Mission Statement: What a difference a bay makes
Trail Introduction
The Cardiff docklands area, known as Cardiff Bay, was transformed by the Cardiff Barrage that impounds the Rivers Taff and Ely. This has created a large fresh-water lake with a water depth of 2.5m or greater. Birthplace of Shirley Bassey and Roald Dahl there is plenty to explore by boat and on shore.
About the Area:
The Cardiff Bay Barrage was built in 1999 transforming Tiger Bay into the beautiful freshwater lake it is now. Cardiff’s fortunes were originally built on Welsh coal exports but with the new barrage came an injection of new life. From the water you can see the Senedd, seat of the Welsh parliament. Being such a large port, sailors often settled in Tiger Bay, there are now over 57 nationalities represented in the population today. The Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve is an area of approximately 8 hectares, located on the northern shore of Cardiff Bay between St David’s Hotel and the River Taff. The Mermaid Quay area is home to the The Senedd, the Wales Millennium Centre, and the Pierhead, featuring Wales’ very own Big Ben. The source of the River Taff is in the Brecon Beacons and supports several migratory fish including salmon, sea trout and eel. In the past the River Ely suffered heavily from pollution but in recent years the fish have returned, marking a significant improvement in water quality. Scott of the Antarctic left Cardiff Docks on the Terra Nova for his legendary trip to the South Pole in June 1910. The ship was laden with 100 tonnes of coal, 300 tonnes of fuel made from coal dust mixed with bitumen as well as pots and pans from a nearby tin works. You can see the masthead at a special exhibition about the ill-fated trip on the barrage.
Interesting fact:
The Norwegian Church, now an arts centre, was formerly a church for Norwegian sailors. Famous children’s author Roald Dahl was baptised there.
Round Trip Distance:
5 miles
Approximate Time that the Trail will take:
3 hours
OS Map or Chart:
OS 151 Admiralty 1182
Trail Details
This map is for information use only, not for navigation.
- Slipway access to Cardiff Bay is available to the general public at Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre at Channel View Leisure Centre
A day pass (£20) or annual permit is required to use this slipway which gives access to both car park and the trailer park - After launch head down the River Taff in the buoyed channel and under the Cardiff Bay Link Road (A4232). The river can be shallow on the east side
The height of Cardiff Bay does vary, this depends on river flows and general weather conditions.
Our target level is 4.55m (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) at that height the clearance under the A4232 bridge on the Taff is 7.6 meters (25 feet).
During low river flows we bank more water in the bay in order to enable continued Locking Operations and salinity management. This could be for several months depending on weather conditions.
The target level could be 4.85m, at that height the clearance under the A4232 bridge on the Taff is 7.3 meters (24 feet). - Stay in the buoyed channel until the end, and clear of the Cardiff Yacht Club moorings
- Sail past the moored boats and the Cardiff Bay wetlands reserve and associated protection boom. See if you can spot a beautiful Great Crested Grebe
- Sail towards Mermaid Quay and moor up at the pay and display and have some lunch at one of the many eateries before heading towards the barrage
- Sail past Cardiff Sailing Centre and head towards Cardiff Bay Yacht Club
- Once at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, head north
- Re-enter the River Taff and the buoyed channel to return to the slipway at Channel View
A permit grants you access, not only to the slipway, but to use the trailer park, car park and the changing rooms/showers/toilets in the centre, as well as use of the pontoon to the right of the slipway as you look towards the water.
Mariners should note that due to potential strong currents in front of the barrage sluices, vessels should keep to the correct side of the West Cardinal Mark ( circled on the map )
The Harbour Authority provides short stay visitor pontoon moorings at Mermaid Quay, which operate on a first come first served basis. Vessels must display a valid ticket for the time they are berthed.
Trip Extensions:
Catch a water bus to Bute Park and Cardiff Castle https://www.cardiffharbour.com/attractions/
Launch Point Lat and Long:
51.46213562071733
-3.179758410859589
Launch Point What3Words:
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Launch Information:
£20 for an all-day permit
Tidal Information:
Rivers Taff and Ely flow into Crdiff Bay and they may have an impact on the water level but there is no tide affecting the bay.
Towing Vehicle Parking:
The towing vehicle can be parked in the Leisure centre’s car park
Towing vehicle Parking What3Words:
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Towing vehicle Parking Information:
Parking is included with the day pass to use the slipway
Trailer Parking:
Park the trailer in the trailer parking area next to the slipway ( not with your towing vehicle )
Trailer Parking What3Words:
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Trailer Parking Information:
Trailer parking is included with the day pass fee
Toilets:
Yes
Toilets What3Words:
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Toilets Information:
Toilets are situated inside the leisure centre
Page Month Published: November 2025
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