For many of us, Anglesey means the end of a long drive up the M6 and along the North Wales coast before heading across the island to the Holyhead ferry. Actually, a long weekend in Anglesey, combined with gentle drives through Snowdonia, makes a great weekend break in its own right.

Break your journey in Shropshire
Leave working-week cares behind on Friday, brave Gloucester’s ring road and you’re soon in Shropshire for an overnight stay. We love The Farm at Snead, complete with friendly corgis and a warm welcome from Sandra and Alan. Or Timberstone near Clee Hill, that we’ve also visited. Both are perfect for breaking your journey to North Wales.

Next morning keep heading towards the ‘Misty Mountains’, maybe diverting to Lake Vyrnwy with its impressive dam and sculpture trail. Then potter along near-deserted minor roads towards Bala and your first views of Snowdon. An hour or so later, after navigating Ffestiniog, crossing the LLanberis Pass and the fast-flowing Menai Straits, you’re on Anglesey.

There’s plenty of good accommodation here, not least Lavinia and Neal’s (dog friendly) Castellor B&B overlooking the beach at Cemaes Bay. Nothing’s too much trouble for the couple; the B&B is stunning and their Welsh breakfasts are delicious before you go exploring.

Halen Môn sea salt and daredevil windsurfers
It’s easy to circumnavigate Anglesey in a day – with lots of stops. Listen to Tom Russell’s mournful ‘Isaac Lewis’ on the rocky coast at Moelfre or admire Telford’s and Stephenson’s impressive bridges over the Menai Straits. Visit the fascinating Halen Môn sea salt works (the guided tour is more entertaining than you’d ever imagine) at Brynsiencyn, or the nearby Transport Museum. Then head up the south west coast to watch daredevil windsurfers and kite-surfers brave massive waves at Rhosneigr.

Hungry after all that activity? There are plenty of good places to eat on Anglesey, ranging from The Tavern on the Bay at Red Wharf Bay and Rozis Tandoori (Amlwch) to newly refurbished Gwesty Gadlys Hotel at Cemaes Bay. Oh yes, Y Wygyr Fish and Chips at Cemaes is unmissable – but go early because its popularity can mean long queues.

Suddenly it’s Monday and time to drive home through Snowdonia, maybe enjoying some organic food at the Ludlow Food Centre to round off a wonderful weekend. Oh, was there a ferry terminal somewhere on Anglesey? Missed that!