Penmaenmawr
OS Grid Ref:- SH 7276
Penmaenmawr, meaning 'Great Stone Head' is a seaside resort west of Llandudno, it boasts coastal walks and mountain scenery. The seafront offers excellent views of the Great Orme and the Menai Strait.
Penmaenmawr Beach
The town has a recently modernised promenade with landscaped terraces and an outdoor paddling pool and play area.
At the west end of the promenade is the sailing club, which offers windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. Penmaenmawr also boasts an excelllent golf course.
There is a prehistoric axe factory on Penmaenmawr Mountain. Another tourist attraction is the 'Druid's Circle', which has no associations with the ancient Druids, but is the remains of two bronze age stone circles. Within the circle archeologists found a food vessel and the cremated remains of a child, possibly evidence of human sacrifice. Neo - druidic ceremonies are occasionally still carried out here.
A walk above Penmaenmawr
Distance- 4 miles (6.5km)
Duration - 2 hours
Starting at the parking area at the head of the Sychnant Pass at Conway cross the road and pass through the gate opposite. After 200 yards turn sharply right at the waymark for the North Wales Path, continue following the waymarks. At the fork in the path under overhead powerlines, bear left and cross over a stile by a gate.
Descend across the western slopes of Maen Esgob at an obvious break in the hills, keep right along the North Wales Path. At the next fork in the path, bear right, proceeding toward a deserted farmhouse surrounded by a clump of trees, turn left alongside a wall and keep ahead. This stretch of the path offers excellent views of the Conwy Valley.
Turn left alongside the wall, but when it changes direction move away from the wall following the wide path, you will eventually reach a stone circle. Pass the circle, following the track, which descends to a junction near sheep pens. Bear left on a vehicle track, then branching left.
When you reach a small lake keep to the left, crossing over a stile. Follow the path to a junction, continuing forward. You will eventually rejoin the North Wales Path. Branch right and retrace your outward route back to the Sychnant Pass.