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Cardiff Bay Barrage

Cardiff Bay Barrage

Highlight • Structure

Cardiff Bay Barrage

Recommended by 133 cyclists out of 136

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Location: Cardiff, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Top cycling routes to Cardiff Bay Barrage

4.4

(35)

552

riders

1. Bute Park to Cardiff Bay loop

19.5km

01:13

80m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.0

(3)

riders

2. Cardiff and Penarth loop from Barry

39.2km

02:24

270m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.4

(16)

392

riders

3. View of Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Bay Barrage loop from Radyr

34.8km

02:11

250m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Geraint

February 28, 2025

Cardiff Bay Barrage is a significant engineering project located in Cardiff, Wales. Completed in 1999, the barrage was built to create a freshwater lake in Cardiff Bay by damming the River Taff and the River Ely. This project transformed the bay area, which was previously a tidal estuary, into a more controlled water environment.

Key Features and Purpose:
Tidal Control: The barrage helps manage tidal flows, preventing flooding and allowing for the creation of a stable freshwater environment.

Recreation and Tourism: The area around the barrage has been developed for recreational use, including walking and cycling paths, boating, and various leisure activities. It has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Environmental Impact: The construction of the barrage altered the local ecosystem. While it created new habitats in the freshwater lake, it also raised concerns about the impact on marine life in the estuary.

Hydropower Generation: The barrage includes a small power station that harnesses tidal energy, contributing to renewable energy production.

Economic Development: The project played a crucial role in the regeneration of Cardiff Bay, leading to significant investment and development in the area, including residential, commercial, and cultural projects.

The Cardiff Bay Barrage is often noted for its engineering complexity and its role in transforming the landscape and economy of Cardiff.

Tom

March 7, 2021

Good place for a stroll or poodle on the bike. Decent section of the Bay cycle path for younger riders.

Peter Turner

September 29, 2025

The Barrage connects Penarth to the Cardiff peninsula. It offers stunning views across the sea to one side, and the freshwater bay on the other. One of the highlights of the Cardiff Bay tour

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Saturday 1 November

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Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

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See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Cardiff, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Penarth Pier and Pavilion

Blackweir Weir on the River Taff

Norwegian Church Arts Centre

St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff

Castell Coch

Grangemoor Park Hilltop and City View

River Rhymney Cycle Trail

Norwegian Church Arts Centre and Nordic Coffee Shop

Merchant Seafarers' War Memorial

Penarth Head Viewpoint – Wales Coast Path

St Lawrence Church, Lavernock

Cardiff Bay Barrage

1. Bute Park to Cardiff Bay loop

2. Cardiff and Penarth loop from Barry

3. View of Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Bay Barrage loop from Radyr

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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