Forest bathing at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park covers over 100 hectares of land and water between Penarth and Sully. It was a limestone quarry until 1970, and two of the old workings flooded to make the lakes that are now its centre, split by a bridge on the main path. Parts of the park are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, it became a Local Nature Reserve in 2013, and the excavated remains of a medieval village lie within it.

This is a good choice if you want easy going. A short step-free walk of about 1.5 kilometres follows the lakes, and a longer 4.5 kilometre route takes you out through meadows and woodland, which is where it gets quieter. The lakes draw swans, grebes and coots, so a bench by the water is a fine place to sit. The visitor centre and café are open all year, and the park is run by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.