Adventure in Bala

Outdoor activities around Bala

White water rafting and kayaking on the Tryweryn

The National White Water Centre (Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol), known locally as Canolfan Tryweryn, is at Frongoch, about 3 miles from Bala. Controlled releases from the Llyn Celyn dam keep the Afon Tryweryn flowing even in dry weather, so it is one of the most reliable white water rivers in the UK. The centre runs rafting trips, kayaking and canoeing, canyoning and paddlesport courses, and hosts slalom and raft races. Commercial rafting started here in 1983. Book ahead and check the water release information before you travel. Our watersports guide covers the lake and river in more detail.

Sailing, paddling and windsurfing on Llyn Tegid

Llyn Tegid is managed by Eryri National Park. Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing are all popular, but general motor boating is not allowed, and that includes jet skis (our jet ski guide explains where to ride instead). There is a charge for going on the water: buy a permit from the Lake Wardens’ office on the foreshore (Pensarn Road) or at the pay and display machines.

• Bala Adventure & Watersports, on the lake foreshore, offers boat and board hire, lessons and guided activities on land and water, including kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, climbing, abseiling and gorge walking.
• Bala Sailing Club races dinghies and catamarans on the lake and hosts open meetings through the season.
• Swimmers are welcome on Llyn Tegid, but it is a deep mountain lake and very cold even in summer. Organised events use a marked swimming lane on the west side.

Walking and scrambling

The Aran ridge south of the lake is a classic. Aran Benllyn (885m) and Aran Fawddwy (905m), the highest summit in Britain south of the Snowdon massif, make a full-day walk from Llanuwchllyn of about 10 miles with roughly 1,000m of ascent. To the west, Arenig Fawr (854m) rises above the A4212, with a memorial on the summit to the eight American airmen who died when their B-17 crashed there in August 1943. Go with a map, compass and forecast: these are serious hills in poor weather. For the quieter months, see Bala in winter, and for gentler ideas our things to do in Bala guide.

Fishing

Llyn Tegid fishing permits can be bought from the pay and display machines at the foreshore car park, and the lake wardens can advise on the best spots. Remember the gwyniad is critically endangered and found naturally only here.

Triathlon and events

Triathlon y Bala, with a lake swim in Llyn Tegid and sprint, standard and middle distances, is held in September. See our News & Events page for more.

Working in the outdoor trade

Instructors, guides and minibus drivers carry a lot of responsibility. Our guide to drug and alcohol safety in adventure tourism explains how workplace testing and the drug driving law work.

Plan your trip

See getting to Bala for routes and parking, and find a base on our accommodation page.

Run an activity business near Bala?

Get featured on bala.org.uk with your own feature page and a year of category and home page placement. Find out how to get featured.