Places of interest & Outdoor Activities
The area of Bala has a colourful Welsh history, filled with legend and folklore. One legend has it that there is a lost palace beneath the lake. Diving, swimming, fishing, boating and all forms of water sports are now the most common activities on the lake and no-one has yet confirmed the legend...but maybe one day.
Bala is rich in Welsh culture and attracts walkers, cyclists, anglers, golfers, artists, bird-watchers and people indulging in all manner of traditional rural country pursuits. This is also an exceptional place for those studying geology. We have bicycles available to hire for those who wish to explore the area.
Should your day out leave you get a little windswept and muddy, or you choose to go diving, there are washing and drying facilities here that are ideal for wetsuits.
A Leisure Centre, complete with fun pool, is located by the Tourist Information Centre at the lakeside and is perfect for those less than perfect weather days.
Mountain climbing and abseiling can be enjoyed by the more adventurous and for those who would like to try out off-road 4-wheel driving, there are excellent courses available from Bala.
Outdoor activities are very popular in the area and we are fortunate enough here at Pen-Isar-Llan to have local access to golf, white water rafting, not forgetting the wealth of water sports that take place on Bala Lake.
Bala is central to a wealth of other activities and beautiful sites of interest. Within just a 45 minute radius, you can be enjoying anything from railways, castles, beaches, go-karting, horse riding, quad biking to the breath taking experience of Mount Snowden and much much more. There really is something for all the family.
Alternatively, you could spend your time simply enjoying the sights and soaking up the atmosphere of this sunny and bustling market town by day or evening, where there's a choice of 22 eating places & town shops.
Cycling
Road Routes travel along the flat River Dee Valley, around Bala Lake, or forest tracks follow a contour around the Hills above the Lake.
Golf
Bala has a Golf Club above the town and another links course at the lakeside.
Get on your bike and ride
Bala and the Snowdonia national park offer some of the best cycling in UK both on and off road.
The Welsh Tourist Board Guide
To Coed y Brenin mountain bike trails and more...
http://www.mbwales.com
The North Wales Mountain Bike Association
Lots of useful information and links to do with mountain biking in North Wales.
http://www.nwmba.demon.co.uk
Cycle Touring Club
It's off-road too ... the UK association looking after the needs of the cyclist.
http://www.ctc.org.uk
The National Cycle Network
If you want to go place to place or get between the mountain biking centres find out more about the NCN in Wales.
http://www.sustrans.org.uk
R. H. Roberts, Cycle Dealers
This is our local Bike Hirer, Mr Robert also offers out of hours parts service exclusive to our guests.
01678 520252
http://www.rhroberts-cycles.co.uk
Horse Riding
Here's a couple of other pony trekking centres both about 45 mins drive away.
http://www.ponytreks.co.uk
http://www.abergwynantfarm.com
GYG Karting
Just 20 minuets away on the A5 just outside Cerrigydrudion. Where the whole family can experience the thrill of motorsport.
01490 420770
http://www.gygkarting.co.uk
Quadtreks
At the same place as ponytreks.co.uk (above) but on a Quad bike, looks like fun, and only about 45 minuets away.
http://www.Quadtreks.co.uk
Beiciau Madian Quads and Laser Sport
It's about an hours drive over to Machynlleth but worth it for a day out.
01654 702746
http://www.madianquads.co.uk
If you're a 4x4 enthusiast, individual or group, BALA 4x4 off road centre has the terrain to test your skills.
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Or a spot of fishing
Bala & District Angling Association
You'll find all of BDAA site's here, and we can arrange for one of their members to guide you to the best spots, contact us for more info.
http://www.balawales.com
North Wales Fly Fishing School
Never fished before? Want to learn? These folks can sort you out
http://www.nwalesflyfishingschool.com
Places of interest
Electric Mountain Llanberis and Hydro centre Ffestiniogh
http://www.fhc.co.uk
http://www.llanberis.org
http://www.glassblobbery.com
http://www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk
http://www.corriscraftcentre.co.uk
http://www.fairbournerailway.com
http://www.festrail.co.uk
http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk
http://www.syguncoppermine.co.uk
http://www.llandudnoattractions.co.uk
http://www.ruthingaol.co.uk
http://www.plascoch.com
A Few Of The Places to eat and drink in Bala
Caffi'r Cyfnod, High Street, Bala, A Great Breakfast! The Oldest Café in Bala, With a Warm Welcome.
Plas Yn Dre, Licensed Restaurant. High Street, Bala, Excellent Quality Home Cooked Food, With menu to suit all tastes. 01678 521256.
Gwesty Plas Goch, High Street, Bala. Large Welcoming Lounge/Bar Excellent Menu 01678 520309.
Tourists Related Sites
Wales Tourist Board Official Site
http://www.visitwales.com
The Bala & Penllyn Tourism Association
http://www.bala-snowdonia.com
Mid Wales Tourist Association
www.visitmidwales.co.uk
Snowdonia Active
http://www.snowdonia-active.com/
Your Guide to Outdoor Pursuits and Activities in Wales
http://www.waleslive.com
North Wales Tourist Board
http://www.nwt.co.uk
Snowdonia National Park
http://www.snowdonia-npa.gov.uk
Another useful site for out door activity lovers
http://www.outdoor-solutions.co.uk
