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Bala Lake Walk

7.5 miles (12 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Bala Lake (or Llyn Tegid) is the largest natural lake in Wales. The area on the south side of the lake is wonderful for walkers. Footpaths climb into the hills and forests for fabulous views of the lake below.
The walk begins in Bala, at the visitor centre on the foreshore of the lake. You then follow footpaths along the lakeside before ascending to Craigy-Allor. From here the views over the lake and surrounding mountains are splendid. The route then descends through forest and countryside to Llanuwchllyn station. From here you can catch the Bala Lake railway back to Bala. The narrow gauge steam train runs along the southern end of the lake. It's a lovely journey with fine views of the lake and Arenig Fawr, Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddw mountains.
To continue your walking in the area you could climb Aran Fawddwy.
The walk starts from the village of Llanuwchllyn near the southern end of the lake.
You could also head to the nearby Llyn Celyn where there's more lovely scenery and walks to try.

Postcode

LL23 7SR - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Bala Lake OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Bala Lake Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's an on site cafe next to the sailing club where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk.
If you are looking for a camping site to stay over night please see this Campsites near Bala Lake page on the campsites.co.uk website.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To continue your exercise in the area you could pick up the circular Bwlch y Groes Cycle Route. This challenging climb takes you to the second highest public road mountain pass in Wales, with a summit altitude of 545 metres (1,788 ft). The trail also visits Lake Vyrnwy at the south eastern end of the ride. With most of the route taking place on minor roads it is also suitable for walkers.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Snowdonia Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Bala end of Bala Lake - geograph.org.uk - 799862

Bala end of Bala Lake

Bala Lake Railway - geograph.org.uk - 136154

Bala Lake Railway. Llanuwchllyn Station

Bala Lake - geograph.org.uk - 611122

From near the Leisure Centre looking over to the Aran Mountains, capped in snow.

Picnic Area on the Shore of Bala Lake - geograph.org.uk - 10495

Picnic Area on the Shore of the lake.

Lake Bala - geograph.org.uk - 3037143

A view of the lake from one of the trails to the east.

More moorland near Bala - geograph.org.uk - 298151

More moorland near Bala

View of part of Bala town from the hills - geograph.org.uk - 1476961

View of part of Bala town from the hills

Llangower station, with train arriving - geograph.org.uk - 1326558

Llangower station, with train arriving. Sited by a noted beach on Llyn Tegid, and a car park with picnic area.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Bala Lake.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Bala Lake.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)