Water-based activities in the Bala area

Sailing, Canoeing, Rowing and Windsurfing are available on Bala Lake. You may purchase a day permit from the Sailing Club or Lake Warden, and you may hire boating equipment from the Public Shore. No power boats are permitted on Bala Lake, except Safety boats. Fishing permits are available in town for Bala Lake and surrounding Rivers. White-water kayaking and rafting are available on the River Tryweryn, just 4 miles away.

Bala Adventure & Watersports Centre

A private, friendly and flexible centre based on the shores of Bala Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales.

We offer windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, orienteering and whole range of other activities, whether you want a a half-day taster or a five-day course we will pack as much as we can into your visit.

More info & booking

Bala Sailing Club

Set at the North East end of Bala Lake giving access to one of the most picturesque sailing waters in Wales.

The mainly Southerly winds provide excellent sailing conditions and the well equipped clubhouse and training room make Bala SC one of the most popular sailing venues in the country.

More info & booking

Influence Rafting

An activity company run by people who love the outdoors and provide rafting, canyoning, high ropes, paintball, quad treks, rally karting, climbing and walking activities on Welsh rives and mountains around the Bala area.

Outdoor clothing, camping equipment & casual wear plus bookings for activities, help & advice from Yr Aran Outdoor Shop in Bala High Street.

More info & booking

Paddleworks - Canoe Shop

Paddleworks - Bala's canoe shop in the High St

Everything you need for safe fun on the water ranging from kayaks and canoes to inflatable boats, open canoes and kayaking accessories.

Outdoor clothing, & accessories for beginners and experienced paddlers from touring to whitewater. Shop in Bala High St.

More info

National White Water Centre

National White Water Centre (Canolfan Tryweryn) is based near Bala, North Wales.

White-water rafting all year round on the steep and rocky mountain river. The fast flowing rapids will carry you down the course on an exhilarating and adrenalin fuelled trip!

More info & booking

North Wales Fly Fishing School

Privately owned, aiming to offer a constructive and enjoyable experience to all who partake in any of the courses or overseas holidays.

Providing a seamless tailored operation, passing on 50 years of fly fishing experience.

More info & booking

Llyn Tegid - Bala Lake

Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) viewed from Byterion - copyright Bill Hyde collection

Llyn Tegid at 1,084 acres is Wales's largest natural lake and the most beautiful.

It is of glacial origin and used to extend to some 8 miles long. It is a lake steeped in legend.

Llyn Tegid means Lake of Serenity and it is easy to see why after spending a day there. Be inspired by this beautiful haven at the gateway to Snowdonia with the largest natural lake in Wales as its centrepiece.

The lake is a protected wildlife site and extends to 42 metres in depth. One of its important features is the unique gwyniad fish, a subspecies of European whitefish. It is believed to have been restricted to Lake Bala from the end of the last Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago.

The fish which spends most of its time in the deeper, colder parts of the lake and only moves into shallower water at night to spawn, is no longer found anywhere else in the UK.

According to legend the lake is inhabited by a monster known affectionately as 'Teggie' and reports of this creature have been around since the 1920s.

It is also said that on moonlit nights you can see towers and buildings under the waters, and that bells can be heard. These buildings, according to legend, were the palace of King Tegid, husband of Ceridwen, the mother of Taliesin.

Santa's Annual Visit

Join Santa at his very own railway station

Sat & Sun 8th & 9th December 2012

Book Early (essential)
to avoid disappointment

Booking Form

40th Anniversary

August 11th & 12th

3 engines in steam

ride in the 'Yellow Truck'

built for Queen Victoria's visit
to Dinorwic Quarry, N. Wales