From dramatic coastal cliffs to tranquil woodlands and majestic mountain trails, Llandudno and its surrounding areas offer some of the best walking opportunities in the UK. Are you staying at hotels llandudno and want to find the best walks around the area? Whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid hiker, here’s a guide to the top walks in and around Llandudno that showcase the natural beauty and heritage of this charming region.
1. Great Orme Summit Walk
The Great Orme is Llandudno’s most iconic landmark and offers a must-do walk for visitors. This limestone headland towers over the town, providing stunning views of the Irish Sea, the coast, and even the Isle of Man on a clear day.
Route:
Start your walk from Llandudno’s seafront and head towards the Great Orme Visitor Centre. From there, follow the well-marked paths to the summit. The walk can be as gentle or as challenging as you like, with several routes that vary in difficulty. For a relaxed pace, take the Great Orme Tramway up and stroll around the summit plateau, or opt for the more rugged Marine Drive, a circular road that loops around the base of the Orme with jaw-dropping views along the way.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Snowdonia and Anglesey
- Spotting the Great Orme’s wild Kashmiri goats
- The historic Great Orme Copper Mines
Walk Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1-3 hours depending on the route
2. Llandudno to Conwy Coastal Path
This is a beautiful coastal walk that connects two historic towns: Llandudno and Conwy. Following part of the Wales Coast Path, it offers striking seascapes, wildlife spotting, and a mix of historical landmarks.
Route:
Begin your walk at Llandudno’s North Shore and head towards Deganwy along the seafront, passing the old Deganwy Castle ruins on the hill. As you continue, the path leads you along the banks of the River Conwy before arriving at the mediaeval walled town of Conwy. Take time to explore Conwy Castle and stroll along the town walls for fantastic views over the estuary.
Highlights:
- Historical Deganwy Castle and Conwy Castle
- Beautiful coastal and riverside scenery
- Conwy Quay with its quaint harbour and fresh seafood stalls
Walk Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours (6 miles)
3. West Shore to Deganwy Circular Walk
For those seeking a quieter route, the walk from Llandudno’s West Shore beach to Deganwy offers a peaceful alternative to the town’s more bustling areas. The West Shore has expansive sands, perfect for a peaceful stroll, with views of Anglesey and the Carneddau Mountains.
Route:
Start at Llandudno’s West Shore and walk along the promenade. Follow the coastal path towards Deganwy, passing sand dunes and stunning views across to Conwy. Once in Deganwy, you can explore the castle ruins or grab a coffee in one of the local cafés. Head back to Llandudno via the same route or follow a more inland path for a circular walk.
Highlights:
- Stunning views of Conwy Bay and the Great Orme
- Wildlife such as seabirds and sometimes seals near the shore
- Deganwy’s peaceful harbour
Walk Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2-3 hours (5 miles)
4. Haulfre Gardens and Happy Valley Walk
For a shorter yet scenic stroll, the Haulfre Gardens and Happy Valley offer charming walks close to Llandudno’s town centre. These walks take you through beautifully maintained gardens, hidden woodland paths, and provide sweeping views of the town.
Route:
Start at Happy Valley Gardens, nestled beneath the Great Orme, where you’ll find a tranquil park with mature trees, Victorian architecture, and walking trails that wind up the hill. From here, follow the paths into the Haulfre Gardens, which are located on the hillside between the Great Orme and the West Shore. The path rewards you with panoramic views over the town and Llandudno Bay, framed by lush greenery and vibrant floral displays.
Highlights:
- Peaceful gardens and hidden viewpoints
- Close proximity to Llandudno town centre
- Great for photography with its mix of nature and Victorian heritage
Walk Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
5. Little Orme Walk
If you’re looking for a quieter, less-touristy alternative to the Great Orme, head to the Little Orme on the eastern side of Llandudno. This smaller headland provides equally beautiful views but offers a more rugged and peaceful environment.
Route:
The walk begins at Penrhyn Bay, following the path along the coast towards the Little Orme. Once at the top, the views over the Irish Sea and back toward Llandudno are spectacular. The area is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including nesting seabirds and occasionally seals in the nearby coves.
Highlights:
- Quiet, less-travelled paths
- Abundant wildlife and seabird colonies
- Dramatic cliffs and seascapes
Walk Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-3 hours
6. Bodnant Garden Walks
Just a short drive from Llandudno, Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the UK. Autumn is a particularly special time to visit, with vibrant foliage transforming the landscape into a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Route:
The garden itself has several walking routes, from gentle strolls around the formal gardens to more rugged woodland trails that lead down to the River Hiraethlyn. The Dell is a highlight, with its tranquil river, stepping stones, and picturesque bridges. The garden’s walking trails are perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape and an immersion in nature.
Highlights:
- Stunning seasonal plant displays, particularly in autumn
- Serene riverside and woodland trails
- Historic garden architecture, including Italianate terraces
Walk Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1-2 hours
7. Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls
A little further afield but easily accessible from Llandudno is the charming village of Betws-y-Coed, often referred to as the gateway to Snowdonia. Here, you’ll find scenic forest walks along the River Llugwy and the stunning Swallow Falls waterfall.
Route:
From Betws-y-Coed, follow the riverside path to Swallow Falls, where you can witness the power of the cascading waterfall, particularly impressive after rainfall. For a longer hike, explore the nearby Gwydyr Forest, which offers numerous trails winding through pine trees and passing hidden lakes and old mining sites.
Highlights:
- Spectacular Swallow Falls waterfall
- Riverside walks and picturesque bridges
- Betws-y-Coed’s quaint charm, with its stone buildings and mountain backdrop
Walk Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 2-4 hours depending on the route
Conclusion
Llandudno and its surrounding areas provide a diverse range of walks to suit every kind of adventurer. Grab your walking boots, pack a picnic, and enjoy everything this wonderful region has to offer. Afterwards, enjoy your relaxing stay at seafront hotel llandudno.
