Bala Lake Circular Walk

14.7 miles (23.7 km)

Bala Lake (or Llyn Tegid) is the largest natural lake in Wales. The area on the south side of the lake is wonderful for walkers, with footpaths climbing into the hills and forests for fabulous views of the lake below.
Walk Report October 6th 2026 By Richard Morgan:
Bala Lake looks inviting from the foreshore, but walking all the way around it is a much bigger undertaking than a stroll beside the water.... I set off from the Bala lakeside car park on a clear morning, enjoying the views across Llyn Tegid before the path began climbing away from the northern shore. The climb comes quite early, so it is worth settling into a steady pace rather than using up too much energy at the start. Looking back, the lake soon began to open out beneath me, with the surrounding hills reflected in the water whenever the light caught it.
Once away from the busier end of the lake, the walk became much quieter. Some of the paths feel quite wild, with rough ground, streams and stretches of woodland, and there are places where you need to watch your footing rather than simply admire the view. After recent rain, I could see how parts of the route would become muddy and waterlogged, so walking boots are a much better choice than ordinary trainers. The scenery makes these rougher stretches worthwhile, though, particularly when the trees open up to reveal another view of the lake.
As the route continued towards Llangower and Llanuwchllyn, the character of the walk changed again. There were sheep grazing in the fields and cattle behind the farm boundaries, with the occasional farmyard reminding me that this is a working landscape as well as a popular walking area. The views across the lake and towards the surrounding mountains were superb, but the full circuit is long enough that I was glad of the quieter stretches where I could settle into a rhythm and just keep walking.
By the time I reached the villages on the southern side, a break was very welcome. There are opportunities to stop for refreshments around Llanuwchllyn, and a local pub makes a tempting halfway pause if you time your walk right. It is worth checking opening times before setting off, as this is a substantial route and you cannot assume that somewhere will be open just when you need it.
The return leg had a different feel from the first half, with more open hillside, fields and sections along roads. This was probably the least enjoyable part for me, particularly where the route ran beside traffic rather than following a path close to the water. Even so, the higher ground gave me some excellent views back across Llyn Tegid, and the changing perspective helped keep the long walk interesting. The landscape feels particularly spacious here, with the lake stretching out below the surrounding hills.
There is an old Welsh legend that a town lies submerged beneath Bala Lake, and it is an evocative thought as you look across the broad expanse of water. The story is associated with the legendary settlement of Cantre’r Gwaelod, although versions of the tale vary. After spending most of the day circling the lake, it was easy to understand why it has inspired stories and folklore for generations.
Reaching Bala again felt like a proper achievement. This is not a quick circuit to squeeze into a spare afternoon: the distance, early climb, uneven paths and road sections make it a full day's walk, and the weather can make a real difference to how comfortable it feels. But the reward is a much fuller appreciation of Llyn Tegid than you get from the foreshore alone, with changing views, quiet villages, open hills and a real sense of travelling right around Wales's largest natural lake.
To continue your walking in the area you could climb Aran Fawddwy.
The walk starts from the village of Llanuwchllyn near the southern end of the lake.
You could also head to the nearby Llyn Celyn where there's more lovely scenery and walks to try.
Postcode: LL23 7SR
Pubs and More Info
There's an on site cafe next to the sailing club where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk.
If you are looking for a camping site to stay over night please see this Campsites near Bala Lake page on the campsites.co.uk website.
To continue your exercise in the area you could pick up the circular Bwlch y Groes Cycle Route. This challenging climb takes you to the second highest public road mountain pass in Wales, with a summit altitude of 545 metres (1,788 ft). The trail also visits Lake Vyrnwy at the south eastern end of the ride. With most of the route taking place on minor roads it is also suitable for walkers.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Snowdonia Walks page.