Nice place for walking and relaxing and wildlife photography
1 / 10

Forest Farm and Glamorganshire Canal LNR

4.7
·929 reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil nature reserve with well-paved trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic canal views, perfect for photography and outdoor activities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Best light for photography

CrowdLow
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Nice place for walking and relaxing and wildlife photography

Forest Farm and Glamorganshire Canal LNR

Best Time

Early mornings

Best light for photography

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil nature reserve with well-paved trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic canal views, perfect for photography and outdoor activities.

4.7
(929 reviews)

"A hidden gem tucked away in nature, this country park offers a tree-sheltered, well-paved trail—a definite favorite."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Patience for Kingfishers

Bring snacks & drinks; kingfisher sightings require patience, but hides offer great views.

🚗 Parking Advice

Two free car parks available. For Taff Trail access, park at Forest Farm Allotments.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kingfisher Hides

Kingfisher Hides

Along the River Taff

Prime spots for patiently waiting to capture stunning kingfisher photos. The first hide offers closer perches.

Glamorganshire Canal

Glamorganshire Canal

Adjacent to Forest Farm

Enjoy beautiful colors and wildlife along the historic canal, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

River Taff Trail

River Taff Trail

Direct access from Forest Farm

A popular, well-paved path for cycling, running, and dog walking with scenic views.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wildlife & Photography

Forest Farm is a haven for wildlife, especially kingfishers. Patience is key for photography enthusiasts, with hides offering great vantage points. Remember to bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities on-site.

Navigating Trails & Traffic

Well-paved trails are great for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Be mindful of bikes, especially near Radyr weir. Forest Farm Road can be narrow and shared; drive slowly and considerately.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Best light for photography
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny weekends
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What parts of cardiff are atleast a bit green and good for a wildlife lover?

📸 Patience for Kingfishers

Bring snacks & drinks; kingfisher sightings require patience, but hides offer great views. Reddit

🚗 Parking Advice

Two free car parks available. For Taff Trail access, park at Forest Farm Allotments. Reddit

reddit.com

Please send me suggestions for interesting walking paths in the Cardiff area!

reddit.com

Forest Walks around Cardiff

🚴‍♀️ Beware of Cyclists

Trails are shared with bikes. Be cautious, especially near Radyr weir. Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks

Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead and aware of cyclists. Reddit

reddit.com

Where are Cardiff's hidden gems?

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Patience for Kingfishers

Bring snacks & drinks; kingfisher sightings require patience, but hides offer great views. Reddit

🚗 Parking Advice

Two free car parks available. For Taff Trail access, park at Forest Farm Allotments. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Beware of Cyclists

Trails are shared with bikes. Be cautious, especially near Radyr weir. Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks

Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead and aware of cyclists. Reddit

🎒 Pack a Picnic

No cafe on-site, so bring your own lunch and drinks for a full day out. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(929 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Forest Farm is a cherished local gem, praised for its beautiful walking trails along the canal and river, and its abundant wildlife, especially kingfishers. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths suitable for various activities, though the lack of on-site amenities like a cafe is a common point of note. The park offers a peaceful natural escape, though shared paths require awareness of cyclists.

"Lovely place for walk with family and pets.

You can also go paddleboarding on the river Taff (be responsible as there aren't any life guards)"

Ashley John Eynon

"Another Jewel in the crown , only 30min from where I live, this is my 1st time at forest farm, it's a dream for camera enthusiast, plenty of birds, insects, two hides , but don't worry if you're not into photography the walks are lovely, no cafe so bring packed lunch + drinks ."

Stephen Davies

"The place to go if you want to get photos of kingfishers. You might get lucky and see one quickly, you might have to wait many hours, but generally if you're patient you will be rewarded. The first hide is best as the perches are a lot closer.

Nice walks around the area as well, with beautiful colours along the old canal and you can loop around to the river Taff. Plenty of other wildlife around and kids will enjoy the hides when the rabbits and squirrels turn up."

Kevin Arscott (The Walking Kev)

What People Like

Beautiful wildlife spotting
Well-paved walking trails
Scenic canal and river views

What People Dislike

No cafe or facilities
Narrow shared paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Forest Farm is accessible via Forest Farm Road, off Velindre Road. There are two main parking options: one at the rugby club and a smaller free car park further along. For direct access to the River Taff Trail, continue to the Forest Farm Allotments gate. Reddit

While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in user tips, the area is generally accessible by car. Consider checking local bus routes for Cardiff and nearby areas if you're relying on public transport. Reddit

The quickest access to the River Taff Trail is by driving to the gate at Forest Farm Allotments. A short footpath to the left from this unmarked dead-end lane leads directly onto the trail. Reddit

Forest Farm Road is narrow and shared with joggers and cyclists. Drive slowly and patiently, as puddles can form after rain. Reddit

Yes, the River Taff Trail is a popular cycle path, and Forest Farm is accessible via this route. Be mindful of other users on the path. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of an entrance fee in the provided reviews, suggesting it is likely free to enter and explore. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not provided, but it's generally described as a country park, implying it's open during daylight hours. Reddit

