I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey – sat nav decided to have a midlife crisis just past Bangor, sending us on a detour through some back lane that felt like it hadn’t seen tarmac since the war. We ended up in a muddy layby with sheep giving us the side-eye, laughing our heads off as I reversed into a hedge. But honestly, that little mishap set the tone for the whole trip: unexpected detours leading to the best bits.

By the time we rolled into Llangefni, I was buzzing with anticipation – visions of crashing waves and pub lunches dancing in my head. Pulling up to this first-floor apartment on the village outskirts, perched in a quiet spot, we were gobsmacked. Up those stairs, it opened into this cracking contemporary space, perfect for us two: double bedroom with a spotless en-suite (that walk-in shower was a godsend after the drive), and an open-plan living area blending kitchen, dining nook, and cosy seating. Summer sun streamed in, begging us to crack open a cold one right there.

We didn’t waste time – first morning, fancying a wander, we hopped in the car aiming for the coast but took a wrong turn onto these winding lanes. Bloody brilliant mistake. Stumbled on this hidden cove near Benllech, just a mile or so off, where the beach was empty save for a few seals bobbing about. No tourist traps, just sand, sea, and us paddling like kids, fish and chips from a nearby van tasting like heaven.

Next day, same story: got lost en route to somewhere nondescript and found ourselves at Llyn Alaw, that massive reservoir tucked away inland. Parked up, wandered the paths through wildflowers and gorse, spotting herons and buzzards – felt like we’d nicked a secret from the locals. Picnicked on the grass with cheese rolls from Llangefni’s market, watching dragonflies skim the water. Who needs blockbuster sights when you’ve got this?

Afternoon jaunts kept delivering. Veered off near the village and discovered a tiny woodland trail by the River Cefni – proper off-the-beaten-track stuff, with bluebells nodding in the breeze and a babbling brook perfect for skimmed stones. We spent hours there, me reflecting on how I never slow down back home, always rushing. Sat on a log, tea in hand, thinking: this is it, innit? Proper escape, no signal half the time, just us and the quiet.

Evenings back at the flat were lush – firing up the kitchen for pasta, sprawling in the sitting area with a bottle of plonk, windows flung open to the communal grounds buzzing with birdsong. One night, we roamed those grounds at dusk, spotting rabbits and stars popping out early.

Getting lost became our holiday mantra – every wrong turn unearthed a gem, from secluded pebble beaches to forgotten churchyards with views to die for. Anglesey’s got this magic for it, especially round Llangefni. Left us recharged, with dodgy sat nav forgiven. If you’re after a breather, chuck the map and let the lanes lead you. Pure gold.