The Great Orme from Deganwy

A great walk with diverse wildlife and wildflowers over the dramatic limestone headland of the Great Orme. Offering stunning panoramic views of the Irish Sea, Snowdonia mountains, and Anglesey, with a mix of grassy paths, cliff edges, and potentially steep sections, including a climb to the summit and the café with expansive vistas.

Blue

9 March 2025

No dogs allowed

The walk starts in the car park detailed below. We initially cross over the railway bridge to join the coastal path towards Llandudno but veer off along the circular road which circles the Orme on the coast. We then cross the road to begin our ascent on a well trodden path which gets steeper as we climb up a grassy bank towards the top of The Great Orme. We then follow the path which follows the perimeter wall and eventually climb steeply to reach the summit complex with its toilets and café, when we will enjoy the comfort and shelter of the café for a coffee break and lunch stop although we should consume our lunch before entering the café!
Hopefully, if the weather is fine there are views, similar to the above, of the North Wales Coast and Anglesey, so fingers crossed! Following our lunch break we begin our descent, initially very gentle as we follow the road for a while towards Llandudno but then we join the path which leads through the pleasure gardens descending to rejoin the coastal path and our return along the coast to Deganwy.

At the time we did the Recce the ground conditions were fine despite previous rain, one reason for choosing this particular walk. Poles are recommended for the ascent and descent as well as the usual warm waterproofs for springtime walking, and don’t forget lunch!

If time and weather permit and we have the inclination, there is an option to visit Deganwy Castle, which will add about an hour to the walk and involves extending the walk, starting from the car park, by up to 2.5km with 100m of ascent but the views are well worth the effort.

The Great Orme from Deganwy walk route

Terrain:
Initially coastal path on track and sand then grassy path eventually getting steeper. Descent on paths eventually returning via coastal path to start
Map/Area:
Snowdon OL17
Starting Point:
Free car park in Deganwy just off A546 on left as you leave Deganwy. Grid ref SH777796. Nearest postcode LL31 9DR
What3Words:
///tailed.official.handbags
Walk Starts:
09:30
Walk Finishes:
14:00. (15:00 with Castle inc.)
Distance:
13.6km
Ascent:
346m
Highest Point:
The Great Orme 196m

Safety

Let the walk leader know of any relevant medical conditions

Refer to the Handbook for walk related information and specifically for recommended walking equipment https://ohwc.org.uk/kit-list/ and safety information https://ohwc.org.uk/safety/

Remember you are responsible for being properly equipped

Ensure you have the walk leader’s phone number in case of an emergency

If you become detached from the group STOP, call out; try contacting group by phone or text. If no contact return to the last place you were with the group. Wait 30 mins repeatedly trying to make contact. After 30 mins seek help and/or make your own way safely.

The Google map below is the location of the walk start point.