“Tha’s lush, that is” as they say in Cardiff,understandably. Three days in and around the Welsh Capital and its Bay.

Cardiff city campsite is handily situated near to Sophia Gardens, Glamorgan’s County Cricket ground – super stadium – and a ten minute walk along the Taff into the city centre.

I had visited Cardiff many years ago to watch England Wales and had only very hazy memories… Three years ago it was the destination for a Christmas vintage steam train trip from Birmingham and having spent three hours on a walkabout, vowed to return in the summertime.

The first destination was the Bay, by water bus which took us past the Principality stadium,down the Taff,past Brains’ brewery and views of all the recent development.

The Bay was busy with holidaymakers enjoying the ” beach”- a kind of funfair, the bars and restaurants.

Cardiff is a radical city and I had already been reminded of its greatest statesman,Aneurin Bevan,when I came upon a Statue dedicated to world peace.Leaving the harbour behind, a memorial to Captain Scott was well positioned, remembering that his final,fateful expedition left from these shores.

Just before the Cardiff Barrage a water activity enterprise was well populated with bathers,young and old.

Then it was about turn and an extended walk back to the campsite,along Lloyd George Avenue with its blocks of Mews apartments.

By the time the campsite was reached,it said 9 miles on the Fitbit – chill out and bbq brought an end to a great day.

The weather for Wednesday fans correctly forecast as ” rainy” – so after booking tickets online, we headed for Cardiff Castle. From Roman times , centuries of neglect, restoration under the Normans, more neglect then fanciful additions and alterations in more recent times, a wartime bomb shelter and now a national monument – a fascinating complex. It also houses the ” Firing Line” exhibition mainly exemplifying the roles played by Welsh regiments over three centuries.

It encompasses all the major wars, from Napoleonic times upto Afghanistan. It is brilliantly done if you don’t mind the narratives which though factually accurate- dates,places,times- are a bit ” gung ho” with no thought or question given as to the justification for some of the ” action”.

What was striking were the tunnels – Wartime Shelters. Few people realise that within the walls of the Castle are tunnels – tunnels which came into their own as air-raid shelters during the Second World War. It was estimated that more than 1800 people took shelter there. Left very much as it was, with dozens of warning posters and Blitz sound effects,it is an authentic experience.

The Bute family made many alterations ,additions to the castle as well as important restorations and a tour of their house and adjoining tower were greatly appreciated.Many of their ideas were formed both on Grand Tours and a fascination with medieval history – Victorian,Gothic revival !

A wonderful place and setting .

That night was spent in the company of a college friend and his wife, who lives in nearby Port Talbot – they recommended a great Italian Restaurant – Giovanni’s – Ottimo Pasto !The next day dawned fine and although 18 miles had been walked over the last two days,it was decided that a walk across the Barrage to Penarth and some of the Coastal Path, was the order of the day. The Barrage was a controversial development built to protect the harbour and city from flooding. Freshwater from the river on one side and the Channel on the other. It was quite thrilling to be able to literally walk across it and get a view of the workings in action.And so it was on to Penarth, a sizeable place composed mainly of Victorian Edwardian residences, with a fine seafront and pier – gained after a stiff uphill climb.

The Esplanade and Pier were in excellent condition and the latter was prime location for lunch – A Panini on Penarth Pier.

The path climbs upwards out of the town,passing parkland and some bijou development. Returning gave a good view of the cliffs.

Twelve miles achieved !

Three days was not enough to enjoy everything in and around Cardiff,but my abiding memories were both its conscience.And the friendliness we encountered, whether it was the campsite warden, the museum guides, the pub staff or the bus driver…and the lovely gentleman who, noticing us looking at our town plan, asked if he could be of any assistance…and he was.

Byddwn yn ol.