Cardiff-SUP
Paddle boarding in Cardiff Bay
Enjoy a unique perspective of Cardiff’s vibrant waterfront and paddle past striking architecture, historic landmarks, and a wildlife reserve.
Leave from the Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW) and turn left into the main channel of the River Ely, passing the lines of moored boats in Penarth Basin. Paddle left, past the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club at the Ely peninsula tip, and enter the main Bay – a large urban freshwater lake fed by the rivers Ely and Taff and enclosed by the impressive Cardiff Barrage.
Continue around the peninsula to reach the yellow buoys then turn east (right) across the head of the barrage. Continue along the east shore of the Bay past Cardiff Sailing Centre to the Norwegian Church, once the heart of the Nordic seafaring community. The attractive white clapboard structure with a spire was rebuilt in the 1990s and is now an arts centre and café. Beyond, at Mermaid Quay, you’ll see Cardiff’s most significant buildings.
The red-brick 1897 Pierhead, originally headquarters of the Cardiff Railway Company, sits alongside the glass-and-steel, canopied Senedd, as well as the Wales Millennium Centre, its hull-shaped, copper-coloured roof designed to reflect the maritime history of Cardiff Bay. The Giant Wheel is a popular attraction in busy Mermaid Quay with its pleasure boats and pontoons, restaurants, bars, cafés and shops.
To return, head south along the west side of the Bay passing the Rugby Players Statue and entrance to the old shipbuilding yards of Mount Stewart Graving Docks. Once past the contemporary St David’s Hotel, you reach the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve. Here the reed beds are home to over 50 bird species including the great crested grebe, tufted duck, reed bunting, reed warbler, and Cetti’s Warbler. Head across the entrance to the River Taff enjoying the views across to Lower Penarth before returning to the CIWW.
Distance 6.5km (return)
Paddling environment : River/lake
Access Only launch from Harbour Authority approved sites at either Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW) or Channel View Leisure Centre. Report to reception and pay for day permit (£8), tel. 0292 0829970 www.ciww.com/park-and-play-2/ . No other land/launch sites are permitted.
Starting Point CIWW, Watkiss Way, Cardiff, CF11 0SY. Grid ref. ST 179 728; What3Words pace.discrepancy.matter; Lat/long 51.448, -3.182
Parking CIWW (free when paying for ‘park and play’ day permit)
Launching River pontoons, short walk from car park
Pitstops Café in the CIWW overlooking white-water course
Lessons & Trips Excellent SUP course run by CIWW, tel. 0292 0829970 www.ciww.com; join a lesson or trip with the super-friendly SUP South Wales Club, tel. 0292 0711946 www.southwalespaddleboarding.co.uk
Getting there Exit M4 at J33 onto A4232 and head S towards Penarth. After crossing River Ely, turn off (signed A4055 Barry/Penarth), take 4th exit at roundabout onto A4055. Then 1st L following signs to International Sports Village and 1st R along Olympic Drive to CIWW.
Special points Bay is exposed to wind from all directions. Check Surfline www.surfline.com at nearby Penarth for local conditions. Observe the two exclusion zones for paddlers close
Download GPX Route
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