Bala Lake Railway, Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid, 2ft narrow gauge steam trains, Wales

Steam Trains through Beautiful Wales

Bala Challenge - Sponsored Walks '08

Saturday, 10 May 2008 - Organised by Bala and Penllyn Rotary Club

Come along and cheer on the walkers at the Bala Lake Railway Llanuwchllyn Station checkpoint and feed station.

The Bala Challenge

Three charity walks around Lake Bala, varying in length and difficulty, through forests and over moorland with wonderful views, each with the opportunity to see the wildlife of Wales. Participants are raising money for their own club or association or local Bala good causes.

There are 3 challenging walks for participants to choose, all offering extensive views of the Bala area.

  • The Bala Challenge: a 20 mile walk around Lake Bala, including part of the Aran ridge
  • The Bala Lake Circuit: a 14 mile walk around Lake Bala
  • The Bala Lake Ramble: an 8 mile walk with the option of returning by steam train from Llanuwchllyn

The Bala Challenge

Bala, the lake and the mountains32 km (20 miles) long with total ascent of 1250m and is expected to be completed in around 9-10 hours. The route is over hills (up to 600m height) using footpaths, sections of open moorland, quiet roads and for a short distance a main road. There are short sections which are steep and may be slippery when wet. There are many stiles on the route. There will be a intermediate and a last “opt-out” check-point with transport available to the finish. This walk is only for experienced long distance walkers, however, it is possible to choose a shorter distance during the walk.

The walk is categorised as “moderate” (equivalent to Ramblers’ Association Grade C) for terrain, but challenging in length although this depends upon the capabilities of the walker.

The Bala Lake Circuit

23 km (14 miles) long with total ascent of 800m and is expected to be completed in around 7-8 hours. The route is over low-lying hills (up to 460m height) using footpaths, sections of open moorland, quiet roads and for a short distance a main road. There are short sections which are steep and may be slippery when wet. There are many stiles on the route.

The walk is categorised as “moderate” (equivalent to Ramblers’ Association Grade C) for terrain, but challenging in length although this depends upon the capabilities of the walker.

The Bala Lake Ramble

13 km (8 miles) long with total ascent of 510m and is expected to be completed in around 4 hours. The route is over low-lying hills (up to 460m height) using footpaths, sections of open moorland and quiet roads. There are short sections which are steep and may be slippery when wet. There are many stiles on the route. Return transport is available using the Bala Lake Railway - trains depart from Llanuwchllyn at 11:15 12:50 2:25 4:00; takes 25 minutes.

The walk is categorised as “moderate” (equivalent to Ramblers’ Association Grade C).

For more details and application forms: Bala Challenge website

2008 Events


Bala Charity Walks - 2008

Raise money for your chosen charity or ones picked by the organisers

Balloon Race

Who will own the balloon that travels the furthest?

Santa Trains

Join Santa at his very own railway station

Your Wedding Station

The perfect place for your big day. Bala Lake Railway will make the ideal back drop for your ceremony.