THE FOOTNOTES
Every print from Marking The Wild comes with its own trail story, this is yours.
Here you’ll find sketches, route details, reflections from the walk, and a few extra notes I couldn’t quite fit on paper.
Think of it as a companion to the artwork; a small way to step into the moment with me, and maybe take the journey for yourself.
Pen Y Gogarth: Where the Wind Gets There First
The wind found us before the hill did. It came in strong, unexpected and nearly blew the blooming doors off the car. It’s a rough wind but clean air with that coastal brightness that skims in from the sea.
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Not far into the first descent, a loose patch of grass gave way and Pika (the dog) and I took a tumble, nothing too dramatic, but enough to check our ankles and pat our bottoms for bruises. It was the kind of stumble that wakes you up a bit, makes you pay attention, sharpens how you move and, a little while later, one you might look back fondly on. I think that jolting to attention is important here, because this palace has a tendency to make your mind wander too, and you should remain cautious.
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The coastline feels close, you can feel the pull of it, even though you’re so high above it. This is not your typical seaside stroll but there’s something softer too. This route takes you to the far west side of the headland, away from the hustle and bustle of the attractions and into a place all your own. You follow the natural line of the land as it lifts, tilts, and eases you up and down a height that feels more generous than the map suggests.
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There are moments that are steep, moments where you’ll feel a little lost maybe, but then you’ll find yourself in a churchyard, or sitting on a bench, or overlooking Llandudno and with each encounter this Great Orme’s story is woven a little fuller. Pen-Y-Gogarth leaves a clear imprint; a mix of brightness, space, and calm you didn’t have before you set off.
This is a hill of two halves; from peace and meditation of the sea or church yard, to the bustle of trains, cable cars and cafes and you’ll leave with a clarity you’d come back for.
Waypoints Through The Wild
Start: Begin at the Great Orme Summit Car Park, and head west, descending to the lower edges of the headland.
Turn right at the second pathway joining the Monk’s Path leading you high above the road at the tip of the headland. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore here, take a moment to enjoy the piece and quiet with no one else around.
Continue by following the edge path looping round to the right (make a stop at the Rest & Be Thankful Cafe if you’d like).
Soon you begin to move more inland veering right on the approach to St. Tudno’s Church which you’ll descend through before a snaking road walk down to Marine Drive.
Take a moment to relax and watch the sea on one of the roadside benches before continuing up the road a little further to find a sharp, steep path leading back up the higher edge.
Follow this path all the way around to the East side of the headland where you’re greeted with stunning views of Llandudno. Continue to follow the path round to the right moving inland once more and towards the lower railway station.
Finish: Follow the track with the railway line on your left, before a steepish climb to the Trig Point and a stroll to the central cafe.
Sense The Scene
See: dramatic coastal horizons complete with distant wind turbines, lifted fields of grass in the wind, the peace of the church yard, the sights of the pier and the shimmer of distant water.
Hear: wind pushing across the ridge, grass rustling, the faint calls of hilltop birds and perhaps (if you’re lucky) the bleat of a headland goat.
Smell: salt-bright air, sun-warmed grass, wild St John's Wort reminiscent of rhubarb.
Feel: shifting ground underfoot, the hard earth after a fond fall, the coarse grass and bramble on your calves (only at some points).
Taste: the mineral edge of the sea, a hint of pier donuts in the air, a cream cake from the cafe.
Practical Parts
Parking: Two pay and display car parks on the headland.
Facilities: Cafe and toilets at the start/end and one on route.
Hazards: Strong coastal winds, uneven ground, slippery grass in wet conditions, take care with footing, particularly during exposed gusts.
Have you been here? What's Your Story
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