Top 8 Lakes around Old St Mellons

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

Every day, this narrow crossing offers a new perspective on life. It's a unique place where you feel enveloped in blue. Love it!

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.

Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs forms a vital part of the green and blue infrastructure of Cardiff. The mix of grassland, woodland, scrub and waterside habitats offers opportunities for all kinds of wildlife and nature. There are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and much of the grassland and woodland outside of the SSSIs is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Dogs are permitted on the café balcony, car park and Grab & Go seating area only and are not permitted anywhere else on the site, including the paths. Natural Resources Wales has advised that the risk from dogs to the fungi is too great. Waxcaps are very sensitive to changes in habitat such as fluctuations in soil moisture, temperature and nitrate levels which can reduce the production of fruiting bodies. In particular, sudden changes to nitrate levels on the site – from dog urine specifically – can have a detrimental effect on the fungi. There is a fully accessible Visitor Centre with cafe, toilets, free wi-fi, room hire, equipment hire, changing rooms and other facilities include the boathouse, bird hide, education centre, nature trails and paths, bike parking/shelters and car parking.

Enjoy a pretty stroll through the woodland surrounding Llanishen Reservoir. Well-maintained dirt paths will lead you around the forest where there is a rope swing and stream to discover, a little something for the kids to enjoy too.

Roath Park is one of Cardiff's most loved parks, it was recently awarded the prestigious Green Flag award to recognise its high quality and its importance to Cardiff. In the centre of the park sits the wonderful Roath Lake, a peaceful place to walk around with sights of ducks, birds, and an impressive lighthouse stood in the water. There is a lovely little café and plenty of places to picnic, so take a seat and enjoy the view.

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.

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