Winter is a quieter, calmer time around Bala. The summer crowds have gone, the hills of Eryri (Snowdonia) can carry a dusting of snow, and Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) often lies still and grey under low cloud. It is a good season for walkers, photographers, and anyone who likes a cosy evening in town after a day outside. Here are our suggestions for making the most of Bala and Penllyn between November and March. For the rest of the year, see our things to do in Bala guide.
Walk the lake and river path
The Bala Town, River and Lake Path is one of Eryri National Park’s accessible winter walks. It is about 3.2 km and takes around an hour, starting on the shore of Llyn Tegid, following the bank of the Dyfrdwy (River Dee) and finishing in town, handy for a hot drink. It suits pushchairs, buggies and off-road mobility scooters. Paths can be slippery in winter, so wear shoes with good grip.
Head for the hills, carefully
Experienced walkers can take on the Aran ridge from Llanuwchllyn or the open moorland of Arenig Fawr above the Tryweryn valley. In winter these are serious mountain days. Check the mountain forecast, start early given the short daylight, carry extra layers and a torch, and turn back if conditions change. Snow and ice may need winter skills and equipment. Eryri National Park and the AdventureSmart website have good safety advice.
Take a scenic drive around Penllyn
The Bala and Penllyn circular road trail is about 27 miles and takes an hour and a half to two hours. It passes Frongoch, where a former whisky distillery became a First World War prisoner-of-war camp, the Tryweryn dam and Llyn Celyn, built in the 1960s to supply Liverpool by flooding the village of Capel Celyn, and the villages of Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer (Llangower) on the far side of the lake. On a crisp, clear day it is one of the best drives in North Wales.
Visit the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre
At Llanycil, on the lake shore just outside Bala, the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre tells the story of the girl who walked about 26 miles to Bala in 1800 to buy a Welsh Bible. It is housed in the old church of St Beuno, where Thomas Charles, who sold her the Bible, is buried. The centre says it is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, throughout the year, with free admission and a cafe on site. It is a peaceful place on a wet afternoon.
Try winter rafting
Because the River Tryweryn is dam-controlled, the National White Water Centre at Frongoch says its flows suit rafting and canyoning throughout the year. Wetsuits are a must, and hot showers and a cafe are there afterwards. Book ahead. Our watersports guide has more on the river and the lake.
See Pistyll Rhaeadr in full flow
Over the Berwyn hills near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Pistyll Rhaeadr drops around 240 ft (73 m), and it is at its most impressive after winter rain. The road over the hills can be icy, so check conditions before setting off.
Ride the trails at Coed y Brenin
Coed y Brenin forest park, north of Dolgellau, is open all year for mountain biking, gravel riding, running and walking. Natural Resources Wales says some trails are currently diverted for tree felling and the visitor centre cafe and shop are closed, so check before you go. Parking is charged.
Stay somewhere warm
Some holiday parks and touring sites in the area stay open through the winter. Henstent Park in the Tanat Valley, for example, says it is open all year, with touring pitches and holiday homes. Find more options on our accommodation page, and somewhere for supper on our eat and drink page.
Winter tips for Bala
- Check opening times before travelling, as some attractions run reduced hours or close for the season.
- The Bala Lake Railway runs to a seasonal timetable, so check its website before planning a trip.
- Overnight camping and barbecues are not allowed on the lake shore.
- Mountain roads can be icy, and mobile signal is patchy in places. See getting to Bala for routes, buses and parking.
- Daylight is short. Plan walks to finish well before dusk.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bala worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you like walking, quiet roads and a slower pace. Bala is a working town with shops, cafes and pubs open all year.
Can you go on Llyn Tegid in winter?
Some people paddle through the winter on annual permits, but the water is very cold. Only go out with proper cold-water kit and experience.
What can I do on a rainy winter day?
Visit the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre, warm up in a cafe in town, or try rafting, where getting wet is the point. See more on our attractions and adventure pages.
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