Find us
The boathouse bench, Lake Road East end.
We do not have a building, which is the point, so here is how to find us: the bench by the boathouse at the Lake Road East end of the promenade, the lighthouse for the running group, and under the big trees by the conservatory when it rains. Look for the pile of kettlebells.
Getting here, and what to bring
Where we meet
Roath Park, by the bench at the boathouse end of the promenade, Lake Road East side. Bootcamps and one-to-one start there; the running group meets at the lighthouse. In rain, look for us under the big trees between the promenade and the conservatory.
Getting here
Buses 27, 28 and 28A along Lake Road East and the 52 along Ninian Road stop within three minutes. Cycle racks at the boathouse and the conservatory. Free parking on Lake Road East and West before 8am; the Nant Fawr car park off Rhyd-y-Penau Road for the running group.
What to bring
Trainers you do not mind getting wet, layers you can take off, water, and a towel for the car. We bring everything else: kettlebells, ropes, bands, mats, cones, a sled, a first-aid kit and a defibrillator.
Weather
We train in rain, wind and cold; under the trees it is mostly fine, and after five minutes you will not notice. Lightning, ice on the paths, or a red warning cancels, by text an hour before, and the session is credited. That is about four days a year.
Toilets and coffee
Public toilets by the conservatory, open from 7am. The kiosk by the boathouse opens at 8am and the Sunday running group has a table outside it. The conservatory café from 10am.
Access
The promenade and the lake path are flat and tarmac; the lawns are grass. Wheelchair users and anyone who cannot do grass train on the promenade, and we have done it for years. Tell us at the free session and we plan round it.
Can't see us? Ring 029 2018 0460; one of us will walk to the gate.
The first session is free. Come and stand by the lake.
Tell us what you are after and roughly when you can train, and we reply within the hour between sessions with a time for a free first session: a walk round the lake, a look at how you move, and an honest answer about what it will take. Or just turn up to a bootcamp, the first one is free too.