Cardiff Bay Barrage
About 3km each way from Mermaid Quay to Penarth · Flat throughout elevation
About
The kilometre-long barrage that closed off Cardiff Bay in 1999 doubles as one of the city's best free walks: a flat, traffic-free crossing from the Cardiff Bay waterfront to Penarth, with the impounded freshwater lake on one side and the huge tides of the Severn Estuary on the other. Along the top are the locks that let boats in and out, sluice gates, a children's play area, a skate plaza and an outdoor gym, with wide views back to the Millennium Centre and out across the estuary's sandbanks. Managed by Cardiff Harbour Authority; walk or cycle it, then reward yourself in Penarth and come back along the same line.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The locks and sluices that hold back the Severn's tides
- ✓Views over both the freshwater bay and the estuary
- ✓Skate plaza, play area and outdoor gym along the top
- ✓Ends a short climb from Penarth's Victorian pier
Tips
- →It is exposed out there; the estuary side catches every breeze, which is the point on a hot day and a warning on a cold one.
- →The Severn Estuary beyond the barrage has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world; the contrast between the flat bay and the estuary's mudflats at low water is the whole story of the barrage in one view.
Best Season
More Outdoors Activities
Bute Park
130 acres of former castle grounds along the Taff: arboretum, friary ruins, riverside cafes and the city's favourite walk.
Roath Park & the Lake
The Victorian boating lake with the Scott Memorial lighthouse: rowing boats, rose gardens and the Cardiff locals actually use.