The Great Orme, the limestone headland extending out into the sea above Llandudno, is rich and varied in its terrain and wildlife. The sea cliffs are a breeding ground for guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills, while ravens and little owls inhabit the more remote seaward areas.
Unusually for Britain, clouds of butterflies and moths can be seen during the summer, including the rare silver studded blue butterfly.
Seventeen rare species of plants and flowers flourish in the woods and heathland of the Orme, including one type of cotoneasta which is unique to the area.
During her reign, Queen Victoria presented the town with a pair of Kashmir mountain goats, which have now grown into a thriving herd, grazing all over the Orme. Seals and schools of dolphins can also be seen off the Great Orme on occasion.
Many walks up and over the Great Orme are signposted, and information can be found at the Summit complex.
Great Orme Copper Mines The limestone pavement of the Great Orme (and the Little Orme to the east of the town) is rich in metal ores which were formed by volcanic activity some 450 million years. These copper rich mineral veins were first mined by Bronze Age people some 4000 years ago. Over the next few millennia they created what is probably the world's largest prehistoric underground excavation, and certainly the largest open to the public.
The mine is thought to have been worked, generation after generation, by a local clan who used nothing but bone scrapers, largely from farmed animals, and stone hammers to retrieve copper. They would have been supplied by goods from farmers in Anglesey, who in turn would have benefited from the products of the mine.
Charcoal for the smelting process and wood for fire setting or lighting would probably have come from the Conwy Valley. The remains are from coppiced trees, indicating that the Conwy Valley forest resources were managed to keep the mine in constant supply of wood.
The mines were abandoned in 600BC and not worked again until 1692. When, at the end of the 19th century, the mine became uneconomical to run, it was buried under timber and rubble until it was discovered a century later and turned into a tourist attraction and excavation site.
Great Orme open at all times. Visitor centre open daily, Easter to the end of October. Great Orme Mine open Feb-Oct, Mon-Sun 10am-5pm.
Access:
Provision for the disabled is in the form of access ramps, accessible entrances and disabled persons toilet. The audio visual room has an audio loop for those with hearing difficulties. As for the tramway, the trams aren't directly accessible to wheelchairs, but the staff will do all they can to help. Much of the area around the Great Orme summit is tarmac surfaced, but some gradients aren't suitable for wheelchair users.
At the Copper Mines, there's approximately 30 steps down to the mine, and the tunnels are fairly narrow. The parking is close and the disabled toilet has ramp access, as does the visitor centre.
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David Saskatoon, Sk, Canada I remember visiting Llandudno during my high school years at Bilston Grammar School (Staffordshire - now West Midlands). I remember very well the tramway up the Great Orme. I also remember bring my mother an untraditional gift from Llandudno. She had everything, but we lived next door to a fish and chip shop and with the numerous flies around I bought her a spool of sticky fly paper! Thu Oct 30 09:54:26 2008
Jacquie Barlow, Farnborough Hants I was lucky to have been born and brought up on the Great Orme, it was such a magical place to play. My dog Rex, a black and white border collie, and I where always exploring, summer and winter. I was always getting into trouble (once by the mountain rescue) for getting stuck up a cliff by Black Gate. I never had any fear when young, now I'm terrified of heights. Happy days. Fri Oct 3 13:47:28 2008
Joanne and Tony Dillon from St.Helens We visit many times a year, and love the views out to sea, and the peace and quiet up there. Fri Sep 21 10:28:32 2007
Geraint Pillowe, Llandudno The Great Orme Country Park is such an amazing place to be, especially at night. You can see the town of Llandudno lit up like a wonderful thing that is lit up. (Some would say a Christmas tree, with tinsel roads and bauble houses).
If you have only visited this place at daytime, I would recommend a night time stroll here. Tue May 11 15:07:13 2004
Wendy Whitworth from Spain I know this site well and visit many times a year. It definitely exudes mystery and history of centuries. A visit to the copper mines is well worth while.
Sat Mar 6 08:48:13 2004
Paul, Staffordshire The Orme, to me, is the most magical, beautiful place on earth. I travel there yearly and it holds so many special memories of my childhood. Especially walking up to the summit following the tram track (which is getting harder as I get older!) Mon Jan 19 16:02:22 2004
David Williams from Rhos-on-Sea Although this park is on my doorstep it never ceases to amaze me.
There is always something new to see or a trail you think you have previously walked and are pleasantly surprised where it takes you!
The views across Snowdonia are breathtaking, as are the impressive views down the Conwy Valley, but it is the sunsets across Anglesey and the Menai Strait which are equally inspiring.
Tue Aug 5 12:31:54 2003
Great Orme Country Park
