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12/8/22
The best walks in Llandudno are the promenade and pier (2 miles, easy), the Great Orme summit via Haulfre Gardens (3.5 miles, moderate), Marine Drive around the Great Orme (4 miles), the Little Orme to Angel Bay and Conwy Mountain (5 miles, challenging). All of them start from, or are a short drive from, The Esplanade on Llandudno promenade.
Llandudno is one of the best places for walking in North Wales. It has an easy seafront stroll, two headlands and a mountain on its doorstep, and you'll get sea views on almost every route. Dogs are welcome on most of the walks below, and selected rooms at The Esplanade are dog friendly.
1. Llandudno Promenade and Pier
About 2 miles there and back · 45–60 minutes · Easy
The Victorian promenade curves around the bay between the Great Orme and the Little Orme. The path is flat and wide, so it suits pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs. Walk to Llandudno Pier, the longest in Wales, for sea views and an ice cream. The Esplanade sits right on the promenade, so you can start before breakfast or finish with a drink at The Goat.
2. Great Orme walk to the summit via Haulfre Gardens
About 3.5 miles, circular · 1.5–2 hours · Moderate
Climb through Haulfre Gardens and up the hillside path to the summit of the Great Orme. From the top you can see across the bay to Eryri (Snowdonia). Look out for the wild Kashmiri goats that roam the headland. There's a café and visitor centre at the top. If your legs are tired, ride back down on the Great Orme Tramway or the cable car.
3. Great Orme walk along Marine Drive
About 4 miles, circular · 2–2.5 hours · Easy to moderate
Marine Drive runs around the base of the headland, along the cliff edge and past the lighthouse. It's mostly flat with a few gentle climbs, and has sea views the whole way. Combine it with the summit route for a full day out.
4. Little Orme walk to Angel Bay
Circular · Moderate
The Little Orme, at the east end of the bay, is quieter than its big brother. The path climbs from Penrhyn Bay onto the ridge, with views back across Llandudno Bay to the Great Orme. A steep path drops down to Angel Bay, where you may be lucky enough to spot a seal. The ground is uneven in places, so wear sturdy shoes.
5. West Shore and the Conwy estuary
Distance to suit · Easy
West Shore is Llandudno's quieter beach, a short walk from the town centre. It has golden sand, views across the estuary to Conwy and Anglesey, and some of the best sunsets in Wales.
6. Conwy Mountain walk
About 5 miles, circular · 2.5–3 hours · Challenging
A 10-minute drive from Llandudno, Conwy Mountain is a proper hill walk without the scale of Yr Wyddfa. The route crosses heathland and a rocky ridge to an Iron Age hillfort. From the top you can see Conwy Castle, the estuary, Anglesey and the mountains of Eryri.
Walks in Llandudno by season
- Spring: wildflowers on the Great Orme, and quieter paths before the summer crowds.
- Summer: early starts on the promenade and pier, and evenings at West Shore for the sunset.
- Autumn: colour in Haulfre Gardens, and a day out at nearby Bodnant Garden.
- Winter: the flat promenade and Marine Drive, with a warm-up at The Goat afterwards.
Walking with children
For little legs, take the Great Orme Tramway up and walk the gentle summit paths. The promenade and pier also make an easy loop, with the beach for paddling on the way.
Stay on Llandudno promenade
The Esplanade has welcomed guests since the 1920s. It sits on the promenade, with the Great Orme at one end of the bay and the Little Orme at the other. There's a small free car park at the rear (first come, first served), so you can leave the car and walk from the door. Check availability or see our latest offers.
Quick answers
What is the Great Orme?
The Great Orme is a limestone headland at the western end of Llandudno, rising 679ft (207m) above the bay. It's a country park with walking trails, the Great Orme Tramway, a cable car, Bronze Age copper mines and wild Kashmiri goats.
Can you drive up the Great Orme?
Yes, there's a road to the summit car park. You can also take the Great Orme Tramway or the cable car.
What is the easiest walk in Llandudno?
The promenade. It's about 2 miles there and back, flat and wide, and suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs.
Where should I stay for walking in Llandudno?
The Esplanade sits on Llandudno promenade between the Great Orme and the Little Orme. Most walks start from the door, and there's free parking at the rear (first come, first served).
