I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey – we’d packed the car to the brim with wellies, maps, and enough snacks to feed a small army, only for the sat-nav to chuck us into a massive traffic jam just past Bangor. Some cheeky roadworks had us crawling along for what felt like hours, with the kids in the back moaning about needing the loo. By the time we finally rolled into Marian-glas, I was proper frazzled, but honestly, that anticipation of arriving at our little ground-floor apartment had me buzzing. Perched up high between Benllech and Moelfre, it looked a treat from the off – those sea and mountain views hit you right away, and spotting off-road parking was a godsend with the dog in tow.

Stepping inside, we were chuffed to bits. The open-plan living space was bright and roomy, with a cracking kitchen for knocking up lunches and a comfy sitting area with a Smart TV for evenings in. Perfect setup for a family craving some coastal chill after a hike. We dumped the bags and headed straight out, lacing up our boots for a wander down to Benllech beach, just a mile or so away. The sun was peeking out, waves crashing gently, and we skimmed stones while the dog chased seagulls. Proper idyllic start.

Next morning, we plotted a proper hike along the Anglesey Coastal Path towards Moelfre, about three miles up the coast. It’s one of those cracking walks with clifftop views over the Irish Sea, wildflowers nodding in the breeze, and the odd seal popping up for a look. We packed sandwiches and flasks, dreaming of a full afternoon’s ramble. But oh, the British weather – it’s got a right sense of humour, hasn’t it? Halfway along, the sky turned that moody grey, and suddenly we were dodging horizontal rain like pros. Coats zipped, hoods up, we pressed on a bit, laughing as the path turned into a muddy slip-and-slide. I took a proper tumble into a puddle – face-first, mind – emerging looking like a drowned rat. The kids thought it was hilarious, and fair play, it broke the ice after that traffic nightmare.

We hunkered down under a rocky outcrop for a soggy picnic, watching the clouds scud by, and it forced us to switch plans. Instead of pushing further, we looped back via some quieter lanes through Marian-glas, spotting sheep everywhere and popping into a little tea room in Benllech for hot chocolate and cake. Bliss. The weather flipped again that afternoon – blue skies out of nowhere – so we nipped down to the beach for barefoot paddles and a spot of beachcombing, shells and driftwood in hand.

Days blurred into this lovely rhythm: morning hikes come rain or shine, adapting on the fly. One epic clifftop stroll near Moelfre had us marvelling at the lighthouse, wind whipping our cheeks, while a calmer day saw us meandering sandy paths to secluded coves. It made me reflect a bit, you know – back home, I’m always rushing about, glued to my phone. Out there, with the weather dictating the pace, you just go with it. Teaches you to embrace the squalls and savour the sunbursts. We left with rosy cheeks, muddy boots, and a promise to return. Anglesey’s walks are magic, mishaps and all – just don’t trust the forecast!