Year of Adventure: Kayaking the capital

The River Taff is backbone of our capital city; edging some of Cardiff's most impressive landmarks before finally ending up in Cardiff Bay.

For kayakers, this is a training ground.

For me, it's a unique way to see how city life and adventure combine.

I joined Matthew Houghton, an instructor from Cardiff's International White Water Centre to paddle a five and a half mile stretch, from Llandaff Rowing Club to Cardiff Bay.

Weaving through copper flecked trees, we paddled past Bute Park ,and the rather intimidating (if you're in a kayak) Blackweir.

The water levels were perfect to paddle over it, but don't try this at home as it can often be dangerous.

For Matthew, this is a little haven in the middle of the city.

The paddling gets tougher (and the river busier) as you pass the Principality Stadium; the imposing skyline well worth the extra effort.

Then it's down past the flats and out into Cardiff Bay, and the end of a really big adventure in the heart of a city.