Why visit?
When you stroll up to the high point of this site, you are greeted by gorgeous views of many of North Wales’ defining features. You can look down the coastline, up onto the Great Orme, and further to the west, the wide expanse of the mountains of Snowdonia.
Up at the viewpoint there is an embossed panel with a labelled map of the view, showing you the names of the features that you can see.
Colwyn Bay Heritage offers a little more detail.
What to expect
The main site entrance is through a narrow kissing gate off Hafodty Lane. There is an informal entrance from the other side over a stile (Mochdre public footpath 04). This stile is accessed by a path which runs diagonally up the hill from where the culdesac of Ffordd Uchaf connects to Old Highway.
The route through the site is narrow and uneven, and it can get quite muddy after rain. Despite this, there is not much of an incline (although if you approach the site from the fields to the north west then you’ll have a steep approach!)
Facilities
- The viewpoint at the highest point of the site has a large panoramic diagram of the view showing you the names of the features that you can see on a clear day.
There is grazing livestock on site:
- Dogs must be on a lead
- Please pick up after your dog
Please read the Countryside Code before visiting.
Discover the wildlife
This site sits on rock of Elwy formation - mudstone, siltstone and sandstone. Sedimentary bedrock which was formed between 427.4 and 423.6 million years ago during the Silurian period! As a result, up on this site you will find plants and animals often typical of this exposed type of terrain, such as the coconut scented European gorse. Keep an eye out for birds of prey - this is perfect hunting ground for kestrels and buzzards.
Farther afield, bluebells and stitchwort are seen on the ground, shaded a little by with the vanilla scented shrub, broom.
How do we care for the site?
Our Countryside Wardens regularly visit to check for safety issues and to litter pick.
How to get there
Walking & cycling
The OS grid reference for the entrance is SH 834 779. From Llanrwst Road in Colwyn Heights, walk down Mynydd Lane and shortly fork right onto Hafodty Lane. The site entrance is at the end of the lane after it has turned into a bumpy track.
Use postcode LL28 5YQ for cycling directions. You might choose to walk the final 200m due to the very uneven ground.
Public transport
The closest bus stop to the site is ‘Colwyn Heights’, serviced by Arriva bus route 23 from Old Colwyn.
Driving
There isn’t a car park for this site but you can usually find street parking a 10 minute walk away. Use postcode LL29 6DN for directions and then follow the walking directions. Please always park considerately and follow the Highway code.
Nearby sites
Our site Bryn Cadno is close by and easily linked up on a walk. If you want a longer walk, why not wander down the hill slightly and explore the expansive woodland at Pwllycrochan?