Walk this way: Conwy to Penmaenmawr

Why go? This route leads from Conwy Castle to the Victorian resort of Penmaenmawr, via an impressive Iron-Age hillfort, a Neolithic droveway and a panoramic walk cut around the sides of an extinct volcano. The views from the hills above Conwy stretch from the Great Orme promontory to the Carneddau range inland. On a clear day, you can make out Merseyside and the distant Isle of Man.

Route: From Conwy Castle car park, walk through town to join the North Wales Path (NWP) at the riverfront. Take this to Conwy Mountain (Mynydd y Dref). Keep to the path, leading to the hillfort Caer Seion. From here, walk down towards a farm track. Turn left to Sychnant Pass. Cross Sychnant Pass Road, then take the smaller path below a dry-stone wall to a hill farm, where you rejoin the NWP. When you reach a clump of trees, turn right to cross the Afon Gyrach at the footbridge. Head uphill towards Ty'n-y-Ffrith farm, then take the track on to Huw Tom's memorial stone. Follow the red viewpoint sign to the path around Foel Lus . A short descent brings you to Jubilee Walk. At the gateposts, bear left to rejoin the NWP to Bryn Derwydd. Pass through the gate, then take the NWP until you see the Druid's Circle. Return to the NWP, then follow the public footpath to Graiglwyd. Turn left onto the Tarmac road, then right through a gate. Keep on this path to Penmaenmawr and bus it back to Conwy.

Difficulty ●

Duration: 10 miles

Getting there: Arriva trains run between Penmaenmawr and Conwy (www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk). Conwy is also on the North Wales Coast Railway (www.nwrail.org.uk).

Os maps Landranger 115: Snowdon; Explorer 17: Snowdon. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

How long will it take? Allow five hours to complete the ten-mile trek.

Stamina required Though mostly made up of clear paths crossing upland pasture, the walk includes several strenuous ascents and descents.

Refuelling options Bistro Conwy (01492 596326) is a homely Welsh restaurant and serves the best food for miles.

What else is there to see? Conwy's ramparts provide some great vantage points over the tightly packed gardens and slate-roofed houses of the old town to the castle, lording it over the quayside below.

Wildlife highlights There is an RSPB reserve on the banks of the Conwy estuary. Look out for godwits and shelducks among the 200 species here (01492 584091, www.rspb.org.uk).

And for kids? Take them to explore the medieval castle (www.cadw.wales.gov.uk).

Where to stay Gwynfryn is an awardwinning, luxurious B&B in the heart of town, with views of the castle and river (01492 576733, www.gwynfrynbandb.co.uk).

Tourist information Conwy TIC, Castle Buildings (01492 592248, www.visitconwy.org.uk).

'Walk Britain's Great Views' guidebook, published by the Ramblers, is available from bookshops priced £14.99 or free to Ramblers members.