Traeth Glaslyn North Wales Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve

The Glaslyn estuary near Porthmadog is one of those places that rewards you for knowing it exists. This Wales Wildlife Trust reserve sits right where the river meets the sea, and the birdwatching here is genuinely exceptional - especially between autumn and spring when migrating waders and wildfowl funnel through in serious numbers. You'll see curlews, oystercatchers, and if you're lucky, the occasional merlin hunting the saltmarsh.

The walk itself is straightforward and family-friendly, following the estuary edge with views across the water towards the mountains. It's not dramatic or exhausting, which means you can actually focus on the birds rather than worrying about your calves. The best light is morning, when the sun's behind you and the water reflects properly.

This works brilliantly if you're based at one of the caravan parks dotted around Porthmadog - Tyddyn Llwyn and Barcdy are closest at under three miles. It's the sort of spot you visit for an hour or ninety minutes rather than a full day. Binoculars essential. Honestly, unless you're genuinely interested in birds or want a quiet riverside walk away from the beach crowds, you might find it a bit thin on activity. But if you're into wildlife, it's well worth the short drive from your holiday base.