Great Orme Coastal Headland Walk, Llandudno

The walk follows the dramatic coastline of the Great Orme, with sweeping views across the Irish Sea. The open clifftops are excellent for wildlife spotting — peregrine falcons are regularly seen hunting above the cliffs, along with seabirds riding the air currents below.

About halfway around the circuit, there is a café where you can stop for refreshments and take in the panoramic views, adding a welcome pause to the walk and making it easy to enjoy at an unhurried pace.

The Great Orme is rich in history, with points of interest scattered across the headland. These include a small medieval church, the remains of a Bronze Age settlement, and an ancient copper mine that is among the oldest in Europe, all contributing to the area’s strong sense of time and place.

For those wanting to add a touch of nostalgia to the day, the historic tramway offers a memorable way to reach or leave the headland, climbing steadily with far-reaching views throughout.

One of the practical advantages of the Great Orme is its own microclimate — the headland often stays clear when the mountains inland are wrapped in cloud, making it a genuinely reliable option on unsettled days. A good walk to keep in mind when the Eryri forecast isn’t looking promising.

“This is one I recommend when guests aren’t sure about the mountain weather — the Great Orme often has its own microclimate and stays clearer than the hills around Beddgelert. Last time I was there I spotted peregrine falcons on the cliffs which was a real highlight. Good any time of year and the history is genuinely interesting — the copper mine alone is worth the visit.” — Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages