4 minute read
Walking
Walkingworld
A Welsh walk to go down in history
When it comes to breathtaking walks, we really are spoilt for choice here in North Wales. Not only that, we can stroll along our beautiful coastlines and enjoy postcard-perfect sights – from sand-dunes and clifftops to castles.
As part of the Wales Coast Path’s tenth anniversary celebrations, Cadw has teamed up with the Coast Path to bring you what might well be one of the nation’s very best coastal walks.
Curated by Natural Resources Wales’ Deiniol Tegid, the eightmile itinerary (which also includes four- and five-mile options) is memorable in the fact that it’s a trail of two halves; a unique juxtaposition of scenery and history – it’s hard to think of a better stretch of land to showcase what makes North Wales so special. Starting on Llandudno Promenade and ending in Conwy, it’s very much a journey over land and through time; with visions of medieval, Elizabethan and Victorian Wales as palpable as the route’s unmistakably fresh sea breeze. Summarising the walk, Gruff Owen, Wales Coast Path officer for the North Wales coast, said: “The first half clings to the narrow cliff-edge road around the Great Orme’s limestone cliffs, providing fabulous coastal views for miles around. The second [half] is completely flat, beside a fabulous beach, up the Conwy estuary and finishing in the unique medieval town of Conwy.”
So, what are you waiting for? Fasten those laces, fill up a flask and pack your sense of adventure, as we take you on a journey of hiraeth, history and heritage.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Distance:
J 4 miles / 6 kilometres (if starting at West Shore); J 5 miles / 7 kilometres (if finishing at West Shore and walking back to Llandudno’s North Shore) via Haulfre Gardens; J 8 miles / 14 kilometres for the whole route.
Transport:
J By Train: Please note that most train services require a change at Llandudno Junction. What’s more, those able to show a valid Transport for
Wales train will gain 2FOR1 entry to a Cadw site! J By Bus: Bus services run regularly between
Llandudno town centre and Conwy. J By Car: There are several public car parks and on-street parking in Llandudno town centre,
West Shore and Conwy for those driving.
Toilets and Refreshments:
J There are plenty of toilets along the route — likewise, food and drink outlets.
THE ROUTE
From Llandudno’s promenade, this route starts by passing the entrance to its Pier, before meandering your way around the Great Orme. These limestone cliffs not only provide stunning views, but also the first of many photo opportunities.
In fact, keep your camera handy as you continue along Marina Drive where, once past the tollbooth, a memorable picture of the pier, Llandudno Bay and Little Orme awaits. Built up an appetite? Along the cliffs ahead you’ll find the Rest
and Be Thankful café: a clifftop gem offering replenishment and views along the North Wales coast.
Geographically, it’s downhill from here, with vistas aplenty as you reach West Shore beach, before a steep climb takes you through Haulfre Gardens towards Conwy — where history awaits.
As its turrets come into view, you’ll need to cross the cob past Thomas Telford’s suspension bridge to reach Conwy Castle: one of the most magnificent medieval masterpieces Europe has to offer. (Open daily from 9:30am – 5pm for visitors and Cadw members.)
Even after 700 years, this iconic fortress is exceptionally well preserved and, thanks to restored spiral staircases in the Castle’s great towers, you can walk a complete circuit around its battlements.
A mere five-minute walk from Conwy Castle and you’ll find
the town’s second Cadw site, Plas Mawr: the finest surviving
Elizabethan town house anywhere in Britain.
It’s the perfect finale to your journey, one that begs the Whether it’s the medieval magnificence of Conwy Castle,
or the pomp and prestige of Plas Mawr, this route will leave you looking to rediscover more Welsh history – and may inspire you to protect and preserve historic sites for future generations to come. Cadw believes that – just like its coast path – Wales’ historic places are there for us all, to keep.
And, as our historic places continue to play a vital role in shaping modern Wales – providing a living link to our diverse histories whilst helping us make sense of our place in a changing world – they also believe in a society where these sites are cared for, understood and shared by everyone.
Cadw’s work, therefore, is to care for and protect them — so they can continue to inspire generations to come. That work wouldn’t be possible, however, without its members, whose invaluable contributions support the protection of Wales’ awe-inspiring monuments.
And, in many ways, that’s what makes Cadw membership so special, unique, and important in the first place. Yes, membership means unlimited access to
130 historic sites across Wales — but it also means that, from as little as £4.00 a month for family membership, exploring Wales today is also a pledge to preserving its tomorrow.
A WORD OF CAUTION
Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.
