Bala Challenge Charity Walks

Choose from:
A leisurely guided walk (2 hours)
8 miles along Bala Lake with return by steam railway
14 miles around Bala Lake
20 miles around Bala Lake and more - a challenge!

A range of walks around or along Lake Bala, through forests, over moorland with wonderful views and opportunity to see wildlife. Free car parking, feeding stations, transport if required, refreshments at the finish and a certificate!

You can raise money for your own charity, good cause, or club, or just enjoy the walk. For approved charities or good causes with a minimum entry of 10 walkers, a donation will be made to the charity returning a significant part of the entry fee. Please apply before the event. Runners may participate but start later, the event is not a race.

Important: the route is over farmland - dogs must be on a lead. Please be courteous to landowners & farmers.

Again we will be supporting charities and good causes, such as: North Wales Air Ambulance, the Mountain Rescue Service and local good causes.

Please see Rules (Download from event website)
Children (age 17 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult over 21)

Services to participants include:
• Car parking at the Penllyn Leisure Centre (please register)
• Route description with local information notes
• Checkpoint, marshals and signs
• Return transport where required
• Certificates for all finishers
• Feeding station at check-points
• Light Refreshments at the finish
• Assistance with problems.

Choice of walk:
• The Bala Challenge is a circular walk around Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) including part of the Aran ridge, starting and finishing at the Penllyn Leisure Centre, in Bala. The walk is 20 miles (32 km) long with total ascent of 4,100-ft (1250m) and is expected to be completed in around 7-10 hours. The route is over low-lying hills (up to 2,000-ft (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. This walk is only for experienced walkers, although it is possible to choose a shorter distance during the walk.
• The Bala Lake Circuit is a circular walk around Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) starting and finishing at the Penllyn Leisure Centre, in Bala. The walk is 14 miles (23 km) long with total ascent of 2,700-ft (800m) and is expected to be completed in around 6-8 hours. The route is over low-lying hills (up to 1,500-ft (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.
• The Bala Lake Scenic Walk is a linear walk along the east side of Bala Lake starting at the Penllyn Leisure Centre, in Bala, and finishing in Llanuwchllyn. The walk is 8 miles (13 km) long with total ascent of 1,700-ft (510m) and is expected to be completed in around 3-4 hours. The route is over low-lying hills (up to 1,500-ft (460m) height) using footpaths, sections of open moorland and quiet roads. There are short sections which are steep. Return transport is possible by the steam railway (Bala Lake Railway) at a discounted price, or vehicle (which will be provided by the organisers).
• Guided Walk with a local expert who will provide information on local wildlife and history. The walk starts and finishes at the Penllyn Leisure Centre, in Bala, The leisurely walk will take around 2 hours.