The great Orme is encircled by what is now known as the "Marine Drive" This was originally just a narrow shelf. Cut from the sheer cliff face, it was made between 1856-58 on the instruction of a Mr. Reginald Cust, the then treasurer for the Mostyn Estate. He charged a penny toll to use the path to finance its' upkeep.
In 1868, Prime Minister William Gladstone, on a visit to Dean Liddell, had to be blindfolded to be led along the Cust's path by Members of the Deans Family, Including Alice (Of Alice in Wonderland fame), because it was so dangerous.
In April of 1869, The Town commisioners ordered £10 of ratepayers money to be spent on the provision of railings at the worst parts. In 1872, The Great Ormes Head Marine Drive Company issued their prospectus for a £14000 conversion of Cust's Path into the Roadway that exists now. Until recently, with the building of Motorway toll roads,"Marine Drive" was, at 6 kilometers, the Longest Toll Road in the UK.
Another interesting element of the Great Orme is the large herd of white Kashmir Goats. They roam around the Orme and can often be seen crossing the Marine Drive looking for fresh pastures. They were liberated on the Orme toward the end of the 19th Century. All these Goats are descendants of a pair presented to Queen Victoria shortly after her Coronation by the Shah of Persia. and which grew into the Windsor Royal Herd, from Which, the Royal Welch Fusiliers have received their Regimental Goats since 1844.
Returning to modern times, there is now a large "Summit Centre" at the head of the Orme, which houses Cafe, restaurant & Bar, shops etc. There is also a large car park, play area and crazy Golf along side the grassy slopes. Indeed the Great Orme could be considered a Venue in its' own right.