Spring heralds the start of the longer days as well as new beginnings. Lambs frolicking in fields of daffodils are a common sight throughout the country but in Llandudno there are other seasonal sights to be spotted which are best viewed on foot. So if you’re in the popular seaside resort at Easter, find the time to enjoy the extra hours of daylight with these stunning walks from the front door of The award winning Imperial Hotel.
The Great Orme
This majestic limestone headland dates back 350 million years and as well as being a nature reserve and a Country Park, it is also a Special Area of Conservation, Heritage Coast and Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is famous for its geology, archaeology, history and wildlife so its choice of walks offer something for everyone.
There are three walking routes that take you from the town up to the summit which vary from 1 mile to about 1.5 miles in length which are clearly marked with the Summit Trail logo. Once you’re at the summit there’s two Historical Trails and a circular Nature Trail and we recommend you pop in to the Summit’s Visitor Centre to have a look at the 3-D maps and interactive exhibits that tell you more about the headland’s nature, wildlife and history. There’s also a free walking audio trail about the wildlife, shipwrecks, geology and wartime memories.
While you enjoy your walk keep a look out for the herd of Kashmiri Goats who have been roaming the slopes for over 200 years. They’re also the source of the regimental mascot of The Royal Welsh, one of the largest infantry regiments of the British Army, and its current regimental goat is Fusilier Shenkin IV who was only recruited a couple of weeks ago after putting up some impressive evasive tactics! So as you would expect the goats are shy so you probably need to look on the narrow ledges or limestone cliffs to catch a glimpse of them as they graze and climb with amazing agility, and Easter is the perfect time to see the kids which are born from February onwards. The cliffs are also host to breeding colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills as well as Choughs.
Little Orme
If you head out from the hotel and walk along the Promenade in the opposite direction you’ll soon pick up the North Wales Path (NWP) signs which take you to the Little Orme, and while it’s not as majestic as the Great Orme it still rises 141 metres in height and is a haven for wildlife and offers views as far as Rhyl to the East and Anglesey to the West.
On the NWP you’ll walk past the old quarry cliffs which are a favourite nesting place for Herring Gulls, Black-backed Gulls and Fulmars, and we recommend you take the path to Angel Bay where hopefully you will see the Grey Seals and their pups which are born between September and December. More than half of the world’s Grey Seals live and breed in the UK, and although North Wales doesn’t have the largest population there are many that can be seen around our rocky coastline with Angel Bay being one of the favourite viewing spots. If you look out to sea you might also be lucky to see the Bottlenose Dolphins playing in the waves.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Llandudno and with the longer days and hopefully some gorgeous sunshine, visitors and The Imperial Hotel’s guests can enjoy the stunning scenery and this beautiful seaside resort.
If you’re looking for an eggstra special Easter, The Imperial Hotel has two Special Breaks for the holiday weekend as well as a number of Seasonal Offers. Call The Imperial on 01492 877466 for more details or visit its Breaks & Offers page to find out more.