Llandudno Off The Beaten Path

I love these old traditional fairs and its great to see this one still taking place in Conwy. It is a short 10 minute drive from Llandudno.

On 26th March every year this 700 year old charter fair takes place in the main streets, free entry.

Started by Edward 1st, it is held in Conwy High Street and Lancaster Square. Plant and seed stalls, crafts, local produce and charity stalls.

With 165 pontoon berths and free car parking on site it is a terrific place to wander.

The Quay Hotel next to the marina has a restaurant, bar for good lunches and evening meals, and spa facilities. The restaurant uses locally produced and sourced ingredients.

Take the A55 to Deganwy and take right hand exit off the roundabout. Follow the road and go straight ahead on the next two roundabouts, heading towards Deganwy and Llandudno.

Continuing along the A546 for approx. 0.8 miles, turning left at the traffic lights. Proceed into the estate, turning right at the next roundabout, from here signposted "Marina Reception".

If you travel by road you will pass Deganwy Castle on the way to Llandudno. It's high up on the hill overlooking Conwy, Deganwy Marina and West Shore beach.

Documents show that Robert of Rhuddlan built a castle here in 1080. The ruins visible today belong mainly to Henry III's castle. The defences of the bailey - earth banks and ditches on the north side, the base of two D-shaped gatehouse towers, and the curtain wall built by Edward I on the south - can still be recognized. The mass of fallen masonry near the base of the gatehouse is a relic of the demolition of 1263.

Great site for a summer picnic as the views are terrific.

The Kashmiri goats, wandering around the Great Orme, so it is said, were originally a present to the Queen Mother and came from India. They have large horns, and a shaggy beard.

The goats sometimes wander off the Great Orme, when they fancy a change of diet and eat the flowers in people's gardens.

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Visit Ochr Penrhyn - Penrhyn side between Llandudno and Colwyn Bay. Walk up the Cow's Nose (Trwyn y Fuwch is the Welsh name for the Little Orme).
There are two pubs here with good ales, one has cider from casks too. If you walk up the hill behind the pub all the way to the top you get a great view.

In the 16th century William Davies published a catholic book in Welsh (how more provocative can you get?) in a cave here. He lasted a while before being arrested and executed and ended up having his body parts displayed at various castles around North Wales.

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Located 5 miles from Llandudno, the walled town of Conwy is well worth a visit. The entrance to the town (from the east) is stunning. You drive over a bridge which crosses the River Conwy, and there is front of you is the fabulous Conwy Castle.

The castle sits on a rocky outcrop, looking over the cobble stoned town and I would highly recommend a visit. Conwy is a walled town, and you can take a walk along the top of the walls, enjoying the view of the harbour.

There are some shops to browse in and the best fish & chips in Wales. If you take a stroll by the quay you may even stumble across the Smallest House in the UK!

Conwy is a great place to visit and an easy commute from Llandudno, by car, train or bus.

There are 2 under cover police officers who walk around the town, one looks like Fred West, and the otehr is with him, they go around insulting people, as if they are in the Proffesionals, but are really a crap force, as they do nothing to stop crime, its sad bnut thats life, and they should sacked, and locked up in amental assylums

Hiking up on the Orme seems miles away from the promenade and pier. Up here you can be virtually alone ...just the views and simple scenery like this for company.
Check out the travelogues for more views on the hike.