Tucked between the rolling hills and Victorian charm of Llandudno lies an unexpected group of celebrities—its goats. These long-haired, sure-footed creatures have roamed the headland of the Great Orme for over a century, but in recent years, they’ve captured global attention for their boldness, charm, and occasional forays into the town’s streets. To the people of Llandudno, the goats are more than just a curiosity—they’re beloved residents, deeply woven into the town’s story.
A Noble Heritage
The Llandudno goats aren’t just any goats. They are believed to descend from a rare and ancient breed known as the Kashmiri or “Kashmir” goats, originally gifted to the British Royal Family in the 19th century. These goats were introduced to the Great Orme by Lord Mostyn, a local landowner, in the 1800s. The intention was to maintain a private herd, admired for their long, flowing coats that could be used for luxury textiles. Over time, the goats established a feral colony, adapting perfectly to the steep limestone cliffs and windswept terrain of the Great Orme.
Life on the Great Orme
The Great Orme, a 207-metre limestone headland rising above Llandudno, provides an ideal habitat for the goats. With few natural predators, plenty of open grazing, and little disturbance from people, the herd has thrived here. The goats are hardy and nimble, perfectly suited to the rugged cliffs and uneven paths.
Local authorities and volunteers monitor the population, which is usually kept at around 120 animals to prevent overgrazing and protect the rare flora of the headland. The goats play an important ecological role by helping to control invasive plant species and maintain the area’s biodiversity.
Lockdown Legends
While the goats have always been a feature of Llandudno life, they gained international fame in 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With the town streets eerily quiet, the goats took the opportunity to venture further than usual. Images and videos of goats wandering along empty pavements, climbing walls, nibbling hedges, and standing nonchalantly outside shops quickly went viral on social media.
News outlets across the world picked up the story, charmed by the sight of wild goats reclaiming urban space. For many, the images became a light-hearted symbol of nature’s resilience during a challenging time. The goats’ newfound fame boosted interest in Llandudno and drew virtual tourists from all corners of the globe.
Quirky Behaviour and Local Character
Part of the goats’ appeal is their unusual behaviour. They often climb onto garden walls, wander into residential streets, and even loiter around pubs and hotels. Despite their wild status, the goats show a remarkable lack of fear around humans. They move in groups and often follow the lead of the boldest among them, usually an older male.
However, their urban adventures haven’t always been welcomed. Some residents have raised concerns about damaged gardens, trampled flowers, and goat droppings. In response, the local council has worked to find a balance between preserving the goats’ freedom and protecting public spaces. Discussions have included gentle deterrents and community awareness campaigns, rather than extreme measures.
A Symbol of the Town
Over the years, the goats have become something of an unofficial mascot for Llandudno. They appear in local artwork, souvenirs, and even on T-shirts. Visitors often hope to spot them during walks around the Great Orme, and there’s a sense of pride among locals about the goats’ distinctive place in the town’s identity.
Their popularity has also been harnessed for educational and tourism purposes. Schoolchildren learn about their heritage, and conservation groups use the goats as a way to promote awareness of the Great Orme’s unique environment. Some local businesses have also embraced the theme, using goat-related branding to create memorable products and experiences.
Managing the Herd
While their fame continues to grow, managing the goat population remains a careful balancing act. Natural England and Conwy County Borough Council work together to ensure that the herd does not become too large. Each year, some goats are given contraceptives to limit population growth without affecting the herd’s welfare.
Volunteers also help monitor the goats, noting their health and behaviour, and reporting any injuries or concerns. This gentle, hands-off management style respects the goats’ feral nature while ensuring they don’t negatively impact the Great Orme’s protected landscape.
A Unique Tourist Draw
For many visitors to Llandudno, seeing the goats is a quirky highlight of their trip. Whether spotted lounging in the sun atop the cliffs or meandering past a B&B, the goats offer a delightful reminder of how nature can coexist with a busy town.
With the resurgence of domestic tourism and the popularity of staycations, the Llandudno goats continue to play a role in attracting new visitors to this picturesque corner of North Wales. As odd as it may seem, these ancient animals have become unlikely ambassadors for a town that prides itself on character, charm, and community spirit.