Cardiff Bay Barrage – Cardiff Bay Barrage loop from Penarth

Cardiff Bay Barrage – Cardiff Bay Barrage loop from Penarth

Moderate

2.5

(2)

139

riders

Cardiff Bay Barrage – Cardiff Bay Barrage loop from Penarth

02:00

50.2km

140m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Tips

Includes a movable bridge

Check opening times.

After 46.0 km for 50 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

738 m

Brød Café Penarth

Highlight • Cafe

Delicious Danish cakes and coffee. Same as the one in Pontcanna, just in Penarth.

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1.95 km

Each lock is crossed by a Bascule bridge, to carry pedestrians and vehicles across. These are lifted for boats to pass. The weight of the bridge deck is counterbalanced by an overhead weight on the opposite side of the pivot.

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2.11 km

Cardiff Bay Barrage

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

Separated pedestrian and cycle paths. Must be included on a scenic tour of Cardiff.

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3.80 km

Coffi Co. Cardiff Bay

Highlight • Cafe

Claiming to be the quirkiest Coffee Shop in Cardiff (and possibly succeeding). Unlike most coffee shops, this one is made from shipping containers, with deck chairs in the front yard …

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3.96 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

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5.59 km

Bute East Dock

Highlight • Lake

As at May 2026 normal exit at south end is closed by building work, exit easy to find when traveling south, not so easy when going north.

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46.2 km

Roath Inner Lock

Lake

48.3 km

Cardiff Bay Barrage

Highlight • Structure

Cardiff Bay Barrage was completed in 1999, following a huge construction project. Stretching from Cardiff Docks to Penarth, the barrage impounds freshwater from the rivers Ely and Taff to create a large freshwater lake, providing permanent high water.

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48.8 km

View of Cardiff Bay from Pembroke Terrace

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

One of the steepest hills to climb locally to Cardiff Bay. Best not to get too carried away early on as you can quickly run out of steam halfway up. …

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