Bala Sailing Club is set at the North-East end of Bala Lake giving easy access to the largest and possibly the most picturesque sailing water in Wales. The mainly South-westerly winds provide excellent sailing conditions and the well equipped clubhouse, rescue and bespoke training facilities make Bala one of the most popular sailing venues in the UK.

Formed 50 years ago, the club is family oriented and offers a wide range of facilities to members and visitors alike. Regular club racing and open events go hand in hand with a more leisurely cruising section for those who simply want to enjoy the lake and beautiful surroundings. Magnificent views from the clubhouse and patio can be supplemented with drinks from a well stocked bar, or hot and cold refreshmments from the galley.

Bala lies 15 miles north-east of Dolgellau and 22 miles west of Llangollen, on the A494 in north wales. It is within easy reach of the major North West cities, being under two hours drive from Manchester and Liverpool via the A5 and then the A494. It is also readily accessable from Shrewsbury and Birmingham via the M54, A458, A5 and A494 - see the Location page for details.

Of glacial origin Bala Lake, or Llyn Tegid as it is more locally known is the largest natural body of water in inland Wales covering some 1,100 acres. It measures 3.6 miles long by 0.7 of a mile wide at is widest point and is up to 150ft deep. Surrounded by the high peaks of Aran Benllyn, Arenig Fawr and the Berwyn mountains, its spectacular location makes it an ideal spot for all sorts of water sports.

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. It is the only known home of the 'Gwyniad', a kind of land-locked herring thought to be a survivor of the last Ice Age, found only in the deepest, darkest sections of the lake. It is also important for it's internationally rare plant species and it's unique fauna, including the rare glutinous snail which was rediscovered in the lake in summer 1998.

There is also a rumour that a monster similar to Nessie the Loch Ness Monster lives in Llyn Tegid. Legend has it that it was called Tegi, and was taken so seriously in the early 90's that a Japanese submarine was sent beneath the water to investigate! 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.

In addition to Bala lake, other local lakes include Llyn Cwm Bechan near Harlech and the three lakes of Cadair Idris, who's name means 'Chair of Idris' and is the 19th highest mountain in Wales. At the foot of the mountain is the ribbon lake Tal Y Llyn and on Cadair Idris itself are the two highest glacial lakes - Llyn Cader and Llyn Cau. There are spectacular reservoir lakes at Vrnwy, Trawsfynydd (renowned for its fly fishing), Brenig and Llyn Celyn, home to the National Whitewater Centre.

Wales is a country renowed for it's many rivers, streams and lakes. Well worth a visit is Pistyll Rhaeadr the second highest waterfall in Wales, which is accessed from the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. Here the waters of River Disgynfa cascade 240ft down a mossy pineflanked cliff and through a natural 'fairy' arch into a deep plunge pool. Eventuallly the river makes it's way through boulder strewn pastures in which legend has it that Giants once roamed.

Not far away are the magnificent beaches and coastline of Gwynedd. From the seaside resorts of family orientated Barmouth or quiet and picturesque Aberdyfi, to the wild sweeping sands of Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) on the Llyn Peninsula, a hot spot for surfers, all with safe bathing, clean waters and sandy beaches. The area is rich with historical castles such as the lofty Harlech or the atmospheric Castell Y Bere near Tywyn, which will delight the history buffs, with their tales of strife between the Welsh and the English. Bala itself is home to two roman forts, Cae-Gaer a roman fortlet where quartz mining may have taken place and Caer Gai near Llanfor, a rectangular Roman-British fort and settlement.

The market towns of Langollen, Dolgellau and Betws-y-Coed, with their interesting history, friendly Welsh service and fine shopping, never fail to impress. Or if you prefer a different kind of day out why not visit Machynlleth and its Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). Set in a seven acre site on a former slate quarry CAT is heralded as Europe's leading eco-centre. It's not just a tourist attraction, but an educational centre that provides ideas and advice on sustainable living.

Bala Lake has it's own narrow gauge steam railway, running along the length of the south-easterly shore. The round trip of nine miles takes approximately 1 hour and affords wonderful views of the lake and surrounding scenery. There are more narrow gauge railways too, at Llangollen, Llanberis, Snowdon, Fairbourne, Corris and Tywyn, each with their own steam or diesel engines hauling passengers through the scenic beauty of their unique settings.

 

The largest forest in North Wales Coed Y Brenin, which translates as the Forest of the King, is only a handful of miles away. It lies at the heart of the Welsh gold prospecting area and is the oldest and most extensive forest in Wales. The forest covers 16,000 acres and is home to world-class mountain biking trails, waterfalls, picnic sites and historical gold mines with long term royal conections. Strange happenings have also been recorded in this area from a gold rush in Coed y Brenin and the Mawddach Estuary, to UFO landing in the Berwyn mountains.