A week's camping in North Wales - Part 1: Penmaenmawr, Llandudno and Great Orme.

We started the first of our two weeks staying near Penmaenmawr in a gorgeous campsite called Trwyn yr Wylfa. This was a coastal spot with a gorgeous sunset view and a great location for getting out and about in North Wales, I think i'd even go as far to say as the best campsite we have stayed in to date. On our first day we wanted to get acquainted with the area so decided to walk to the Druids Circle at Penmaenmawr. This 6.5 mile loop sees you climbing up the steep hill initially behind the village of Penmaemawr. Its not too exhausting and there are nicely situated benches on route to nab a breather and look at the spectacular views across the ocean to Anglesey. When you reach the top you see the ancient Druids Circle, which was very atmospheric on this particular day. You then pick up the Wales Coastal path to pick up a route that takes you on a descent back to where you began. The views are really outstanding and what makes this such a special walk.

The next day we decided to head to Llandudno and the cliffs of Great Orme to grab the cable car and go to the copper mines there. The cable car to the top lastest longer than I expected and the views were a real treat. Once at the top you can walk around and see the quarry and look for fossils before walking to the copper mine. The mines were fascinating. They were discovered in the late 80's when looking to develop an area of Great Orme. They now represent one of the most astounding archaelogoical discoveries of recent times. Dating back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age they changed our view about the ancient people of Britain as a structured and civilised society some 2,000 years before the Roman invasion! You can if you wish take the tram or cable car back to Llandudno, be we chose to walk around the coastal cliffs, to take in more of those spectacular views. This time looking back towards Penmaenmawr and where we are staying. Llandudno is the largest seaside resort in Wales, and has a victorian feel about it with a beautiful pier. We spent some time wondering the arcades and grabbing an ice cream before heading back to a stunning sunset at the campsite.