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. But what awaits when you get to the top? Here’s your complete guide to the Great Orme Summit.
How High is the Summit?
High. The Great Orme Summit is 679 ft high. From here, you’ll find breathtaking views of Llandudno, areas of Snowdonia National Park, the Isle of Anglesey and the Irish sea.
How Do You Get to the Summit?
By Foot: 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), so choose wisely.
By Car: You can drive to the top of Great Orme from the toll road. The toll road is four miles long and comes with a toll charge of £3.70 per car, but you can park at the summit for free with a toll ticket. So really, you’re just paying for parking.
By Tram: Climb aboard a tramcar at Victoria Station and climb the summit through the winding roads of Great Orme. Or, go one further, and hop on a Llandudno cable car that will take you from Happy Valley in Llandudno, right up to the summit of the Great Orme. Those are views you really can’t miss.
What’s at the Summit of the Great Orme?
Make the journey, and you’ll not only be met with breathtaking views of North Wales and a number of waymarked walks around the Orme, but you’ll also find the Summit Complex.
You’ll find The Captain’s Table cafe, — pre-warning, it’s expensive — and a gift shop. You’ll also find the Randolph Turpin Bar, dedicated to its namesake, who was a world middleweight boxer who used to own the Complex. A golf course and a play area round out the complex and make for a nice way to spend a few hours if the weather isn’t favourable at the summit.