Cardiff Bay Barrage is a 1.1-kilometre waterfront walkway linking Cardiff Bay with Penarth. Walk or cycle across the flat route for views of the bay, the Bristol Channel and the city, and pause to watch boats pass through the locks as bridges lift. The walkway also has a children’s play area, a skate park and an outdoor gym. Look out for wildlife along the water and, from a particular point near lock 3, an optical illusion painted on a lock.
A walkway across the bay
Cardiff Bay Barrage runs for about 1.1 kilometres between Cardiff Bay and Penarth. Its level, paved route is open to pedestrians and cyclists, and also suits scooters and pushchairs. The barrage forms part of the Wales Coast Path, so you can use it as a short crossing or fold it into a longer walk around the waterfront.
The view changes as you cross. Look back towards Cardiff Bay and its modern waterfront buildings, then out across the Bristol Channel. On clear days, Flat Holm and Steep Holm are visible offshore. The barrage itself gives you a close look at the locks, sluice gates and bridges built into the crossing.
Watch the locks in operation
Boats pass between the bay and the sea through the barrage locks. If you pause near a lock, you may see the gates working and the water level changing as vessels move through. Bridges lift to let boats pass, so there is plenty to watch even if you are not setting out on a long walk.
For an unusual detail, find the painted optical illusion near lock 3 and view it from the intended point. The barrage is also a good place to observe waterbirds and other wildlife along the waterfront. Conditions and activity change with the weather and the water, so allow time to stop rather than treating the crossing only as a route from one side to the other.
Play areas and stops along the route
The walkway has facilities for a longer family visit as well as a simple crossing. A children’s play area includes a sandy section, and there is also a skate park and an outdoor gym. The sandy play space can get messy, so it may help to bring clothes that can take a bit of sand.
An exhibition about Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition is located beneath the large white sails along the waterfront. The route also passes a sculpture based on Roald Dahl’s Enormous Crocodile. Coffee shops and restaurants are available nearby in the Cardiff Bay area, giving you options for a break before or after your walk.
The path is exposed to the elements, and the wind can make a sunny day feel cooler. A dry day is more comfortable for walking or cycling. Paid parking is available in the area; check the arrangements at your chosen car park before leaving your vehicle.
FAQ
How long is Cardiff Bay Barrage?
The walkway across the barrage is about 1.1 kilometres long, linking Cardiff Bay and Penarth.
Can you cycle across Cardiff Bay Barrage?
Yes. The flat walkway is used by cyclists as well as pedestrians, and scooters are also suitable for the route.
What can you see at Cardiff Bay Barrage?
You can watch boats pass through the locks and bridges, with views across Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel. Flat Holm and Steep Holm are visible offshore.
Is there a play area at Cardiff Bay Barrage?
Yes. There is a children’s play area with a sandy section, as well as a skate park and an outdoor gym.
