Roath Park Lake Walk

Roath Park’s historic Victorian surroundings are used regularly for fishing, rowing or just walking. The lake provides a break from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. The 30 acre lake was formed in the park by the Nant Fawr stream, the land for the Park was donated to the city by the Marquess of Bute in 1887.

The lake is located north west of the city centre and the best way to get to Roath Park is by bus or train. Depart from Cardiff Central Station (platform 6) or Cardiff Queen Street Station (platform 1) and take the Rhymney Valley or Caerphilly train to Heath High or Low Level and walk down Lake Road North until you reach Lake Road West. Alternatively the number 28 bus to Thornhill leaves from Cardiff Bus Station (bay D4), get off at Lake Road West

Distance: Approx 3 km flat

Time: 2 hours

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1. Follow Lake Road North southbound to roundabout and the find Nant Fawr stream

2. Cross the road and walk down to Wild Gardens

This is the northernmost part of the park with a variety of native and exotic trees. These fascinating plants, including bananas, coconuts, coffee, dates, lemons, oranges and pineapples, are set around a large pond with a waterfall tumbling over fern clad rocks.

3. Follow the stream towards the lake

4. Walk past the boathouse towards the Scott Memorial

This commemorates Sir Robert Falcon Scott, the Polar Explorer, who lost his life in 1912 on the return leg from the Antarctic, in the "race" he and his companions were beaten by the Norwegian Roald Amundsen. Scott's ill fated expedition sailed from Cardiff Docks, and the lighthouse and a scale model of the 'Terra Nova' – the ship Scott sailed on to the Antarctic - were constructed as a memorial to the expedition. Now just the lighthouse remains.

5. Walk south through the park and past the famous Rose Gardens

A beautiful collection of ornamental gardens with many rare plants and trees, an important rose garden and a splendid conservatory.

6. Past the glasshouse, across the road to the tennis courts and bowling greens

7. Through the recreational ground, across Penylan Road

8. Walk down Sandringham Road through to Roath Mill and Waterloo Gardens These are two adjacent Edwardian public parks, both donated by Lord Tredegar. This helped in the development of a long row of Edwardian houses.

9. Walk towards Waterloo Road and turn left and over the roundabout where you find Newport Road. A variety of buses depart from Newport Road for the city centre (all of which go to Cardiff Central Bus Station)

(Cardiff & Co would like to acknowledge the information supplied by the Ramblers Association)

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