SUP Great Orme
The Great Orme is a classic paddling adventure - a huge limestone headland projecting boldly into the Irish Sea from the north Wales mainland coast, focusing wind and waves in a committing location. Its soaring sea cliffs and wild atmosphere guarantee a memorable experience, and had been on our coastal SUP hit list for some time. A weather window opened up - we seized the day!
We glimpse the Great Orme from our Menai Bridge home, over a wooded hillside beyond the NE entrance to the Menai Strait - we were happy to see it reveal a welcoming air on this calm summer morning. A swift drive up the A55 brought us to Llandudno, nestling beneath the Orme’s eastern flanks. We dropped our shuttle bike at West Shore before parking amidst holidaying throngs on the bustling Marine Parade. Slaloming between promenading families, we navigated the steeply shingled North Shore beach and launched into the less crowded waters of Llandudno Bay.
Ahead lay 10km of exposed coastal adventure.. We confirmed our plan, agreeing to keep it simple - no need to ‘go around the Orme’ in our discussions! An anti-clockwise journey beckoned, carefully timed to manage the significant tidal issues that are an important feature of this complex environment. We paddled across the bay past the Grand Hotel’s faded elegance, towards more challenging waters. Winds remained light with calm seas - ideal conditions for our intended route. We paddled between the pilings of Llandudno Pier, its impressive structure extending well offshore. This Victorian design is the longest in Wales, and was the worthy winner of the 2025 ‘Pier of the Year’ award from the aptly named ‘National Piers Society’. There was no time to linger, however - close to local HW, we needed to arrive at west shore before the falling tide left us stranded on Conwy’s offshore sandbanks.
We paddled along the steep limestone cliffs of Pen Trwyn and through a zone of turbulent water, where the early ebb tide formed a faster tidal stream past the next small headland. Committed now, we pressed on along a series of north-facing cliffs adorned with nesting guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes - who delivered a cacophony of outrage as we quietly drifted past. Hidden from the tourist crowds, we enjoyed an exciting sense of solitude as the Orme’s NW headland drew nearer. We paused a while beneath the disused clifftop lighthouse to savour this moment in such an isolated location, as gathering Atlantic grey seals surveyed us curiously. Here beneath overhanging cliffs pocked with echoing sea caves, we enjoyed the rewards of good timing, a commitment to the plan, and a little luck. Time and tide, however…
We continued around the Orme’s bulky headland, arriving on its south side where an impressive view greeted us. Across Conwy Bay, the Carneddau mountains rose steeply from the shoreline - while the entrance to the Conwy estuary lay directly ahead, Edward I’s castle ramparts just visible in the hazy distance. A weak tidal stream now ran against us - the calm conditions allowed us to paddle a close inshore route between intertidal boulders alongside a ‘millionaires row’ of opulent mansions until we reached Llandudno West Shore.
Still above half-tide, a short and simple walk across the beach led to our journey’s end. Surrounded once more by vacationing hordes, it was hard to believe that our 10km trip had offered such an intense sense of remoteness beneath the Orme’s mighty sea cliffs.
All that remained was a brief bike ride back to the van, a switch to civvies and a quick drive to our favourite Conwy watering hole. Savouring a pint on the harbour wall, we celebrated the successful completion of this fine local micro-adventure. Wales never fails, as they say!
Overview
This SUP paddle can be a relaxed exploration, an exciting adventure, or a hazardous battle - wind, tide and waves will have their say, so choose your day with care. The relative shelter of Llandudno Bay gives little hint of potential challenges at the Orme. In the best conditions, this is a classic trip around a major headland and well worth the patience for a suitable day. Tidal timings are vital for a successful trip.
When to avoid?
Avoid windy weather - moderate winds accelerate around the Orme and make escape difficult. Larger tides complicate the paddling plan - fast streams can make retreat impossible in some locations. If West / North Shore conditions are anything but flat, difficult challenges await beyond the protection of the bay.
Other options?
Llandudno is close to Eryri / Snowdonia national park - consider Llyn Geirionydd or Llyn Padarn for greater protection and a simpler environment. Conwy boasts its medieval castle and town walls, while great hiking trails and panoramic views cross the Orme’s windswept summit plateau.
Ashore
Llandudno is awash with traditional teashops, cafes and restaurants - and don’t forget a stroll along the pier! Conwy has plentiful traditional pubs, and excellent eateries. Llandudno Junction is home to the best fish & chips in north Wales…