Conwy Half Marathon
(Voted in the top 5 most scenic Half Marathons in the UK by Readers of Runners World)

Although I mostly love my trail running and hiking I do still appreciate the occasional road run. Last year I entered the Conwy half and absolutely loved the course - not the typical road route traipsing through the suburbs of a town. This route takes you across to the great Orme via Deganwy and Llandudno and follows the private toll road that circumnavigates the Orme. This features views galore with an epic rugged limestone landscape with the sea having cut sheer cliffs into the wild and weather beaten landscape. This hilly road is a stiff challenge but you are rewarded with stunning views and a fabulous descent back to West Shore beach before heading back to Conwy. The official route starts at the bridge, so starting from the YHA adds an extra 1.3 miles on and 50m climbing.

Directions:

1. Head downhill from the YHA and out past the castle and across the bridge. When you reach Lidl follow the road round to the left towards Deganwy and Llandudno.

2. Follow this for 5km before turning left onto Gloddaeth Avenue. Then turn right along West Parade. 

3. After a couple of hundred metres turn right onto Abbey Road. Follow this for about 400m then fork left onto Church Walks.

4. Follow this road straight ahead until you get to the roundabout near Llandudno pier. Go straight ahead at the round about along North Parade, stick to the lower road. Head up through the toll booth (no charge for runners/hikers).

5. Follow this stunning route along the hilly coastal road all the way up round the North of the island before beginning the epic descent with views across to Anglesey, Conwy and beyond.

6. Descend to West Shore beach and follow West Parade until you reach Gloddaeth Avenue. Turn left here, then right. Follow this road all the way back to Lidl and turn right over the bridge back into Conwy.

7. Work your way uphill until you get to the YHA.

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Note for if hiking: the route above is designed for road runners. If done as a walk I would however recommend following the North Wales Coastal Path get West Shore Avenue. After the bridge, simply follow the coastal path to the left along the coast. This will take you along a beautiful scenic walk to get to Llandudno.