Day 6: Penarth to Barry

Miles: 12 (RT: 62)

Falafels: 3 (RT: 17)

Today's leg begins in beautiful, sunny Penarth with some interesting artwork demonstrating the longevity of this residential school, originally a children's home, set in this building which was donated in 1918 in memory of Major J A Gibbs who died in the first world war. 

We stroll along the promenade. Many people are enjoying ice-creams or beers on the prom as local business do what they can to navigate the easing out of lockdown. The pier itself was opened in 1898 to facilitate ferries carrying leisure seakers from Cardiff.  It's relatively short as it was feared that a longer one would interfere with the busy cargo shipping lane into Cardiff Dock. Can you imagine the Victorian gents and ladies rolling in on pleasure steamers for an ice cream and maybe the cheeky dip of an ankle? The pier was requisition by the army during World War 1 as the pleasure steamers were used as minesweepers! As well as being damanged during WW1, the unlucky pier has also had a number of errant cargo ships collide with it during bad weather, and caught fire on August bank holiday in 1931. 

I do wonder what the key to Penarth's success is when other seaside towns around the UK have fallen into decline. Whilst trying to find out the answer to this, I did find some interesting facts such as that there used to be a tunnel connecting Cardiff to Penarth up until 1965 which meant commuters could walk or cycle under the the River Ely. 

Flatholm and Steepholm still loom on the horizon as I look out on the shingly beach.

The path takes us through Cliff Top Park. The sun is shining and many young families and dog walkers are out making the most of it. 

Not a bad suggestion when I realise that I've left the falafel in the car. When the poor have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich! - Jean Jacques Rousseau. A warning to the Charlie Mullins's of the world on the precipice of the coming economic crisis. 

After Cliff Top Park, we approach Lavernock through a stretch of what had previously mostly came to mind when I thought of a Coastal Path. Bushy and overgrown footpaths punctuated with glimpses of stunning sea views. 

We are now alongside Flatholm. This is the clearest view of the island. We can make out the lighthouse and some other buildings. 

Lavernock Battery: Originally build in the 19th century to protect the Severn Estuary, it was utilised in World War 2 after being equipped with two anti-aircraft guns. A reminder of how close to home the battle against fascism and totalitarianism can come. Can you imagine the pressure on the gunners in the battery charged with preventing at attack? 

The wild flowers are catching my attention again. Are these thistles? 

Good bye to Flatholm an Steepholm. I'll have to jump on a ferry and explore you properly one day. 

As we walk cross this coastal walk in Sully, a military aircraft flies over and turns in the estuary, possibly heading in to St. Athan. 

We are now heading towards Barry, and a more industrial feel is returning to the scenery. This is to be expected as we approach what was once the largest coal exporting port in Wales. This is a plastic resin processing facility. 

Barry Town Hall and Library built in 1890. 

This is the slogan of a group campaigning against practices by social services which are seen as overzealous and too quick to remove children from struggling families and have them adopted. Social work must be one of the most difficult jobs in the world especially in the context of years of austerity and funding cuts. 

David Davies - Welsh industrialist and liberal politician who founded Barry Docks. A quick bit of research explains that Davies represents the dream that liberal ideology sells to us all. E.g. that talent and  hard work will lead to wealth and success. The fact that his enterprises such as railway building brought employment to the area allowed him to enter the realm of politics and take on the landed gentry and their grip on governance at the time. 

Coming in to the waterfront at Barry Docks, we enter an area that is undergoing regeneration with new houses and retail/leisure facilities under construction. Hopefully the housing is affordable so that everyone can enjoy what Barry has to offer.

This is Barry Pumping Station - built in the 1880s to bring power to the dock. The eye catching building has been recognised as prime for redevelopment and will include a gym, cafe and some residential blocks. As long as it's accessible and affordable for everyone in the community, it seems like a good way to keep the building alive to me.