Waves crashing on the rocks at Llanddulas.
Approaching quarry jetty.
ThevLittle Orme above the unusual sea defences.
Exploring ne terrain!
Approaching Old Colwyn.
A Turnstone below the Old Colwyn Path.
Primroses in Fairy Glen, Old Colwyn.
The neo-gothic folly tower was built in 1894 in the grounds of the Tan y Coed mansion as a retreat for its owner, Charles Woodall.
The view over the golf course towards the Great Orme and Little Orme.
The Conwy Brewery - producers of several fine real ales.
The view from our lunch spot - at least it is when we turned round.
The delightful limestone plateau traversed on our walk.
Valley views from the limestone plateau.
On the limestone plateau.
Crag y Forwyn.
Llanddulas ahead.
The delightful path through the trees below Craig y Forwyn.
St. Cynbrid's Church, Llanddulas.
Back at the coast at Llanddulas and the tide is now well out.
Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 1073’Time: 5 hours 29 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 8 Celsius at the start. Around 10 Celsius for the whole walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 4. In the main, just an occasional Gentle breeze, although a couple of times it did gust to a 13.1 m.p.h. Moderate breeze.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Nigel and Fran.
The weather was rather forecast today was looking good, although it did suggest a feel-like temperature around 4-5 Celsius.
This was pretty well what we got, but we did get more sunshine than expected. In sheltered spots and In the warm sunshine, it felt pleasantly warm. However, at other times, we were grateful to be wearing winter walking gear.
Arriving at the coast at Llanddulas, the tide was just about at its highest, and we were able to watch the incoming waves crashing onto the rocks.
The stretch along the North Wales Coastal Path from Llanddulas to Old Colwyn an at times be somewhat tedious, but we did find out a little more about the jetty and conveyor belt used to transfer rocks from the quarry to waiting ships. Nigel noticed a worker and was able to ask a few questions that we answered some of the questions that we had debated a little earlier.
As we went skirted around Old Colwyn Golf Course, it was very noticeable that lots of work was going on, possibly linked to improving drainage on the course. New fences were also in the process of being constructed.
Distant views were good all day, particularly towards the Little Orme.
Lunch was taken on the edge of Mynydd Marian, where we took advantage of large rocks next to the track on which to sit. Alas the sheltered bench on the top of Mynydd Marian was already occupied when we arrived!
One of the best parts of the walk is along the North Wales Path as it traverses the limestone plateau south of the caravan / holiday park. Not quite a ridge, but you do feel as though you are walking along the tops, with views down to the valley below.
It was good to see that the path alongside the Valantine Inn was again open.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Common chaffinch, Blue tit, European robin, Black billed magpie, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Turnstone and Great tit.
Overall, a very enjoyable walk on a bright and sunny day and arriving back at the car with boots still pretty clean, always a bonus.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn.
As we were leaving the Brit, it started to rain, so we can honestly say we had the best of the day for our walk.
