Do not climb here during the restricted seasons and also avoid going onto the beach when seals are present, this includes seals close by in the water, disturbance of seals is a criminal offence, and disturbance can be as little as lifting their heads and pointing towards the sea, if you see the seals acting like this you've gone to close.
Due to the complications of land management and ownership, signs wont always be present, however there are several important times of the year,
September to January is pupping season, many young pups cant swim yet, and can be abandoned if disturbed.
January to April is moulting season, this takes alot of energy so seals are using the beaches to rest.
July to August females are often pregnant, and disturbances can cause miscarriages.
The above is for Grey Seals however Common Seals, will vary, and due to climate change these yearly patters can change.
A mainly tidal venue with some good hard boulder problems - can be greasy in humid conditions. In recent years this beach has become regionally very important venue for breeding seals with up to 200 seals hauling out on the beach.
Climbing Area:
Wales
Rock Type:
Limestone
Importance:
Local
CRoW Land:
Yes
Ownership:
Private
No. of Routes:
30
Within National Park:
No
Year Developed:
1980
Grid Reference:
SH 81766 82681
Restrictions apply from
31 August
-
30 April.
Reason: Other Conservation
No Access is permitted if there are seals present at any time of the year.
The whole beach is now a very important seal breeding site with over 114 (!!) breeding seals and pups counted on the beach in 2016. Due to the small scale of the beach and the high likelihood of disturbance (breeding seals are protected by law), the local council and wildlife trust are now enforcing a total ban on all public access (including bouldering) during this time.
Parking and Approach
Tidal.
## Great Orme
The Great Orme is a **Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)** and a **Special Area of Conservation (SAC)**. Its wildlife and natural features are legally protected, so several access arrangements have been agreed between the BMC and Conwy County Borough Council to protect both climbers and the environment.
### Climbing Restrictions
* **Upper Pen Trwyn (above the Marine Drive):** Climbing is only permitted **after 6:00 pm** during **Bank Holiday weekends** and the **summer holiday period (15 July–8 September)**.
* **Seasonal bird restrictions:** Some crags below the Marine Drive are also closed during the bird nesting season. Please check the individual crag information before climbing.
* **West Shore crags (including Craig Heulog):** Climbing is **not permitted** at any time due to their high conservation value.
### Conservation
* Any proposed **new climbing routes** must be discussed with **Conwy Countryside Services**, as protected plants and wildlife occur throughout the Great Orme.
* **Green marker posts** indicate areas open to climbing, while **red marker posts** mark restricted areas. See the *North Wales Limestone* guidebook for further details.
### Safety & Access
* Use the **BMC-installed lower-off anchors** at Upper Pen Trwyn to avoid exiting via the unstable cliff top.
* The **Marine Drive is one-way**. After climbing, **do not drive back towards the gatehouse**, as this could jeopardise continued climbing access.
* Please park considerately. Do not block the Marine Drive, particularly near **Parisella's Cave**, as large vehicles, including double-decker buses, require access.
## Little Orme
The public safety restrictions that apply to **Upper Pen Trwyn on the Great Orme** do **not** apply to the Little Orme.
However, some crags are subject to **seasonal closures to protect nesting seabirds**. Please check the individual crag information before visiting.
There are no guidebooks assigned to this crag
There are no files associated with this crag