Great Orme & Country Park, Llandudno (short route)

Conwy Walk

Maps

Walk Route Description

This route makes an excellent half day walk from Llandudno. The Great Orme offers some quite wild country in contrast to the crowds on the seafront. The Great Orme is prominent Limestone headland that rises to 207 metres above sea level with some wonderful views to be enjoyed in all directions including 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. However be careful crossing the tramway with its moving cable and trams. From here walk the short distance to the summit station and the café/pub alongside. Looking down towards the coast on the northern side of the Great orme you will see a church and a large cemetery. This is the next objective and is reached by following the marked path across grass that leads to the lane above St Tudno's church.

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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