The Great Orme, Llandudno

A round trip from the end of the promenade in Llandudno, up the Great Orme and back.

Start: SH780827

Length: 3.5 miles

Duration: 2.5 hours

Grade: Moderate

Waypoint 1. Grid reference SH780827

Waypoint 1 photo

At the west end of the promenade there's a roundabout and you will be able to see the Grand Hotel. Follow the road leading towards the hotel.

Waypoint 2. Grid reference SH782829

Waypoint 2 photo

The pier will come in to sight as you follow the curve of the road slowly climbing the hill.

Waypoint 3. Grid reference SH781830

Waypoint 3 photo

To your left will be the cable car, although this only operates during peak months. It's an ideal alternative to walking up the Great Orme if you just want to see the spectacular views from the top. The cable car, built in 1969, is over one mile in length and is the longest aerial cabin lift in the United Kingdom.

Waypoint 4. Grid reference SH781830

Waypoint 4 photo

Follow the road past the cable car and eating area on the left. This area is called "The Happy Valley" and was once a copper mining site and then a slate quarry. It is now a public park.

Waypoint 5. Grid reference SH778831

Waypoint 5 photo

The ski centre will come in to sight and, to the right there is a gap in the stone wall leading to steps climbing the mountain. At the top you will be able to see the whole of Llandudno Bay below.

Waypoint 6. Grid reference SH777834

Waypoint 6 photo

In the distance you will be able to see a radio mast. Head towards this and then follow the "Summit" (Y Copa in Welsh) sign when you reach it. The path curves around and you will the reach the halfway point tram station. Again, as with the cable car, this is an ideal alternative to walking, even if you only take the tram half way and then walk the rest. Unlike the cable car, the trams run from late March to late October (see www.greatormetramway.co.uk).

Waypoint 7. Grid reference SH770832

Waypoint 7 photo

Follow the route of the tramway up the mountain towards the buildings at the summit.

Waypoint 8. Grid reference SH765834

Waypoint 8 photo

At the top is a cafe and a gift shop.

Waypoint 9. Grid reference SH766831

Waypoint 9 photo

Continue then along the road back down the hill exiting the car park, with the visitor's centre on your left.

Waypoint 10. Grid reference SH767828

Waypoint 10 photo

After a short while you will see a grass path leading off the the right. There's a footpath sign which you can follow, although these then seem to disappear. When the view over towards Conwy Castle comes in to sight, bear left as if you're heading back towards the bay.

Waypoint 11. Grid reference SH768827

Waypoint 11 photo

You will find a stile. This leads between some gardens at the back of a group of houses and on to a small road.

Waypoint 12. Grid reference SH770828

Waypoint 12 photo

Follow the road until you see a grass path leading off to the left. You will come across another group of houses. Follow the road leading past them until you reach the tramway. Follow the road down the hill along the tramway.

Waypoint 13. Grid reference SH775829

Waypoint 13 photo

The lower tram station will come in to sight, and the road leading to the roundabout at the start is just a little way further on.