Cardiff, Wales Coast Path

Vibrancy, modernity, and cosmopolitan flair weaved in with a long and storied history are how I would describe Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. A relatively young capital, Cardiff's official designation was in 1955, providing Wales with a definitive seat of government that was previously absent. The city's prominence came in the 19th century with the rise of the coal industry and its strategic location on the South Wales coast. Cardiff became the prime port for exporting coal. As the industry boomed, so did the city's growth and prosperity, making Cardiff one of the busiest ports in the world. 

When Cardiff became a city in 1905, many important national institutions like the National Museum, National War Memorial, and Registry Building set themselves up there. Interestingly, the National Library picked Aberystwyth as its main centre because one of its founders felt Cardiff might not be Welsh enough.

When the coal industry declined, Cardiff pivoted its economy toward the financial sector, education, tourism, and services. The redevelopment of Cardiff Bay in the late 20th century rejuvenated the once-busy port. As I wandered around the waterfront, I contemplated taking a Ferris wheel ride for a scenic view from the top. 

The waterfront was bustling with activity, filled with the humdrum chatter of café patrons and children squealing as they played. Amidst this scene, the Pierhead Building, with its vibrant red Victorian façade, is fabulously contrasted with the sleek modern lines of the nearby Millenium Centre, the city's iconic performance venue. 

The waterfront is dotted with sculptures such as the Merchant Seaman's Memorial, a large bronze sculpture combining a sleeping head with a ship's hull, the statue of early 20th century Welsh arts performer Ivor Novello, and the Celtic Ring depicting maritime details associated with Cardiff's Docks. Cardiff is full of fascinating sculptures that any art enthusiast would thoroughly enjoy exploring by following the city's street art trail.

Bound north, I walked around the public plaza named after the endearing children's author Roald Dahl, who produced famous works such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and Fantastic Mr. Fox. I continued through the city centre, took a slight detour from my route, and visited Cardiff Castle for a dose of medieval history.

To capture its 2,000-year-old history would require an entire essay. Broadly speaking, the site began with a Roman fort (c.1st C), then a motte and bailey structure that overlooked the Castle Green (c.11th C), followed by stone fortifications and domestic buildings after that. The castle's transformation occurred in the 19th century when the 3rd Marquess of Bute, reputed to be the richest man in the world, began its restoration. Each room follows a theme, from Arabian-inspired decorations to a Roman-influence rooftop garden. The interior is an opulent display of richly detailed wall murals, frescoes, elaborate wood carvings, stained glass windows, gilded ceilings and more. The interior is a visual feast, filled with bold and muted colours, rich textures and delicate ornaments. 

Popping into the nearby café for afternoon tea, I treated myself to a Welsh cake. This small round cake, no bigger than a saucer, looked almost like a cross between a scone, a pancake and a cookie. Where it differed was in its lovely crumbly texture. 

Once finished, I will head for my final destination, Chepstow.