Posted on 27/06/2018 by David
Welcome to the third instalment in our Sunday Afternoon Strolls series. The purpose of this series is to highlight some of our favourite leisurely ambles in North Wales.
These aren’t extreme hikes or endurance tests; they’re adaptable walks to make the most of your time in North Wales’s lovely surroundings. And, of course, we’ll always recommend a delightful spot or two to refuel with some delicious refreshments afterwards!
So far, we've taken walks around Conwy Mountain and Betws-y-Coed, and this week we go coastal, to the pretty village of Rhos-on-Sea.
This walk mostly follows roadways and footpaths, with no difficult areas to cross. Along the way you’ll be able to enjoy coastal scenery, the charming atmosphere of Rhos-on-Sea’s centre, and visit several fascinating historic sites.
The Walk
Holy history
The starting point for this stroll is St Trillo’s Chapel. Believed to be Britain’s smallest church, the site is named after a 6th century saint. This really is a tiny place – there’s only enough room for seating for six! If the chapel’s open, step inside to have a look. Note the well by the altar; this is on the site of a natural spring.
Leave the chapel via the footpath towards the town centre – the sea will be to your left. If the tide is low enough you should be able to make out an ancient fishing weir, which is believed to pre-date the Magna Carta.
Watering hole
Follow the footpath until you reach the shops – the octagon-shaped building here used to function as the old Pier Ticket Office, which used to serve Rhos-on-Sea’s impressive pier (not to be confused with Colwyn Bay's infamous Victoria Pier, it was pulled down in 1954).
Of particular interest to history buffs, at low tide some wreckage from the steamer ship Rhosneigr can be seen beneath the sea’s surface.
The next sight on the walk is of great importance – this is one of the pub’s we’ll be recommending you return to at the end! The Rhos Fynach is not just a great watering hole, it’s also an historic gem. This former Cistercian monastery is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a monk and a small hoard of Roman coins were uncovered here.
Aviation and architecture
If you wish, take a drink break at the pub. If not, continue strolling along Rhos-on-Sea’s promenade onto another pub! The Cayley Flyer (formerly the Cayley Arms) is a recently refurbished pub and restaurant with an impressive history.
Notice the grassy bank to your left – this is Cayley Promenade, also named after the Cayley family. Sir George Cayley was an aviation pioneer; he designed a flying machine half a century before the Wright brothers! The brothers acknowledged Cayley’s influence on the history of flight and the pub here is named in honour of the flying machine that completed the first recorded fixed-wing air flight in history.
Carry on along the front, past the old fishermen’s cottages on your right. After the lovely gardens and the memorial to the Reverend W. Venables Williams, cross the road and continue to the Harlequin Puppet Theatre - the first of its kind in the country.
As you walk along Cayley Promenade wander up some of the adjoining streets and take note of the lovely architecture and some of the historic buildings.
Optional extension: Should you wish, you can extend this walk and follow Whitehall Road to the roundabout, then turn down Ebberston Road West and then walk right along Tan-Y-Bryn Road to reach the lovely Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve.
Time for a break
When you’re ready for some refreshment, simply retrace your steps and head back towards the Cayley Flyer and the Rhos Fynach.
The centre of Rhos-on-Sea is home to a variety eateries and charming cafes plus a great selection of private shops and boutiques. We love The Grape to Glass, an independent wine shop with a mouth watering array of wines; Coast Gift Shop, which sells a selection of high quality souvenirs and housewares; and Little Lily & Co., a childrenswear boutique selling a wide range of UK and continental labels.
Make a stay of it
Have a look at our north coast holiday cottages for a stay in the area.