The Kashmiri goats of the Great Orme are one of those things that sound like a tourist invention and turn out to be completely real. The herd numbers around 120 animals and has roamed the headland in a feral state for well over a century. They are large, confident, magnificently shaggy and will often appear around town in winter and spring when they descend from the upper Orme — occasionally causing mild chaos on residential streets.
The herd originated from a breeding pair given to Lord Mostyn, descended from animals originally gifted to Queen Victoria. Conwy Council manages the herd through relocation and contraceptive vaccination to maintain healthy numbers. Sightings on the headland itself are common but never guaranteed — the upper paths and cliff edges are the most reliable areas. Free, no booking, open air. Treat them as wild animals and keep a respectful distance.
