Explore the spectacular coastal environment around Conwy…
Below we describe three fantastic walks, all of which start from Conwy Quay.
The first bears left and heads towards Conwy Marina and then to the spectacular Morfa Beach. The second crosses the estuary and then heads to Llandudno’s West Shore Beach. And the third explores the amazing RSPB Conwy Reserve.
Before you start off we recommend Nono’s for morning coffee located opposite the railway station. They are open from 7 am.
If you wish to take a picnic with you on one of these walks, the Potby Conwy Bakery in Castle Street is an excellent option.
WALK ONE: TO CONWY MARINA, MORFA BEACH & BACK – about 4 miles
This walk follows the marina path found at the end of the quay. The walk ends at the kiosk in the dunes in the middle of Morfa Beach.
Follow the tarmaced footpath towards Conwy Marina. There are fantastic views over the Conwy Estuary along the way. You can see the town of Deganwy, its marina and the distinctive summits of the Vardre to your right. The Bodlondeb woods line the path to your left.
The path comes to an end and you approach a road, Morfa drive. Turn right, and walk over the A55. There is an opportunity for refreshments here at the Mulberry pub with outdoor seating overlooking the marina.
Follow the walkway to the end of the marina village and then take the coastal path. Here you have the golf course to your left and views to West Shore Beach and the Great Orme to your right.
About half way along the beach you can find a small kiosk in the dunes selling light refreshments. We stopped here for tea before making our way back along the beach and into Conwy.
WALK TWO: TO WEST SHORE, LLANDUDNO – from around 4 miles
This walk can be extended to include Deganwy castle and Llandudno town itself, or simply a gentle coastal walk to West Shore Beach and back. There are good public transport links from Llandudno and Deganwy back into Conwy.
At the end of Conwy quay turn left and walk over the road bridge, leaving the castle behind you.
Once you have crossed over the river you will see the coastal footpath on your left taking you towards Deganwy.
The path is lined with Rock Samphire an edible coastal plant also called sea fennel. There are tremendous views from here over the estuary and of Conwy, its castle, Bodlondeb woods and Conwy mountain.
We stopped for tea at The Quay Hotel in Deganwy. Afterwards, we took a detour to view the ruins of Deganwy Castle. Cross at the level crossing and walk directly up All Saints Avenue. The path can be found by All Saints church. Follow the path and signs directing you up and around the Vardre.
After the detour you can rejoin the coastal path again by crossing over a footbridge or at the level crossing in Deganwy. Continue walking for a mile or so and you will soon see a blue building in the distance this is the West Shore Beach Cafe serving refreshments and delicious ice cream.
From West Shore Beach you can return to Conwy along the same route. At low tide you can walk along the beach, rejoining the path near the restored Victorian beach shelter.
There is also an option to continue to the victorian resort of Llandudno and perhaps opt for public transport to get back into Conwy.
We took the path at the end of West Shore Beach up and around the South facing slopes of the Great Orme through Haulfre gardens. There are great views with plenty of benches to sit on and enjoy the elevated views.
There is a lovely cafe here for refreshments and superb views or alternatively continue along the path into Llandudno to Provodiro for speciality teas and coffee. Before heading back to Conwy its worth exploring the traditional seaside town and bay of Llandudno with its pier and promenade.
WALK THREE: TO THE RSPB NATURE RESERVE & BACK – around 3-4 miles
Turn left at the end of Conwy quay, and walk over the bridge, leaving the castle behind you. Once you have crossed over the river you will see the flat coastal footpath towards Deganwy on your left, on your right you see a footbridge taking you across the road to the RSPB reserve.
Walk over the footbridge on your right and follow the path up the Conwy river. You can see the castle on your right, and fantastic views of the upper Conwy valley and the Carneddau mountain range as you walk.
You will soon see signs for the RSPB nature reserve on your left as you walk along the path. The visitor centre is located at the end of the car park, here you can visit the shop and cafe. To enter the reserve there is a fee of £6 for non members. There are various hides and trails to explore and view the wildlife. The exit remains open after the reserve closes so you can extend your stay after the hides haven been locked if you wish.
Conwy mountain – a short walk with tremendous views
A Winter stroll along Beaumaris Beach
Two spectacular murmurations …
Angelsey Outdoors and Porth Dafarch beach
Lovers’ Island
Moel Siabod
Circular walk around the fantastic Glyderau range in Snowdonia