn't really worried. When food arrived it looked lovely but the gravy was onion gravy. Had onion bits in it too. Don't know what happened but I'm quite disappointed because the chips were lovely but couldn't eat the ones with gravy on because the gravy was disgusting.

What was previously a derelict colliery area is now an attractive park to wander round. There are…read moreseveral trails to follow; some lead you to a large lake, others through woodland areas to cascades and waterfalls. The information centre has excellent exhibits showing the historical background to the area. There is a cafe too for snacks and hot drinks. UPDATE MARCH 2009: A £1m improvement programme has begun and a new tourist information centre will be created soon and the cafe updated. I am not sure when everything will be open - I imagine they are aiming for this Spring/Easter. The park's trails are still open for walkers and cyclists. A lovely place to visit - I always enjoy coming here.

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.

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

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.

Two areas which are part of the Forest of Avon. The Combe is the lower part which has a gentle path…read morewith access to climbing the rocks. The Wood is a trail through, well, woods above it. It takes a sharp climb either on a path or some steps depending on where you go up. There is an environmental centre here which hosts school camps and wilderness days for local school children so you may suddenly encounter large groups of small people on the paths. The whole area is just beautiful for dog walking - lots of space and not many other people walking here. You can sometimes walk for an hour or so and not come across anyone else.