Parc Bryn Cegin

A 40-hectare nature reserve on Anglesey's eastern edge, Parc Bryn Cegin sits just outside Bangor and makes a solid half-day stop if you're camping nearby. The reserve protects lowland heath and woodland - proper Welsh countryside rather than anything dramatic - with walking trails that let you nose around at your own pace. You'll spot gorse, heather, and if you're lucky, some of the resident birds. The paths are fairly gentle, nothing that'll exhaust the legs, though it can get muddy after rain so boots are wise.

Who'll get the most from it? Birdwatchers will have a field day, particularly in spring and autumn when migrants pass through. Families with young kids might find an hour enough before restlessness sets in - it's not the sort of place with benches, visitor centres, or any hand-holding facilities. Walkers wanting a proper trek should keep moving toward Snowdonia proper, which is an hour's drive south. The reserve works best as a gentle morning wander if you're based at one of the caravan parks dotted around Bangor - Tros Y Waen or Ogwen Bank are your closest options, both within four miles.

It's free to access and there's no formal visiting hours listed, though dawn and dusk are when wildlife tends to be most active. Bring binoculars, waterproofs, and don't expect crowds. This is the sort of place where a quiet hour in nature is the whole point.