Croeso i’r Bala (welcome to Bala). This small market town sits at the north-eastern end of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), inside Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It is a Welsh-speaking town with a big outdoor reputation, but you do not need to be super-fit to enjoy it. Here is our guide to the best things to do, from gentle lakeside walks to white water rafting. Many visitors make a week of it, using a park such as Henstent, a holiday park within reach of Bala, or one of the places on our accommodation page as a base.
Get on Llyn Tegid
Llyn Tegid is Wales’ largest natural lake, about 3.5 miles long, and it is managed by Eryri National Park Authority. Paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing, rowing and windsurfing are all popular, with permits sold at the pay and display machines in the foreshore car park. Swimmers do not need a permit and are advised to use the marked lane near the foreshore. Power boats are not allowed (electric craft excepted), which keeps the lake peaceful; our jet ski guide explains the rules. Bala Adventure and Watersports on the foreshore offers hire and instructed sessions if you do not have your own kit. Our watersports guide has more detail.
The lake is also famous for the gwyniad, a whitefish found only here and now critically endangered. Anglers come for pike, perch and brown trout, with fishing permits issued by the Park Authority.
Ride the Bala Lake Railway
The Bala Lake Railway runs narrow-gauge trains along the lake between Llanuwchllyn and Bala Pen-y-bont. The return journey is about 9 miles and takes around an hour, with lovely views across the water. Llanuwchllyn station has a cafe and heritage centre. Check the timetable before you go, as it changes through the year.
Raft the Tryweryn
A few miles from town at Frongoch, the National White Water Centre (Canolfan Tryweryn) runs rafting on a dam-controlled river, from a Rafting Safari for ages 10 and up to grade 3 to 4 sessions for thrill-seekers. There is canyoning too, plus a cafe and a riverside walk if you would rather watch. See our Canolfan Tryweryn listing and our adventure page.
Walk by the lake, river and hills
The Bala Town, River and Lake Path is an easy 3.2 km route of about an hour from the lake shore, along the Dyfrdwy (River Dee) and into town. It suits pushchairs and off-road mobility scooters. For bigger days, the Aran ridge rises above Llanuwchllyn, and Arenig Fawr looks over the Tryweryn valley. These are proper mountain walks, so go prepared.
Discover Bala’s history
- Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre: at Llanycil on the lake shore, telling the story of Mary Jones, who walked about 26 miles to Bala in 1800 to buy a Welsh Bible from Thomas Charles. Free entry, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
- Betsi Cadwaladr: the nurse who served in the Crimean War was born at Llanycil in 1789. North Wales’ health board is named after her.
- Tomen y Bala: a medieval castle mound (motte) in the heart of town.
- Llyn Celyn: the reservoir built in the 1960s to supply Liverpool, which flooded the village of Capel Celyn. Its story is a key part of modern Welsh history.
Take a scenic drive
The 27-mile Bala and Penllyn circular takes in Frongoch, the Tryweryn dam, Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer (Llangower) on the lake’s southern shore, where there is a picnic site. Further afield, Pistyll Rhaeadr, a 240 ft (73 m) waterfall near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, makes a good half-day trip over the Berwyn hills.
Eat, drink and browse
Stryd Fawr (the High Street) has independent shops, cafes and pubs, and it is the heart of town life. See our eat and drink page for ideas, and our attractions page for more places to visit.
Getting here
Bala is on the A494 between Dolgellau and Corwen. The T3 bus links Bala with Wrexham, Dolgellau and Barmouth. Our getting to Bala page has driving routes, train links and parking. There are EV chargers at the Y Grîn car park and at the Penllyn leisure centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bala good for families?
Yes. The lake path, steam railway, foreshore and Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre are all family-friendly, and the white water centre’s Rafting Safari takes children from 10.
Can you swim in Bala Lake?
Yes, without a permit. Use the marked lane near the foreshore and watch for blue-green algae warnings in hot, still weather.
What is there to do in Bala when it rains?
Visit the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre, go rafting, or settle into a cafe on the High Street. Our winter guide has more ideas for grey days.
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