This lovely all-inclusive walk around Cardiff Bay and over the spectacular barrage was only made possible in 2007 thanks to the campaigning efforts of Ramblers Cymru, which resulted in a new bridge being installed between Penarth and the barrage, making a complete coastal route in the capital possible for the first time. It forms a key part of the all Wales Coast Path (opened in 2012), much of whose route has being surveyed and monitored by Ramblers volunteers. The views across the Bristol Channel on the walk are superb, stretching to Somerset, the Flat Holm and Steep Holm islands. Various landmarks, including the Millennium Stadium, the Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Pierhead building can be seen along the route. Some of these locations may be recognizable from the Dr Who, Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures television programmes. Children’s author Roald Dahl was born In Cardiff and baptised in The Norwegian Church. It’s now used as an arts centre and café, and a former oval-shaped dock has been converted to a plaza and named after him.
[1] Exit the station, cross the car park and turn right along Penarth Road. Continue until you reach the bridge.
(A) Look right to see the Millennium Stadium.
Use the pedestrian crossing and turn left down the Taff Embankment (ST179758).
[2] The route now partially coincides with National Cycle Network Route 8 (NCN8). Follow these signs until you reach the far side of the barrage. When you reach Clarence Bridge (ST185747), use the traffic island to cross the road and then turn left. At the end of the bridge, turn right down Clarence Embankment and into Hamadryad Park (ST184742).
[3] The route follows the river through Hamadryad Park and emerges onto Windsor Esplanade.
(B) Look right to see the wetland conservation area.
Turn left up Dudley Street, bear right onto Stuart Street, and continue straight on through Mermaid Quay (ST193745) and around Cardiff Bay.
[4] Continue following NCN8 signs to the Cardiff Bay Barrage Coast Path (ST195743).
The barrage is controlled by Cardiff Harbour Authority (029 2070 0234) and the path is open to the public from 7am - 10pm.
[5] Once through the port the path enters a landscaped area with plenty of seating, a children’s play park and public toilets.
From the barrage there are excellent panoramic views across the Bristol Channel to Somerset in the south, Penarth Head in the west, and up towards the valleys and mountains in the north, with Mermaid Quay and Cardiff port in the east.
[6] On the other side, bear right past the Old Custom House (ST188724) and climb Dock Road and Paget Road.
This steep section of the walk is worth the effort for the satisfying views over Cardiff Bay and the Victorian architecture of Penarth.
[7] When you reach a fork in the road, bear left and follow Paget Place, Augustine’s Road and St Augustine’s Place.
There is a bench in the church yard of St Augustines Church (ST188721) where you can rest after the uphill section and look back at Cardiff Bay.
[8] Find the entrance to Church Lane (ST188719), to the west of the Church Tower – marked with bollards and a Victorian lamp post. Follow Church Lane and continue down Church Road. Turn right along Windsor Terrace. At the roundabout, turn left across the zebra crossing and follow Stanwell Road to the station, using the pedestrian crossings. At the end of the bridge, turn left and follow the path to Penarth Railway Station.