What does a World War 2 Gunning Training Artillery, a house once owned by Cliff Richard and a Himalayan Goat have in common?
You can see them all on the Marine Drive Toll Road.
The Marine Drive Toll Road is a 5-mile scenic coastal drive around the base of the Great Orme headland. More than just a road, it’s a real must do for any visit to Llandudno.
Here’s why.
Why Visit Marine Drive Toll Road?
Did I mention Cliff Richard once owned you can see from there?
The Marine Drive Toll Road offers a wonderful opportunity to drive around the Great Orme. With wonderful scenery to take in around the ride, you can stop off, explore the church yard, admire the views and stop for a coffee at the Rest & Be Thankful Cafe.
Both Marine Drive and the Great Orme have been used by film production companies, and it’s easy to see why: the road winds and turns through the most majestic views in Wales, affronted by a sheer drop in portions of the cliffs which offer spectacular overlooks to the sea.
Driving this road is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
How Long Is Marine Drive Toll Road?
The Marine Drive Toll Road is around 5 miles long, offering an abundance of stopping places to admire the great views of the sea and the town of Llandudno.
Is It One Way?
Part of it is: the first three and a half miles is one-way traffic only.
Can You Walk the Marine Drive Toll Road?
Yes, you can walk the Marine Drive toll road — while there is a toll for vehicles, the road can be walked for free. And, it’s better. If you’re able to, you can see much more of the Orme than if you make the journey by car.
Guide books will tell you it’s 5 miles, my walking app recorded 4.1 miles from Toll House to Toll House (but don’t blame me if you get hit with an unexpected mile!). It will take a few hours, but it’s worth every minute.
Get your walking shoes on, take in the luxury beach houses at the West Beach end and the mountain Kashmiri goats at the other and thank me later.
What Is the Price?
The toll is priced per vehicle, rather than per person.
For a car, you’ll pay £3.90. A motor bike £2.00, while a minibus will set you back £7.00. If you really love the Marine Drive Toll Road, you can nab a season permit for £44.
When you consider that your toll ticket also covers parking at the summit, less than a fiver feels pretty reasonable for the breathtaking views.
You can pay using the PayByPhone app — just show your receipt at the toll booth. Not tech-savvy? You needn’t worry, you can pay with good old-fashioned cash at the toll booth too.