The Great Orme

There is so much to do on the Great Orme.  One of the Great Orme’s Kashmir goats can be seen grazing on its slopes.  The headland is also home to about 200 Kashmir goats.  The herd which has roamed the Orme since the middle of the 19th century, is descended from a pair of goats that were presented by the Shah of Persia to Queen Victoria shortly after her coronation.

You can go to the Llandudno Snowsport Centre.  There is plenty to do from Tubing and Tobogganing to skiing on the slopes.  It offers skiers and snowboarders for all levels.  The Llandudno Cable car is an attraction which runs along the Great Orme spanning a distance of one mile forty feet exactly.  The cable car was opened in the summer of 1969 and has been operational since.

If you would like to walk around the Great Orme, you will more than likely see the goats, but if your really lucky you may get to see the Seals in the sea.   The route starts at the very far end of the promenade near the pier – or North Parade. Follow the road past the Grand Hotel, and pass above the entrance the pier. You’re soon onto the Marine Drive and the hustle and bustle of Llandudno is soon forgotten.

The Marine Drive road is easy to follow, and ascends gently for the most part. The drops to the right are however quite steep, and while there are some paths that lead off towards the small coves we wouldn’t recommend following these unless you have a bit of local knowledge. There was someone fishing in the sea down there when we passed, but we couldn’t see from high above how he actually got there!

Once you pass the Rest and Be Thankful cafe, the views start to open out even more. Even to a seasoned local, Ynys Mon is seen from an unusual angle with Ynys Seiriol seen end on. You can turn right onto a wide grassy platform for an even better view.

The road descends now, but the views still open out. It’s now the Carneddau and the Conwy Bay’s turn, with each new step revealing even more of the view. As you descend, pass above a row of expensive housing, and try and spot the old Bishop’s Palace ruins by the shore.

Pass the gatehouse, and soon after there’s a surfaced footpath to your left. This climbs initially, and is also the start of the ascent to the Orme (which is worth adding on to this route if time permits). Continue along this path, through the Haulfre Gardens, with views across Llandudno and plenty of resting spots for those taking a more relaxed walk. The statues of Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee are part of the Alice Town Trail which looks like a load of fun for families (and just about anyone!)

The path leaves the Haulfre Gardens and now you need to follow the lane, which takes you past the tram station and back to the start of the wal

For more information visit:

www.mudandroutes.com/routes/walk-around-the-great-orme-wales-coastal-path-circular-route/#:~:text=1%20The%20route%20starts%20at%20the%20very%20far,follow%2C%20and%20ascends%20gently%20for%20the%20most%20part.