Great Orme and Country Park from Llandudno
This walk starts from Llandudno and climbs the Great Orme to enjoy great views and some solitude away from the bustle of Llandudno. There is some steep uphill and downhill walking so wear appropriate footwear.
A
Llandudno walk
posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 29/07/16
Description
(S/E) 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.
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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(S/E).
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 9 m - Prince Edward Square
- 1 : km 1.22 - alt. 61 m - Turn right
- 2 : km 2.33 - alt. 185 m - Take the direct route towards the trig point
- 3 : km 3.49 - alt. 102 m - Walk down the lane
- 4 : km 4.07 - alt. 125 m - Bear left and follow a grassy path
- 5 : km 4.88 - alt. 113 m - Happy Valley
- S/E : km 5.82 - alt. 9 m
Useful Information
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.
(4) Two options are available at this point, the first on the description and the second: Follow the stepped path down towards Llandudno.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Reviews and comments
Clarity of route description
4 / 5
Clarity of route map
3.3 / 5
Walk interest
4.7 / 5
Delphinium
Hi Jay_dog,
I am sorry you encountered a few issues with the description and PDF. Do you have any suggestions to improve the description?
Regarding the PDF if you have premium access "Visorando Club", you can adjust/personnalise the map scale and other information as you wish. 😊 Still glad you managed to have a lovely walk.
Enjoy your walks
Date of walk : 17/02/23
Clarity of route description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Clarity of route map : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Lovely walk but not in any way helped by the directions which weren't clear and had gaps and ambiguity. That might have been OK if the map in the PDF had been at a resolution that allowed you to do anything other that get rough orientation cues. Hopefully a one off issue with this map and route. Otherwise a lovely day in a lovely part of North Wales.
Date of walk : 22/09/19
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
A superb walk with stunning views. There are new things to see at every turn.
Date of walk : 09/09/19
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
A fascinating walk. Superb views all the way up. I recommend you stop for a cuppa at the summit complex and read some of the information posted about the history of the area. If you're feeling tired you can always return to Llandudno town via cable car or tram.
