Back on the road, continue on past the church, and follow the way marker to the right, sign posted 'Ski Llandudno'. Continue along the path to a sign 'Ffynnon Powell'. The churchyard is near the sea cliffs of the Great Orme which provide a great habitat for sea bird colonies of guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes cormorants, fulmars, herring gulls and choughs and it is possible to spot spiked speedwell, dark red helleborine, wild sea cabbage and wild cotoneaster. St Tudno Legend suggests that Tudno, a Welsh Christian Missionary arrived on the Orme in the 6th century to build a church. There are no remains of the original building, however the oldest part of St Tudno's Church dates back to the 12th century. Tudno was canonised for his good works promoting the Christian faith. Look out for the outdoor pulpit.
The route passes though an area of bracken as it leaves the road just past St Tudno's Church. Bracken is a great habitat for birds expect to see meadow pippets, stone chats and white throats - although these may be a little more difficult to spot. The bracken creates the effect of a canopy - somewhat like a miniature woodland - underneath the bracken there are often violets. In late May and June it is possible to spot the dark green fritillary butterflies whose caterpillars feed on the violets. Looking down towards the sea to the left of the bracken is an old reservoir. It was built in the 1860's to supply the increased demands of the growing town of Llanduno. The area around the reservoir is predominantly scrubland and provides a good habitat for kestrels, buzzards, peregrines and sparrow hawks.
Powell's Well is one of the many springs rising on the Orme, and never seems to dry up. A local story tells how one day the spring rose from nowhere. After a family dispute, the Powell family were in great need of water, and went to pray at St Tudno's church. On their return they found the spring! |