Angel Bay (Penrhyn Bay)
Angel Bay is a nature reserve on the end of the Little Orme. What makes this place special and worth (in my opinion) a post of its own? Seals, and plenty of them if you visit at the right time of year. The Angel Bay seal breeding season is during the winter months. There may be the odd early pup at the end of September or early october but the main pupping time is around late October / early November. This gradually changes to a more seal like appearance / colour as they begin to grow. You need to look hard and binoculars are a must, the young pups blend in perfectly with the large stones as do the older seals at times, perfect camouflage.
You can see the large seals in Angel Bay as they come and go. Low tide is best for spotting as most of the adults will go in search of food at high tide.
Angel Bay is also a bit of a haven for dog walkers with large open stretches of grassland, just beware if throwing balls towards the cliffs! Moreover please don’t allow your pets down onto the beach if seals are around. They may inadvertently cause the seals to abandon their pups.
You can take in the views or watch the seals, if you are feeling more energetic there are a few paths up the smaller of the two Ormes. The patch meanders in places and can be quite steep in some areas, particularly at the start which is quite an ascent but is quickly over.
On the way up the Orme there is plenty to look at with an abundance of butterfly species around in summer. You may catch a glimpse of the odd rabbit darting about and plenty of sheep. When you arrive the top there are spectacular panoramic views all round. You can see for miles, the Ilse of Man is visible on good days too. The best part is the full view it gives of Llandudno and the Great Orme. It’s the perfect spot to get some great pictures of this bustling Victorian town and it’s pier.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area, parking is free too, either on the housing estate or at the Co-op. The housing estate has a shorter walking distance, if you have the dogs use coop carpark. They will certainly enjoy the extra walking time.
Angel Bay has become quite popular recently so try to park on the Co-op car park. There have been incidents of poor parking such as blocking driveways and up on curbs on corners around the housing estate. Please park responsibly.
Angel Bay Llandudno is often what is is referred to if you struggle to find it. If you do, keep trying as its well worth a visit to see seals in their natural habitat. The seal pups will literally make your day.
