Set amongst ‘Great Orme’ the mini mountain famous in Conwy, Great Orme Park it is a perfect example of how nature and man-made can come together in one landscape.
The park itself is based around a piece of limestone which forms a headland adjacent to the area of Llandudno.
The ‘Great Orme’ is 3.2km long and 1.6km wide and approximately 200 feet above sea level. The site has long been of geological and archaeological interest, both for experts and local enthusiasts alike. It is also a SSSI (site of special scientific interest) like many areas in the county of Conwy. You can even watch local seabird colonies live from inside the visitors centre making it suitable for enthusiasts and families.
The vast sea cliffs, limestone and weathered heathland allow an enormous variety of rare wildflowers and species to live in the local area. An abundant variety of flower species on and around the Great Orme provide food and play their part in the food chain for many different species of butterfly.
It is also home to one of the oldest cable-car routes in the UK, which has survived in prime condition to the current day. Although the summer time is the optimum time to view the many views of the local landscapes, all year round it offers views over to the Little Orme, the Conwy Estuary and the Irish sea. An attraction not to be missed if you get the chance and/or can undertake the heights.
Is It Hard to Walk up the Great Orme?
There is a nature trail that goes up the Great Orme, and is perfect to view the local coastline with uninterrupted views. It is steep, so sturdy walking shoes would be recommended. There are two route options, one is 6.5km and the other is 5.5km so depending on your day, pick which one would best suit you.
From the top, you are able to see the Carneddau mountains, the Menai Straights, Anglesey, the Irish Sea and all the way to Liverpool Bay. So it may be steep, but the views from the top make the trek to the top worthwhile.
How Long Does It Take to Walk Down the Great Orme?
In total, it should take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to walk down Great Orme at a moderate pace as the terrain is much easier to navigate on the way down.
What’s at the top of the Great Orme
There is a cafe and restaurant at the top of a summit, ready for those needing a refreshment after walking up. However, you can also access the summit by car, tram, cable car or bus. There is also a visitor centre for those who want to learn a little more about the historic summit and local area.
Great Orme Cable Car
If heights aren’t your thing… then this may not be for you – but for those who choose the mode of transport, people often say it was an ‘exhilarating’ and ‘breathtaking’ way to the top of the summit.
These bright red, blue, yellow and orange cable cars (which opened in 1902) are unmissable in the Great Orme landscape. The highest point in the cable cars is 80 feet above the ground, supported by tall pylons.
The journey is a little over a mile long and only takes 9 minutes to get to the top, allowing you time to take in views.
The cable cars at Great Orme will take you (silently, unlike most) up to the top, offering breathtaking views into the neighbouring coastlines. It is the longest cable car in the UK, and for this reason continues to be one of the most popular.