The mile long barrage carries a road, accessible only to service vehicles, and a series of paths available to pedestrians and cyclists only, who are treated to the most magnificent open views in all directions.
Prior to the building of the barrage, Cardiff Bay was very much a working port, it's main function being the worldwide shipbourne distribution of the vast quantities of coal brought down by train from the Welsh valleys.
The closure of the collieries reduced traffic through the port and much of it's infrastructure subsequently became redundant.
The building of the barrage revitalised the whole area and a host of new buildings sprang up to make it a major tourist attraction generating thousands of employment opportunities
The water inside the barrage is suitable for a wide variety of boats.;
The sea lock gates are here, giving control of the water level in the bay and permitting access by boats at all states of the tide.
The road on top of the barrage is not open to private cars so is good for cycling.
A desert style seating area with the Norwegian Church visible in the centre of this shot.
There are many fine sculptures along the waterfront.
Beside the Norwegian Church stands this memorial to Captain Robert Falcon Scott whose ship The Terra Nova left these shores on 15th June 1910 for the South Pole, never to return.
Large modern hotels and apartment blocks across the bay.
Some fine old buildings were saved, this being the Pierhead, which stands alongside the Welsh Assembly Building.............
...........better known to Welsh Speakers as Cynulliad Cenediaethoi Cymru (sort that out spellchecker!)
More sculptures...........................
..................... and more modern buildings, between which the path meanders.
From here on the path goes through the Wetland Area, which is a fine nature reserve which houses many types of wild fowl.
A much more open area here.
Looking back we see the contrast between the two environments..
To cross the River Taff, we have to go along the East bank of the river to the most downstream bridge
Looking downstream on the River Taff towards Penarth,
A problem here for cyclists since cycling is prohibited on this long wooden walkway. Penarth can be seen in the distance.
The route passes by the canoe slalom facility where water from the Ely River is pumped up into a large tank and allowed to flow down through a series of cataracts and waterfalls
This is the pedestrian/cycle bridge crossing the Ely River to make the final link to Penarth.
The centre section can be lifted to permit the passage of boats with tall masts.
Turning left after the bridge, following the road past large apartment blocks and marinas, brings us back to the start of the route at the South end of the barrage.
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