The Great Orme is a limestone headland that rises straight out of the sea, close to the town of Llandudno in North Wales.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the Great Orme to climb to the top. It offers history, views and unrivalled walking trails. Here’s a complete guide to the Great Orme Walks before you visit.
Great Orme Walking Routes
There are lots of different walks up and around the Great Orme summit, for all abilities. The summit trails are some of the shorter walks at around 1 mile (1.6km). Longer walks, taking you around the headland, can last up to 4 miles (6.4km). Our favourites include the:
Historical Trail
The Great Orme is doused in history, that much is for sure. The landscape is rich in historical remains, from the Bronze age copper mines to the Second World War artillery school.
The historical trail starts from the summit of the Great Orme (right by the car park) but feels far from boring. It’s an easy walk, but hefty, that’s for sure — covering a distance of 7 miles over grassy paths, tracks and roads. See the ancient sights, but also take in modern views of Liverpool Bay, the Carneddau mountains, and Anglesey.
Take a break halfway at the Summit Complex, and have a bite to eat before continuing on with the (not boring) history lesson.
Zig Zag Trail
The Zig Zag Trail ascends or descends the Great Orme between Llandudno’s West Shore and its Summit, or vice-versa of course. At only a mile long, it’s a beautiful trail that gives (semi) easy access up the steep West Shore escarpment. The path begins as it continues, with a series of zig-zagging steps. Get it… zig-zagging steps. Zig Zag Trail.
It is steep in places but offers breathtaking views across the Conwy Estuary to Snowdonia.
Nature Trail
Along with history, the Great Orme is also known for its wildlife. Discover it on the Nature Trail. The route starts and finishes again at the summit and the trail is clearly marked. It’s about 4 miles long and is an easy walk throughout. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead as you’ll see many sheep and goats grazing on the headland.
Summit Trail
Also known as the Happy Valley Trail, the Summit Trail is around a mile and a half long. miles long and it should take about 90 minutes or so to reach the summit.
On the walk you’ll see a ski slope, mini-golf and cable car rides to name but a few of the attractions. Less nature trail, not so historical, but definitely just as interesting in its own right.
The walk starts near the base of the limestone cliffs of the Great Orme, passes close to the copper mines and then through Happy Valley, a former quarry that has been transformed into beautiful gardens.
Haulfre Gardens Trail
Haulfre Gardens are situated on the west side of the Great Orme headland. The gardens have been open as a public park since the early-20th century and offer many beautiful walking paths.
To get there, you’ll tackle the Haulfre Gardens Trail. The trail path is again around a mile long and an easy walk. It is steep at the beginning, but it does flatten slightly. Pre-warning. Steps. Lots and lots of steps. But after an hour or so, you’re at the top and you’re rewarded with incredible views.