139. Penarth Marina to Penarth

Gosh, it’s another extremely hot day in Wales, making it a somewhat challenging, although short, walk.  We have two of our daughters and two of our grandchildren for company, and a scooter.  So, after a meander along the bay to the play area and the greedy crocodile we climb the short hill along the road past the Custom House.

A gardener watering the stunning flower displays kindly waters Zara too!  The road swings to the left and we opt not to follow the signposted route for the coast path, instead heading past a school and a church direct towards the town centre for lunch.  Loving the dragon images everywhere, especially the school “20” road sign.

After a bit of hunting, we stumble upon an amazing café / bakery– Brod is air-conditioned, has an array of children’s toys, books and puzzles and the best ever cinnamon and chocolate whirl.  It’s a hard decision when we have to leave this stylish baking haven and step outside into what feels like a bread oven!

It’s a slow meander through the shopping, then residential streets to find shelter under the trees in Alexandra Park.  Sometimes parks surprise you – this one is beautifully laid out, impeccably kept and has some unusual trees and quirky topiary.  We find the play area but it’s way too hot for that so seek shelter under trees for a while and make daisy chains.

Steps from the park lead to the road just above the pier.  It’s ice cream time 😊.  Find a corner on the shady side of the pier to rest and savour the cool yet quickly dripping ice creams before our other daughter arrives to collect the little ones.

We stop for a photo opportunity on the pier then wander further along the promenade to the Italian gardens.  These gardens are so cute, even more special that they are commemorating their centenary this year.  Stop for a while (it’s one of those walks) and enjoy the scents, colours shapes and sounds – the leaves of the palms waving above kniphofia, lavender, giant scabious and agapanthus, all buzzing with wildlife.

Our car is back at Cardiff Bay so we three opt to follow the coast path signs back – it never feels right to have the sea on our left haha. Stop for a photo opportunity at the viewpoint and it’s fab mosaic dragons’ tail.

Children are trickling out of Headlands School – wow what an amazing building, and what an interesting history.  I guess it’s no surprise, given its position on top of the hill overlooking the bay, that it was originally a hotel.  Sounds like not a very successful one, but what a spot for kids to learn and live now.

We deviate a little to find the viewpoint overlooking the bay – a shimmering blue today with the city behind and hills in the hazy distance.  From here it’s a short stroll back down the hill, past the Custom House (tempted but not today) back to our car and our holiday home.