The Great Orme, Llandudno, Caernarfonshire, Wales
An idyllic landscape showing Gorse blooms and Hawthorn blossom in the foreground with sheep grazing beyond. The top edge of the limestone cliffs can also be seen.
This view was on the public footpath from near the tramway half-way station to St. Tudno's Church.
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The church of St. Tudno dating from the 12th century. This church has been 'restored' many times and few of the original features remain. There used to be some medieval wall paintings but these were lost during one of the earlier restorations.
The current font dates from the 12th century.
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The view from the highest point on the Great Orme looking south. The obvious scar in the near distance is the old Bishop's Quarry.
The Bishop's Palace, which once stood on the west of the headland overlooking Conwy Bay, was built towards the end of the 13th century using rock from this quarry.
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The Great Orme Tramway runs from Llandudno to the top of the Great Orme in two sections. The lower section was opened in 1902 and the upper section in 1903. Passengers change sections at the half-way station.
It is cable driven with each car being permanently attached to the cable. When one car is going up there is always another car coming down.
Comment | More of the Great Orme Tramway |
The surface part of the Bronze-Age Copper Mine Complex was started 4000 years ago, when Stonehenge was being built, and the mines are open to the public between March and October. These mines were eventually abandoned in 1881 and were covered up. In 1987 the area was to be turned into a car park and during initial preparation of the site the old mines were re-discovered.
There have been over 5 miles of old tunnels discovered since and there is estimated that there are far more yet to be discovered.
Comment | More of the Great Orme Mines |
There is a small amount of Limestone Pavement on the western tip of the Great Orme and it can be seen from the summit.
This is not particularly good but Limestone Pavement in this country is uncommon so even a small amount like this is worth having.
Comment | More of the Limestone Pavement |