The Taff Trail: Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay
Mermaid Quay is the new and fashionable area in "The Bay" with a large number of restaurants from a variety of countries.
Since the area is pedestrianised it is difficult for a cyclist, even though this is the start of the Taff Trail.
Cardiff Bay to the Barrage
If the dual carriageway called the Cogan Spur permits cycling (it was prohibited for a considerable time during roadworks), follow the route to the Sports Village then continue along the Cogan Spur. This is a fast dual carriageway without a cycle track. Care is needed.
The alternative is to go via Grangetown then along Penarth Road. Across a large roundabout at the end of the Cogan Spur towards Penarth, then turn left at the smaller roundabout towards Penarth Marina.
Cardiff Bay to Sophia Gardens ... But where is the Taff Trail?
The Taff Trail always started and ended at the Torroid (Celtic Ring) the circular sculpture which is now situated on the lower Board Walk, between Roald Dahls Plass and the waters edge, next to the secret Torchwood HQ.
Are there any signs for the Taff Trail here? ... No!
There are some small labels showing Sustrans Route Number 8 heading for Cardiff City Centre. DO NOT follow these unless you really want Cardiff City Centre.
After the building of Mermaid Quay and the construction of Pedestrianised streets, the best starting point for the Taff Trail is right outside Techniquest.
From Techniquest the Taff Trail runs along the street opposite (Adelaide Street) and left along the busy James Street to Clarence Bridge.
Much more interesting: Go to the back of Techniquest cycle along the side of the former docks towards the Cardiff Bay Hotel. Cross the Car Park to a giant mooring rope sculpture. Follow the board walk through a wetlands area then past the Yacht Club entrance to Hamadryad Park which is directly underneath the A4232 flyover. The Park was the near the site of the original Hamadryad Seamans Hospital Ship.
The path through the park passes the mouth of the River Taff at the point where it enters the bay.
We then continue along Clarence Embankment left across Clarence Bridge. Turn right into a path alongside the River towards Sophia Gardens. Care is required crossing Penarth Road and Wood Street. Pelican Crossing are in use at both.
Cardiff Bay to Cardiff
National Cycleway Route No 8 follows Lloyd George Avenue directly into the City Centre. Apart from the frequent halts for each side road junction, this route is a well constructed cycleway. Turn left and across Callaghan Square to St Mary's Street.
Cardiff Bay to Sports Village
The Sports Village is a major construction project (in 2007). It is located between the mouths of the Rivers Taff and Ely.
Cycle past the front of Techniquest, across Windsor Esplanade and onto a cycle path running alongside the dual carriageway called the Butetown Link. This road crosses a bridge over the Taff. Past the silver ball we come to the Sports Village.