D196: LLANFAIRLECHAN to LLANDUDNO
Monday 30th March 2026
Today miles: 18.4 Total miles: 3229.8
After preparing myself a decent breakfast I left the hostel and within thirty seconds I’m back on the coastal path. There’s a short section of walking along the side of the quiet Aber Road before joining the far busier A55. The coastal path then runs adjacent to the road for the next four miles. There’s a lower path on the other side of the carriageway and I can see the occasional pedestrian. I couldn’t find a safe way to cross the road until I reach Penmaenan and then there’s a pavement under the road. I had been passed by a couple of unsavoury looking characters on bikes and on reaching the underpass I saw them trading small packages with each other. Don’t think it was an Amazon delivery. On seeing me approach they quickly rode off in separate directions.
Thirty minutes later I arrived in Penmaenmaw and had a short break. There’s quite a nice promenade along the edge of the small town with a play park, picnic benches, beach huts and a couple of kiosks. I expect it’s a fairly popular location in the Summer months, particularly with young children. The route eventually ends up back along the edge of the A55 and continues onwards towards Conwy. There’s a golf course tucked into the dunes North of Conwy and there’s plenty of nice views across the mouth of the River. There’s a huge pile of seashells in the corner of a car park close to Conwy Marina, think they get crushed down and used as aggregate along the local footpaths.
The route takes me towards the Conwy tubular bridge and I get some great views towards Conwy Castle. The footpath along the River Conwy is busy and just before crossing the bridge I diverted into the town centre to grab more snacks and a hot coffee. Shortly after crossing the bridge I sat on a memorial bench, people watching for thirty minutes and eating my snacks. I’ll try in the future to drop into Conwy again for a more extended visit, looks like a nice town with lots to see and do.
The path along the riverbank at Llandudno Junction is easy. A mix of solid cement path and the occasional walk through sandy dunes. I soon arrived on the Southern edge of Llandudno and was excited about the walk around Great Orme. The initial route is a relatively steep ascent along the edge of the road. The hillside is covered in heather and I spotted several flocks of wild goats amongst the vegetation. I wasn’t sure what to expect on the walk to Great Orme Head and was pleasantly surprised when I reached the busy cafe/shop, there’s great views out across the Irish Sea. After ordering a coffee I sat outside and enjoyed the sun.
The route from Great Orme Head towards Llandudno and Orme’s Bay drops steadily downhill. It’s a nice route and I was passed several times by the road train. I also heard and then spotted a large colony of seals and their pups basking in a small isolated cove. There’s a wide promenade along the beach as I walked towards Llandudno train station. I then jumped aboard the train back to Llanfairlechan for my second of three nights at the hostel. A really nice day if I ignore the first three miles along the roadside. Some great scenery around Great Orme.
