A few weeks ago Hubby and I visited our daughter in Cardiff Bay. It's a superb area with such a variety of bars, restaurants and attractions. It's quite a distance for me as it's a good 6 mile walk but I was up for the challenge so off we set to 'walk the Bay'.
The trail path passes by Cardiff Rowing Centre and through Ferry Court apartments. Cardiff International White Water is worth a pause to be amazed at the canoeists and kayakers racing down the fast flowing water.
Further along and we meet another river. The River Ely brings boats, lots and lots of superb boats. It's an amazing sight seeing all the tall masts against the background of tall apartment buildings.
Time for a break, coffee and toasted teacake at Coffi Co. We've been to many places around the world but this has to be one of the best places to sit with a coffee and enjoy the view.
The footpath crosses the River Ely via a swing bridge to allow the tall yacht to pass through. Upstream is the massive road bridge, more apartments and plenty of yachts, downstream is the Bay. It is amazing how it opens out, stunning views.
This part of our walk brings back memories as when she first moved to South Wales our daughter lived in Penarth Marina. So many beautiful boats, lovely apartments and houses all along the waterfront. Penarth itself is high on the cliffs to the left, I remember it being a steep walk up but worth it for more magnificent views across to the city.
The highlight of the Cardiff Bay Trail must be the Barrage, locks that allow the boats and yachts out to sea. There is a swing bridge here too lifting the road (pedestrian and emergency traffic) as the locks are in operation. We stood and watched the rise and fall of the water inside the locks bringing boats in and out. It's also a great place to stand and see how far we have walked ... and how far we have to go!
There is a breakwater at the Barrage stretching out to sea. From the very end we could just see the Severn Bridges in the distance. The English coast was also visable looking past Steep Holm and Flat Holm.
Leaving the Baraage behind we set off on the leg leg of our walk, along the embankment past the Aqua Park. Tempting though it was we hadn't brought our swimmies so we couldn't have a go!
Nearly back we passed by the Norwegian church and the sailors statue. The church is now a community hub with a cafe, it was originally built for the Norwegian seafarers and settlers.
The views around the Bay are amazing, whichever point of the trail you are on you can see for miles. One of my favourite views is the Pierhead and The Senedd (Welsh Goverment) as you approach the bustling bar and restaurant area. There is so much history here, it's very different to when it was all dockland.
Having now walked the Bay in both directions I think this walk was my favourite. It is, as I said, around 6 miles, very do-able with so many places to stop and enjoy a coffee, drink and/or a bite to eat.
Our final stop was The Mount Stuart, our go to pub when in Cardiff Bay. It's a Wetherspoons so we know what to expect regarding food and drinks with the most spectacular views. Our pint and glass of wine was very much deserved and enjoyed looking across to the Norwegian church.
Hopefully we'll be back in Cardiff again soon to enjoy another 'walk the Bay' and of course see our lovely daughter.
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