The train offers many opportunities to explore scenic routes through the Valleys and Vale of Glamorgan.
As part of our ‘Connected Communities’ initiatives, the 'Well-being walks from stations' initiative is aimed at giving people who may not be regular users the confidence to travel by train while enjoying a leisurely walk from one of six stations on the network.
All walks are accompanied by a member of Transport for Wales’ Community Rail team and can be pre-arranged by contacting [email protected]
Destinations included in the programme include;
1. Aberdare to Aberdare Park circular walk
Destination station: Aberdare
Distance: 2.6 miles
Duration: 1½ hours
A leisurely walk from Aberdare railway station through the town centre to Aberdare Park. The walk is on pavements and mostly flat apart from a gradual incline from the town centre to the Park.
Discover more about Aberdare Park here
2. Barry Island circular walk
Destination station: Barry Island
Distance: 2.8 miles
Duration: 1½ hours
A scenic leisurely walk from Barry Island station around Whitmore Bay with views across the Bristol Channel to Somerset and North Devon. The walk is on pavements or tarmac with some slight inclines.
Discover more about Barry Island here
3. Cardiff Bay circular walk
Destination station: Cardiff Bay
Distance: Up to 2.8 miles
Duration: 1½ hours
A leisurely walk from Cardiff Bay railway station taking in the sights of the Wales Millennium Centre, the Pierhead Building, the Senedd, Captain Scott Memorial and views across the Barrage to Penarth.
The walk is on pavements or tarmac with no significant inclines.
Discover more about Cardiff Bay here
4. Roath Park circular walk
Destination station: Heath Low Level
Distance: 2.5 miles
Duration: 1½ hours
A leisurely walk from Heath Low Level station to beautiful Roath Park, a 10 minute downhill walk from the station.
The Park includes a 30 acre lake where visitors can see many kinds of birds, the Captain Scott Memorial and Botanic Garden.
The walk is on pavements or tarmac and flat around the lake. The road leading to and from the railway station has a moderate incline for a distance of approximately 400 metres.
Discover more about Roath Park here
5. Penarth seafront circular walk
Destination station: Penarth
Distance: 1.7 miles
Duration: 1 hour
A leisurely walk from Penarth station to the nearby pier and promenade. The walk includes Alexandra Park, Penarth Pier and the promenade with views across the Bristol Channel to the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm.
The walk is on pavements or tarmac and downhill for the first half a mile from the station.
The walk along the seafront is flat. Returning to the station, the footpath leading through the park has a moderate to steep incline (in parts) for a distance of half a mile.
Discover more about Penarth here
6. Forest Farm Nature Reserve and Glamorganshire Canal
Destination station: Radyr
Distance: 2.8 miles
Duration: 1½ hours
A leisurely walk from Radyr railway station along the Taff Trail to Forest Farm Nature Reserve and Glamorganshire Canal.
The walk includes the weir and hydroelectric plant on the River Taff, a visit to bird hides and a walk along the historic Glamorganshire Canal.
The walk is mostly on tarmac or hardcore surface with occasional muddy areas during wet weather. It is flat apart from the short section from Radyr station, across the river bridge to the Taff Trail.
Discover more about Forest Farm Nature Reserve here
Key information
1. Walks are available to organisations that offer support to individuals in the community and in a group of up to 15 people
2. Participants must be members of the community group wishing to participate
3. Groups must be represented and accompanied by their official representative / co-ordinator during the train journey and walk
4. Return train travel is complimentary
5. All walks are led by representatives from Transport for Wales’ Community Rail Team
6. Each train has a dedicated space for two wheelchair users
7. Walk distances and duration are approximate and can be adjusted as required
8. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of changeable weather that may occur during the walk
9. Walks may be subject to change due to inclement weather or for operational reasons
10. For further information, please contact Danielle at [email protected]