The Bala Challenge - Advice for Participants
 

If you have any concerns or questions about the walk please consult the organisers. If you have a prior health condition that may affect your ability to undertake the walk you must take medical advice prior to registration. If you observe any problems on the walk, which may affect other walkers, please advise the organisers as soon as possible.

Experience and fitness

Bala Lake Ramble: Route overview: 8 miles (13 km) 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. The walk is categorised as “moderate” (equivalent to Ramblers’ Association Grade C).

Most active people, including children who enjoy walking, should be able to complete this walk. It is recommended that participants should prepare by completing several walks, of duration 3 hours, prior to the walk; as well as improving fitness such walks should ensure that boots and feet are in good condition. Return transport is available using the Bala Lake Railway (Trains Depart from: Llanuwchllyn at11:15 12:50 2:25 4:00; takes 25 minutes) or transport provided by the organisers.

Bala Lake Circuit: Route overview: 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.

Most active people who walk reasonable distances should be able to complete this walk. Some experience of walking over open moorland is desirable. For those familiar with mountain walking the terrain is not particularly difficult, however the walk is challenging in length. It is recommended that participants should prepare by completing several walks, of duration 6 hours, prior to the walk; as well as improving fitness such walks should ensure that boots and feet are in good condition. There will be a last “opt-out” check-point with transport available to the finish.

Bala Challenge: Route overview: 32 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. 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. 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.

Road crossings and Roads without pavements

There are short sections of the route on roads without pavements, it is recommended that participants:

·         Follow instructions of Marshals (wearing yellow Rotary tabards)

·         Take extreme care when crossing roads

·         Walk on the right side of the road facing oncoming traffic

·         Use verges where possible

·         Walk in single file

·         Ensure that children are in view and in control.

Footbridges: cross footbridges in small groups leaving a gap between each walker, do not stop, jump or run on footbridges. Report any observed damage to the organisers.

Solo walkers: are advised to join other walkers (ask the organisers, at the start, if necessary)

Wheelchairs and pushchairs: unfortunately the route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Clothing & Equipment

  • Boots are strongly recommended (the walk is over open moorland and can be wet in places)
  • Wear brightly coloured clothing (the route follows roads for short sections)
  • Carry waterproofs and spare clothing
  • Carry adequate food and water (including some for an emergency)
  • Carry medication (if applicable) & sun-cream (hopefully)
  • Bring a mobile phone (if available) with charged battery
  • Maps: OS Explorer OL23 (Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid) preferred; OS Landranger 125 (Bala & Lake Vyrnwy)
  • Compass

Further information on clothing and equipment:

Safety Advice on Mountain walking:

Mountain Weather Forecast - Snowdonia

Emergency and non-emergency Assistance

Methods of obtaining assistance during the walk are:

  • Telephone the emergency services “999” ask for the Police (the Police will alert the Mountain Rescue Service if relevant)
  • Telephone the Bala Challenge Central Control (using the telephone number in the route description).
  • Ask a Marshal
  • Find the nearest public (or private) telephone using information in the route card.

Emergency Reporting: call the Police on 999 (the Police will alert the Mountain Rescue Service if relevant)

Emergency Reporting - Remember to state:
1) The exact location of Incident (Grid Reference if possible)
2) Nature of any injuries
3) Number of casualties
4) Your phone number
Stay near the phone unless told otherwise

Hospital and Police Information

Nearest Hospital with 24-hour Accident & Emergency service: Wrexham Maelor Hospital NHS Trust (Tel: 01978 291100) Croesnewydd Rd., Wrexham

Nearest Chemist: Rowlands & Co (40 High St., Bala): 01678-520 250

Open: Saturday 9-5.30.

Emergency prescriptions via Bala Police (01678-520 424)

Police: North Wales Police (Gwynedd South): 01341-422 222
 

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Return to Abercelyn Country House
 

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