Take a break in Bala, the heart of the Welsh lake district

The centrepiece of Bala is Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales, measuring around 5km long and 1km wide. Sandwiched between Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Berwyn mountains, it's overlooked by its own mini-massif: the Arenig mountains. 

As well as being pretty to look at, it's a great spot for a whole variety of watersports including canoeing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing – anything that’s not motor-powered, basically.

It's also popular with fishing enthusiasts, as it contains 13 different species of fish that you can try to catch, and one unique species called the gwyniad that you’re not allowed to fish for. Legend has it that there's a monster named Teggie in the lake too, but so far we've not been able to verify this...

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to walking routes in Bala. To the west are the mighty peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia), while the easterly Berwyns have an isolated grandeur. If you can only squeeze in one walk, go for Arenig Fawr. It's the highest point you can see on the horizon and provides a really good walk. Back in the 1910s, a group of artists were so enraptured by it that they painted the scenery again and again, so much so that it apparently started to turn them mad.

The National White Water Centre is based in Bala, and it couldn't be any better placed. Water is regularly released from a dam into the River Tryweryn, a steep, rocky and fast-flowing mountain waterway. This means that there are predictable rapids all year round, perfect for exhilarating adventures in the water. Prepare to get drenched as you head down the river in your raft under instruction by one of their expert guides. You'll be buzzing for the rest of the day! You can grab a well earned hot drink and a piece of cake at the cafe afterwards too.

The National White Water Centre runs family rafting sessions for anyone aged 10 and over, as well as other kayaking and canyoning activities.

The old Ruabon-Barmouth railway line used to run alongside Llyn Tegid until it was axed in the 1960s. Within years of it shutting down, local enthusiasts rebuilt a 4.5 mile southern stretch into a narrow-gauge line using old locos that had hauled slate in the nearby quarries. The resulting Bala Lake Railway provides a delightful hour-long ride along the lake’s shores, from Llanuwchllyn to Bala. 

The district of Penllyn (meaning ‘head of the lake’) is sparsely dotted with tiny towns, of which Bala is the biggest. Bala certainly has all the banks, pubs, shops and cafés that you’ll need for a holiday, including an award-winning butchers.

There’s an authentic Welsh feel to the place, and it has a couple of cultural claims to fame. The Bible Society was inspired by a farm girl from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Mary Jones. In 1800, aged 16, Mary walked 25 miles barefoot over the mountains to get there to buy a copy of the Welsh Bible. You can find out more about her story at Canolfan Pererin Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre. There’s also a prominent statue of the Victorian parliamentarian Thomas Ellis, who was an early advocate for Welsh home rule.

Hill farming is tough business, so a lot of traditional Welsh farms have diversified into tourism. Most farms around Bala are run by families who’ve farmed here for a long time, so by staying on one you’re instantly plugged into what makes rural Welsh-speaking Wales tick. In our experience, they’re also lovely warm people who can knock up a spectacularly calorific farmhouse breakfast.

Search for a farm stay near Bala.

For a warm Welsh welcome, head to Plas Yn Dre. It's a five star, Visit Wales Gold Award winning property in the middle of Bala with parking. There are nine gorgeous bedrooms, including a couple of family rooms, perfect after a long day walking, cycling or exploring the area. The bar and restaurant serve quality local food and beers and there are benches outside to sit on and watch the world go by.

Just outside Bala is Palé Hall Hotel, a luxurious Victorian country house hotel with a two Michelin star restaurant. It's the perfect place for an indulgent rural retreat.

There are also plenty of family-friendly camping sites and self-catering cottages in the area. 

Search for more accommodation near Bala. 

As a strategic base, Bala is almost unbeatable. A whole range of North Wales tourism hotspots – places like Llangollen, Chirk, Lake Vyrnwy, Betws y Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Portmeirion and Ruthin – are no more than 45 minutes’ drive away, and one of Britain’s best restaurants with rooms, Tyddyn Llan, is just up the road.

Search for more attractions and activities near Bala. 

Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.

• Read our safety advice for exploring Wales' National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
• Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Wales.