The Diamond

The Ormes

User attention

Climbing can start early on the Diamond this year. All the birds nesting on the Diamond itself have fledged. There are still Cormorants above, please don't disturb any nesting birds if you come across them. 

from 15/07/2026

Awesome, overhanging shield of desperate limestone, but also an internationally important site for nesting seabirds, with many protected  and threatened species nesting here. It has several layers of legal protection to protect these species. 

Historically the restrictions on the Diamond have run longer into August due to nesting Kittiwakes, unfortunately due to a sharp decline on the Little Orme the species numbers are now almost entirely gone, and are not present near the Diamond. Each year this will be checked and if Kittiwakes are found to be nesting an extension in the restrictions will be added.

Crag information
Climbing Area: Wales Rock Type: Limestone
Importance: Regional CRoW Land: Yes
Ownership: Estate No. of Routes: 48
Within National Park: No Year Developed: 1986
Grid Reference: SH 81234 82536

Restrictions apply from 1 March - 31 July.

Reason: Nesting Birds

The whole crag is restricted during the nesting period. Arrangements are in place for the crag to be monitored and if the birds fledge the restrictions will be reviewed. This restriction is usually longer than most due to the presence of nesting Kittiwakes (which have a later nesting season) as well as colonies of Guillemots and other sea birds.

Historically, this is one of the most important refuges for this species in North Wales, with over 150 Kittiwakes on the crag, and as species that is in serious decline, it's an internationally important conservation site.  Although it may appear that last in the nesting season that the the young are flying about,  it's an important stage in their development with the parents "training" the young how to feed. Disturbance to the colony at this stage can lead to greater losses during the winter. 

 

 

Area information

## 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.

Weather Information

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4
Anonymous User
07/07/2020
Have the kitteiwakes fledged off?
Elfyn Jones(staff comment)
08/07/2020
As explained in the RAD entry, climbing restrictions are in place here until August 15th 2020. Kittewakes are among the most late of all the nesting seabirds and are in international decline. This site is one of the most important sites for their conservation in the UK, south of the Scottish border.
Anonymous User
19/07/2021
Is there a 2021 update for these restrictions?
Anonymous User
19/07/2021
Is this restriction in place for the same dates for 2021?