The Great Orme

Bakerlite.co.uk

Photo Album-North Wales

Llandudno - The Great Orme

Marine Drive is a scenic road that takes one completely around the Great Orme whilst also climbing to give spectacular sea views to the North and west. I have seen the Isle of Man on several occasions from the summit.

In fact, I try to cycle around the Orme at least once a day whilst staying at White Lodge in nearby Deganwy. It is about eight and a half miles and I'm rewarded by a fast down hill run (Marine Drive is one way) with views over to Snowdonia to enjoy out of the corner of my eye.

	There is a splendid ride/drive/walk around Marine Drive, which goes right round the Great Orme. My own preference is to cycle around. I like to do it at least once a day whilst staying there.		Seen here in a different light.
Would that be an old Bedford Duple?		The road appears to hang on somewhat perilously here.
	The rocks are also popular with climbers, there are some interesting overhangs in places.	The old lighthouse, now a rather nice hotel. It is just below the summit and has appeared on the BBC Holiday programme at least once.
The view from the top of the Orme towards Snowdonia is well worth the trek.		At the summit, there is a small cafe called, appropriately enough, 'Rest and be Thankful'.
	Here's an interesting view of the estuary from about half way up (or down).		This notice board on the top of the Orme tells you a little about the bird life and habits.
Just behind the Gogarth Abbey Hotel, there's a path which climbs up along the face of the hill side to Haulfre Gardens, a walk much beloved by generations of visitors to the town. It was, however, my first visit.		The views are superb, although on this day haze obscured the hills of Snowdonia somewhat.
	It seems that people have often left money to erect benches as a way of remembering their loved ones and the good times that they have enjoyed here. I have no problem with that and it certainly provides many resting opportunities for visitors but it did feel a little like walking through a graveyard.	This bench certainly has seen better days.
A little further on and four playful goats line up for our attention.		Jousting commences...
	...and pauses for effect		This goat pic was taken from a different vantage point high on the Orme.
Lewis Carroll, of 'Alice through the Looking Glass' fame stayed in the area and wrote some of his works here in Llandudno. This is a memorial to him.		As well as the Great Orme, there's its junior companion, The Little Orme at the eastern end of the beach
and finally, the best view from any fish and chip shop restaurant that I have ever been in. Just a mile away from The Orme in upmarket Deganwy. Check it out... The view is across the estuary towards Conway.