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Great Orme & Country Park from Llandudno Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.0 miles / 11.4 km

Ascent - 1200 feet / 364 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SH781826
Lat 53.326236 + Long -3.8317333
Postcode LL30 2LP (approx. location only)

Despite the proximity of Llandudno, the Great Orme can offer respite from the crowds on the seafront. This prominent Limestone headland rises to 207 metres above sea level and offers some expansive views of Llandudno and the coast, Conway with its fine castle and the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri).

The start for this walk is Prince Edward Square (grid ref SH781826) towards the western end of Llandudno's promenade. From here walk along North Parade (with the sea to your right) towards the entrance to the pier. Before reaching the pier, turn left following the signs to the Tram Station. Walk past the station and take the second small street on the right which leads you up to Cwlach Road. Turn left and continue through Haulfre Gardens to join the Invalids Walk, which is lined with benches donated by people that once enjoyed the view towards Conway and over Llandudno town.

You soon reach the start of a zig-zag path on your right. This is located just before a concrete shelter on the right and signed 'Summit Trail Zig-Zag'. The path climbs the steep hillside with the zig-zags making progress quite fast. Once on this trail stay on the main path and follow the clear signs and marker posts. The path levels for a short distance before climbing up a rocky step. The route continues in this fashion until sight of the summit comes in view. During the ascent a flock of wild goats were encountered. Do heed the warnings given on signs about feeding them.

You can take the direct route towards the trig point which marks the official summit of the Great Orme. From here walk the short distance to the summit station and the cafe/pub alongside. The onward route starts from the car park behind the summit tram station. To reach the path, walk into the car park and turn left and walk through the gap on the marked path. This follows a stone wall which is on your right. Continue to a wall corner and turn right along the wall. There are superb views to your left across to Conwy and the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri).

Reaching the end of the wall (grid ref. SH756836), turn right again. You will some evidence of the underlying limestone in this area. After about 300 metres bear half right (due north) following small paths towards the north coast of the headland. Quite soon you will reach a viewpoint offering a grand panorama along the north coast with rugged cliffs and the castellated walls of the lighthouse. You now need to rejoin the main path which has now become a track and this is followed alongside the wall as it heads south east in the general direction of the summit.

The track soon reaches a point where you have a bird's eye view of St Tudno's Church and cemetery far below you on the left. This is the next objective and is reached by either following the tarmac lane or cutting across the grassy path on the left.

Walk down the lane towards the Church. Almost opposite is a footpath sign. Follow this and the marker posts. At the first junction (grid ref. SH771835) take the left fork. This leads to cottages. Stay on the marked route and this soon takes you the top of the dry ski run and toboggan track. Two options are available at this point. Either follow the stepped path down towards Llandudno or alternatively bear left and follow a grassy path towards the cliff tops. Quite soon you will be rewarded with a superb view of the Pier and the whole of the front at Llandudno. To continue bear right and rejoin the concrete path. Do be careful if you have young children as there are some steep drops on this option.

Once on the main path through Happy Valley descend through some pleasant rock gardens towards the sea and town centre. The route is well signed. Joining a tarmac road, turn right. This takes you down past the Grand Hotel back to the start on the main promenade.

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