Parc Bryn Bach

 Parc Bryn Bach - image from www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk

At Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar you can take your dog on a scenic walk around the 36 acre lake where you might see the Model Boat Club in action, or even the dogs of the Welsh Newfoundland Club attempting mock rescues in the water. At the heart of the park is a visitor centre with a restaurant and gift shop. Be aware of the car park closing times when you go - the gates are locked at 4.30pm in winter.

http://parcbrynbach.co.uk/

Useful Info

Free parking
Wheelchair and buggy friendly
Visitor Centre
Restaurant
Gift Shop
Activity Centre

Chepstow Castle

Chepstow Castle - image from www.castlexplorer.co.uk

Chepstow Castle is in a beautiful location on the banks of the river Wye. There is a fee to enter the castle itself, but the grounds are free to wander. Dogs on leads are welcome. There is an on-site exhibition, the high point of which are the original 800 year old castle doors. There is a gift shop and toilets on site, and if you're gasping for a cuppa and hot snack after exploring with your dog, (shameless plug alert) my mum's cafe The Orange Crate is a short walk up the road in Chepstow town centre!



http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/chepstow-castle/?lang=en

Useful Info

Pay & display parking
Wheelchair & buggy friendly in parts
CADW entrance fee to castle
Gift shop
Toilets

Newport Wetlands

Newport Wetlands - image from www.dragonfly-days.co.uk

Newport Wetlands is a nature reserve run by Newport Council, Natural Resources Wales, and the RSPB. We usually start our walk from the path that runs along the Uskmouth Power Station, near the car park exit. The initial walk isn't particularly scenic, with views of heavy industry on your right, and noisy pylons on your left. But keep going and once you're past the power station, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the Severn Estuary. At the lighthouse you can cut back to the car park through the wetlands and past the visitor centre. Some of the footpaths do not allow dogs in order to protect the birds, but these are clearly marked. If you're a nature enthusiast, the 'Seasonal Highlights' section of their website is worth a look before you go. The dusk starling display from October onwards is apparently not to be missed, with 50,000 starlings flying at the season's peak (and now I have Hard-Fi's 'Living for the Weekend' song from that Carling advert stuck in my head).

http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/n/newportwetlands/

Useful Info

Free parking
Wheelchair and buggy friendly
Cafe
Visitor Centre
Guided walks

Wentwood Forest

Wentwood Forest - image from www.thetimes.co.uk

Wentwood Forest near Llanvair Discoed is a great place for an Autumn walk. The forest is ancient; it used to be the hunting grounds of Chepstow Castle. It sprawls over 1000 acres, so it's difficult to know where to start walking, but there are routes available to download here http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mediafile/100081485/wentwood-walks.pdf from the Woodland Trust. From the end of November you can pick up your Christmas tree and get a hot chocolate from here too!

I've been going to Wentwood since I was a kid in the 80s, and this was my favourite bit:

Wentwood Assault Course - www.caldicot.com/enjoy/wentwood.html

Does anyone know if this is still here? I've been keeping a look out for the Krypton Factor style assault course but I cant find it. Wentwood is so big I could easily have missed it, but I've got a feeling it's been pulled down. I'd be grateful if someone could tell me!

Useful Info

Free parking
Bring your wellies!

Parc Cwm Darran

Parc Cwm Darran by Jeremy Bolwell at www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2491687

Parc Cwm Darran by Robin Drayton at www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1880759

As you can probably tell, we like our waterside walks! Parc Cwm Darran near Bargoed has a large man-made lake and even a small waterfall. The council have created a number of trails you can do on their website  http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside/parks/parc-cwm-darran. It's a great place to visit in the Spring/Summer; you and your dog can stroll through the pretty wild flower meadows while slurping a 99 from the seasonal cafe. Winter walks at Cwm Darran are quieter, but Townies beware - it will feel about 20 degrees colder than home so wrap up warm and take a thermos!

Useful Info

Pay & display parking
Wheelchair and buggy friendly
Seasonal cafe/visitor centre
Camping

Parc Taf Bargoed

Parc Taf Bargoed - image from www.visitmerthyr.co.uk

A recent discovery for us, Parc Taf Bargoed is just a ten minute drive from Parc Penallta, and a lovely spot to enjoy a hot roll and a cuppa after a walk! It's home to the local angling and canoe clubs, as well as being popular with cyclists and horse riders. The park seems very community driven; there's a new Pavillion where visitors can learn about the history and wildlife of the park. There are play areas for children, a lakeside activity centre, and volunteer wardens. Their website  http://www.visitmerthyr.co.uk/attractions/parc-taf-bargoed.aspx is very informative, with up-to-date news on park projects. Parc Taf Bargoed is a little-known gem that we will be visiting lots in future!

Useful Info

Free parking
Toilets
Wheelchair and buggy friendly
Seasonal kiosk
Visitor centre
Activities
Play areas

Parc Penallta

 Sultan the pit pony at Parc Penallta - image from www.visitwales.com

Sorry about the slow start! I don't know where this month has gone, but I'm hoping to post lots of walks today to make up for it ^-^

Another favourite of ours, Parc Penallta can be found between Ystrad Mynach and Nelson. I didn't realise just how big it was on our first visit there. It's huge! There are lots of paths to take, flat ones and hilly ones, so each visit there can be different. There are two entrances that I know of, though there may be more. The biggest car park is the one signposted near the Caerphilly council offices. The other quieter car park is just along from the Rowan Tree pub on the A472. Both car parks are unfortunately pay and display - we've met a few park users who have emailed the council to complain. Nonetheless it's still a great walk, with sculptures to make it interesting, and ponds for your dog to splash in.

http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside/parks/parc-penallta

Useful Info:
Pay & Display Parking
Wheelchair & Buggy Friendly