Pine trees are well-used as feature plantings in many parts of Colwyn Bay, but those with the greatest impact are those elegantly lining the road into Rhos-on-Sea set on the steep sea-facing railway embankment.

Where the trees thin out primroses smother the grassy embankment. They began flowering early this year but look as though they will continue for some time to come.

The grassy embankment is a favourite spot for Herring gulls to paddle for worms.

I walked along the promenade then crossed the road at the point where it is possible to access the elevated pathway near the top of the embankment.

The pathway high up on the embankment leads through the pines and offers some protection on cold windy days such as this one was as well as an elevated view. I’ve always been curious about where this gated tunnel leads, but assume it comes out somewhere close to the railway station.

This can be a good place to see a number of bird species amongst the trees, but today there was just a solitary crow.

There are other species of tree along the path and I came across the stump of a felled ash tree that is regenerating from its base. It also had a mature patch of the curious brittle black King Alfred’s Cakes Daldinia concentrica  fungus.

The pathway ends by the railway bridge opposite Porth Eirias where these beautiful Hellebores were growing.

It’s good to see that the traditional planting of pines is being continued. There are several young trees in beds at the front of Porth Eirias.

A last look at the sea splashing up onto the rocks at the base of the sea wall before gratefully retreating into the shelter of my car.