A round trip from the end of the promenade in Llandudno, up the Great Orme and back.
Start: SH780827
Length: 3.5 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: Moderate
At the west end of the promenade there's a roundabout and you will be able to see the Grand Hotel. Follow the road leading towards the hotel.
The pier will come in to sight as you follow the curve of the road slowly climbing the hill.
To your left will be the cable car, although this only operates during peak months. It's an ideal alternative to walking up the Great Orme if you just want to see the spectacular views from the top. The cable car, built in 1969, is over one mile in length and is the longest aerial cabin lift in the United Kingdom.
Follow the road past the cable car and eating area on the left. This area is called "The Happy Valley" and was once a copper mining site and then a slate quarry. It is now a public park.
The ski centre will come in to sight and, to the right there is a gap in the stone wall leading to steps climbing the mountain. At the top you will be able to see the whole of Llandudno Bay below.
In the distance you will be able to see a radio mast. Head towards this and then follow the "Summit" (Y Copa in Welsh) sign when you reach it. The path curves around and you will the reach the halfway point tram station. Again, as with the cable car, this is an ideal alternative to walking, even if you only take the tram half way and then walk the rest. Unlike the cable car, the trams run from late March to late October (see www.greatormetramway.co.uk).
Follow the route of the tramway up the mountain towards the buildings at the summit.
At the top is a cafe and a gift shop.
Continue then along the road back down the hill exiting the car park, with the visitor's centre on your left.
After a short while you will see a grass path leading off the the right. There's a footpath sign which you can follow, although these then seem to disappear. When the view over towards Conwy Castle comes in to sight, bear left as if you're heading back towards the bay.
You will find a stile. This leads between some gardens at the back of a group of houses and on to a small road.
Follow the road until you see a grass path leading off to the left. You will come across another group of houses. Follow the road leading past them until you reach the tramway. Follow the road down the hill along the tramway.
The lower tram station will come in to sight, and the road leading to the roundabout at the start is just a little way further on.
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