A Great Day out for All the Family, There’s More to This Favourite Welsh Lake Than Meets the Eye
The lake itself is 3.5 miles long, and is in place thanks to the glacial valley left over from the last ice age. The lake fits nicely into this carved valley and therefore has remarkably straight parallel sides. The lake holds a strong place in Welsh History as a lovely and ancient lake (which even has some legends associated with them).
Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant forests, Llyn Tegid offers an array of scenic walks and hikes for visitors of all abilities. The lakeside path, known as the “Bala Lake Trail,” is a popular route that circumnavigates the entire lake, offering breath-taking views at every turn. For more adventurous hikers, nearby peaks such as Aran Benllyn and Arenig Fawr provide challenging climbs and panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Local To Pale Wood Holiday Park
Bala Lake is only an 11 min drive from Pale Wood, and so our residents and visitors love to venture out to the lakeside area for some fresh air, relaxation and adventure.
Llyn Tegid, Bala lake is a beautiful lake to explore with the whole family, whether it’s to have a paddle on a sunny day, some water sports like sailing, row boats, windsurfing, or more. You can also simply enjoy the weather in the adjacent park while soaking up the sunshine and surrounding panoramic mountainous views. There is also lots of wildlife in Bala, so remember to keep watch if you plan on visiting!
History of Llyn Tegid
The name Tegid is thought to be related to Welsh ‘Teg’ which means ‘fair’, it’s the largest natural body of water in Wales that’s before its level was raised by Thomas Telford in order to support the flow of the Ellesmere canal. It’s 3.7 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, so it takes a little bit of time to walk around outside as it’s about 14 miles around.
Alternatively, it can be split into two more leisurely walks (8 or 9 miles) using the Bala lake railway or local bus service for return transport. It’s a place where the river dee runs through, the lake’s waters run deep and clear. At its north eastern end is the town of Bala.
Fishing at Llyn Tegid
The lake is home to a variety of fish, which includes pike, perch, trout, broach and eel. It is also home to the distinctive Welsh Gwyniad, a fish which is unique to the area, and is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, due to the introduction of the invasive and non-native ruffe fish.
Bala lakes has a fantastic railway ‘Bala Lake Railway’ which offers awesome views of the lake and the mountains.
In legend, contained within the history of Taliesin, the character Tegid Foel (bald Tegid) was the husband of the goddess/enchantress Ceridwen. The place where the court stood is said to be beneath the waters of the lake. Legend says that at night, during the full moon you can see the hall’s lights and hearth fires glisten from the lakebed.
Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or cultural enthusiast, Llyn Tegid has something to offer every traveller. Plan your visit to this hidden gem of North Wales and discover the magic of Bala Lake for yourself. From its tranquil waters and scenic landscapes to its rich history and vibrant wildlife, Llyn Tegid promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return time and time again.