Choose either:

• 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 narrow-gauge railway

• A guided walk (7 mile) with a local expert with the option of returning by narrow-gauge railway

Route Overview and Highlights

From the start at the leisure Centre in Bala, the walk first goes around the northern end of the Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales), where there is a classic view looking down the length of the lake to the Aran ridge. After an initial flat section the route soon climbs and there are soon excellent views of Bala town, Moel Emoel, Bala Lake and the Arenig mountain range. By now the route has been over farmland, continues over open moorland to a height of 460m/1,500ft (Craig yr Allor) and then enters a forest - some consider this to be a spooky place. After a level path through the forest there is a steep descent through the forest and then along a mountain stream (Afon Glyn) through woods.

The route continues over farmland, then views of the Aran Mountains will appear ahead, and to the right, across the lake, is a view of an impressive igneous crag with the ruins of an early 13^th C. Welsh castle Castell Carndochan. Soon you will arrive in Llanuwchllyn with the check-point situated at the Bala Lake Railway Station. This is the finish for the Bala Lake Ramble and guided walk, with the possibility to return using the narrow-gauge steam railway at a discounted price. Refreshments or lunch is available at the Railway Station and the Eagles Inn - a short walk away.

Aran Mountains

The Challenge walkers then ascend the Aran ridge as far as Moel Ffenigl (603m) where there are excellent views of Lake Bala and surrounding area, with Cader Idris, Snowdon and Tryfan also visible. Walkers then descend to return to the Llanuwchllyn check point and continue the lake circuit.

The Arenig Mountains

The Lake Circuit and Challenge route continues, crossing the River Dee and passing the site of a Roman Fort (Caergai) and then over farmland and forest. A "short but sharp ascent" is next - known by some as the "hill of death"! - but you are rewarded with commanding views of the Arans and Arenig Mountains - Red Kites have been seen from here. The walk continues over farmland & moorland. There are views of the Berwyn Mountains & Penllyn Forest across the Lake with the Aran ridge at the bottom of the Lake, Cader Idris can be seen in the distance, while Dduallt and Rhobell Fawr are closer. There are also excellent views of the Arenig Mountains.

The route then descends through picturesque woodland with views of Bala Lake appearing; the last leg follows the edge of the lake back to the start, where refreshments, congratulations, and certificates are waiting.

Previous Walks

The 5th Bala Challenge (20, 14, 8 miles) was held on 9 May 2009 with 235 walkers participating. There was around £2000 raised for North Wales Air Ambulance Service, Mountain Rescue Service the Bala Lake Railway and local charities.

The Rotary Club of Bala & Penllyn are grateful for the support and assistance of participants, sponsors and supporting organisations. Special thanks to the John Lewis Partnership & Energy Solutions for sponsorship of the 2009 event.