No advance booking is mentioned, and the park seems to be freely accessible for visitors. Reddit

The main restriction mentioned is to be considerate of other users, especially cyclists and joggers on the narrow roads. Reddit

Absolutely! With lovely walks, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to the Taff Trail, it's an ideal destination for a day out. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The hides along the River Taff are specifically mentioned as excellent for wildlife photography, particularly for kingfishers. The first hide is noted for its closer perches. Reddit

Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, rabbits, and squirrels. Kingfishers are a particular highlight for photographers. Reddit

If you're patient, you can be rewarded with sightings of kingfishers. While it might take hours, the chance to capture them is a significant draw for photographers. Reddit

Early mornings are generally best for photography due to the quality of light, especially for capturing wildlife. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, a telephoto lens would be beneficial for capturing distant wildlife like kingfishers. Binoculars are also useful for spotting birds. Reddit

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

The trails are described as well-paved and tree-sheltered, making them suitable for runners, joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers. Reddit

There is no cafe on-site, so visitors are advised to bring their own packed lunches and drinks. Restroom facilities are not mentioned. Reddit

Yes, children will enjoy the hides when rabbits and squirrels appear. The well-paved trails are also good for younger walkers. Reddit

Paddleboarding is possible on the River Taff, but visitors are urged to be responsible as there are no lifeguards. Reddit

It's described as a hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape into nature with beautiful colors along the canal and river. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Forest Farm is a fantastic destination for families. The well-paved trails are perfect for little legs, making it easy for children to explore without getting too tired. The wildlife hides are a particular hit, offering a chance for kids to spot rabbits and squirrels, which can be incredibly exciting. It's a great place to encourage an early interest in nature and wildlife. Reddit

Remember to pack a picnic as there are no cafes on-site, turning your visit into a delightful outdoor dining experience. The opportunity to see kingfishers, even if it requires patience, can be a memorable adventure for children. Just be sure to keep them close and aware of cyclists on shared paths. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

If you're passionate about photography, Forest Farm is a must-visit. The park is renowned for its kingfisher population, and the dedicated hides provide excellent vantage points for capturing these elusive birds. While patience is key, the potential for stunning shots makes the wait worthwhile. Reddit

Beyond kingfishers, the diverse wildlife, including insects, rabbits, and squirrels, offers ample subjects. The scenic beauty of the Glamorganshire Canal and the River Taff also provides opportunities for landscape and nature photography. Early mornings are recommended for the best light conditions. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Runners & Cyclists

The well-paved and tree-sheltered trails at Forest Farm make it an excellent location for runners and cyclists. The River Taff Trail offers a dedicated path for longer rides or runs, providing a scenic and relatively smooth surface. It's a popular spot, especially on sunny weekends, so be prepared for shared use of the paths. Reddit

Be mindful of other users, particularly joggers and cyclists on the narrower sections of Forest Farm Road. The proximity to Radyr weir also means increased activity. It's a great place for a consistent workout amidst nature, offering a refreshing change from urban running or cycling routes. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Photography at Forest Farm

Forest Farm is a celebrated spot for wildlife photography, with many visitors specifically coming for the chance to photograph kingfishers. The park features several hides designed to offer discreet viewing and photography opportunities. The first hide is particularly recommended for its closer perches, increasing your chances of getting a great shot. Remember that patience is a virtue here; kingfisher sightings can require hours of waiting, but the reward is often spectacular. Beyond kingfishers, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including insects, rabbits, and squirrels, which can also make for engaging photographic subjects. Early mornings often provide the best light for capturing these creatures in their natural habitat. Reddit

While the park is a dream for camera enthusiasts, it's important to manage expectations. Success in wildlife photography often depends on luck and persistence. Bringing a good telephoto lens will significantly enhance your ability to capture detailed shots from a distance. Remember to be quiet and respectful of the environment to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The presence of the Glamorganshire Canal and the River Taff also adds scenic elements to your photography, offering opportunities for landscape shots alongside wildlife. Reddit

Exploring the Trails and Waterways

Forest Farm offers a network of well-paved trails that are ideal for a variety of activities. These sheltered paths are a favorite among runners, joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers, especially on sunny days. The trails provide a pleasant way to explore the natural beauty of the area, connecting you to both the Glamorganshire Canal and the River Taff Trail. The canal itself is noted for its beautiful colors and is a lovely spot for a leisurely walk, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past. Reddit

The River Taff Trail is a significant feature, offering a more extensive route for those looking for a longer excursion. It's easily accessible from Forest Farm, making it a convenient starting point for cycling or walking adventures. Near Radyr weir, the path is also popular, but visitors should be aware of passing bikes. For those with dogs, the trails are generally accommodating, but it's crucial to keep pets on a lead and be mindful of cyclists and other users to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Reddit

For the more adventurous, paddleboarding on the River Taff is an option. However, it's essential to exercise caution and responsibility, as there are no lifeguards present. This adds another dimension to the recreational opportunities available at Forest Farm, catering to a range of interests from gentle strolls to more active pursuits on the water. Reddit

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