Cardiff Barrage – Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay loop from Penarth

Hiking trails & Routes

Cardiff Barrage – Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay loop from Penarth

Moderate

4.7

(6)

hikers

Cardiff Barrage – Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay loop from Penarth

04:49

18.6km

110m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Includes a movable bridge

Check opening times.

After 16.6 km for 36 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.64 km

Cardiff Barrage

Highlight • Bridge

Time it bad and you may have to wait!

Tip by

2.26 km

The Enormous Crocodile Statue (Roald Dahl)

Highlight • Monument

The Enormous Crocodile statue in Cardiff Bay is a playful tribute to the beloved character from Roald Dahl’s story. It adds a touch of fun to the waterfront area and celebrates Dahl’s connection to Cardiff, where he was born.

Tip by

3.10 km

Channel Dry Dock

Lake

3.56 km

Norwegian Church Arts Centre and Nordic Coffee Shop

Highlight • Religious Site

The church was built in recognition of the friendship and trade with Norway. The building stands out with its Nordic architecture.

Roald Dahl was christened here and along the bay, you can also find Dahl's Very Large Alligator

Tip by

3.81 km

Merchant Seafarers' War Memorial

Highlight • Other

3.95 km

Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay

Highlight • Settlement

Cardiff Bay is Europe's largest waterfront development. It is supplied by two rivers, the Taff and Ely, to form a 500-acre (2.0 km2) freshwater lake around the former dockland area of the city. Built in 1996, the waterfront has hundreds of shops, cafes, restaurants, and other attractions.

Tip by

6.34 km

Royal Arcade, Cardiff

Highlight • Structure

"Dating back to 1858, Royal Arcade is the city’s oldest arcade. As much a hub of culture now as it was 150 years ago, the arcade has a variety of alternative coffee shops, cafés and delicatessens, alongside several quirky independent clothes stores, jewellers and photography shops." Source: visitcardiff.com/highlights/royal-arcade. For further info: thecityofarcades.com/explore/royalarcade

If you’d like to see pictures of some of the other arcades Cardiff is famous for, or discover them in real life, the following ‘city arcades stroll’ might be of interest for you: komoot.com/tour/1226672662

Tip by

7.17 km

Queen Street Carousel

Highlight • Settlement

Queen Street is one of Cardiff's most popular shopping destinations. It is completely pedestrianised and lined with a great array of retail shops, cafés, and restaurants.

The street gained its name in honour of Queen Victoria in 1887, for Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee celebration.

Tip by

7.66 km

Cardiff City Hall and its lawn

Highlight • Monument

City Hall is a fine example of a civic centre. It is situated in the Cathay's district of Cardiff.

The building itself is magnificent, and it comes with some beautiful landscaped gardens and tree-lined avenues, too. There is a lawn opposite the building where you can sit down and admire this lovely landmark, it makes a perfect lunch-stop on your walk around the city.

Tip by

18.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types