Old pond

Fifteen minutes of gentle walking through coastal grassland brings you to this unremarkable stretch of water that locals call Old Pond. Don't expect dramatic mountain reflections or pristine swimming spots - this is more functional than scenic, a modest lake that serves the surrounding farmland rather well.

Families with small children might find it worth the short trek from Pentraeth, especially if you're combining it with a longer coastal walk. The water attracts a decent variety of waterfowl throughout the year, making it a quiet spot for amateur birdwatchers who don't mind lowering their expectations. My kids spent twenty minutes skimming stones before declaring it "a bit boring".

The real appeal lies in its simplicity. No car parks, no entrance fees, no gift shops flogging overpriced postcards. Just a proper Welsh lake doing what Welsh lakes do best - sitting there looking moderately pleasant while you catch your breath. Walkers tackling the longer Anglesey Coastal Path often use it as a waypoint rather than a destination.

Staying at nearby parks like Podiau Môn or Plas Coch gives you easy access for morning walks when the light's better and fewer people are about. Allow thirty minutes for a quick visit, longer if you fancy a proper ramble around the perimeter. It won't change your life, but it might give you five minutes of peace.