Cefni Reservoir

Two miles of glassy water stretch before you at this working reservoir, the longest stretch of fresh water on Anglesey. Built in the 1970s to supply the island with drinking water, Cefni Reservoir has quietly become a proper spot for anyone wanting to escape the coastal crowds. The walking path around the perimeter takes about an hour at a steady pace, offering views across to the Snowdonia peaks on clear days. Anglers rate it highly for brown trout, though you'll need a permit from the nearby tackle shops. Birdwatchers do well here too - I've spotted herons, kingfishers and various wildfowl on different visits. The water's edge gets boggy after rain, so decent footwear helps. There's limited parking at a couple of access points, but it's free and rarely full except on the finest summer weekends. Families with younger children might find the walk a bit long and the scenery samey, but older kids who enjoy wildlife spotting will get more from it. The reservoir sits just south of Bodorgan, making it an easy detour if you're staying at any of the holiday parks dotted around this part of Anglesey. It's particularly handy from Glan Gors or the various caravan sites near Penrhos - a peaceful morning walk before hitting the beaches.