Mission Statement: Sail the heights in Snowdonia
Trail Introduction:
This trail takes you to the heart of Snowdonia National Park and enables you to set sail on a route that takes you on an anti clockwise tour around one of the largest lakes in Wales, surrounded by stunning mountains. This is a trail that doesn’t take too much time but places you in a stunning setting with unforgettable views.
About the Area:
Llyn Tegid means ‘Lake of Serenity’ in Welsh and lives up to its name. Situated to the south west of the small market town, Bala, Gwynedd in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, this is the biggest lake in Wales, stretching over four miles in length with a maximum breadth of ¾ of a mile. The scenery is dominated by the Berwyn, Aran and Arenig mountains. This is a very peaceful spot that has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. As such, it is heavily protected and the use of motorboats (unless you have an electric motor) is prohibited. Sailing boats up to a maximum length of 5.8m are allowed, making this an ideal place for a spot of undisturbed dinghy cruising. As you can imagine, the lake is a haven for wildlife, including otters and a plethora of different species of fish. There is, however, one creature that you are unlikely to catch a glimpse of and this is the ‘Teggie’, a mythical monster said to inhabit the lake. The lake was formed by glacial activity and is exceptionally deep in the middle with depths of up to 42m in places. The River Dee runs through the lake on its way down to the sea via Chester and the lake also provides an important water supply for the Llangollen Canal. The nearby town of Bala was an important hub for the Welsh wool trade. It is now a popular tourist destination and is the starting point for the narrow gauge steam line that runs along the eastern shore of the lake to nearby Llanuwchllyn.
Interesting fact:
In Welsh mythology (Mabinogion) the character Tegid Foel is associated with Llyn Tegid. He was the husband of the goddess or witch Ceridwen and the place where his court stood is now beneath the waters of the lake after Tegid Foel’s entire court was destroyed by a flood. Legend has it that the lights of the town can be seen at the bottom of the lake on moonlit nights.
Round Trip Distance:
8 miles
Approximate Time that the Trail will take:
3.5 hours
OS Map or Chart: OL23
Trail Details
This map is for information use only, not for navigation.
This map is for information use only, not for navigation.
- Launch from the slipway at the car park
- Head SW down the lake, hugging the western shore
- There is a small beach at the southern end of the lake where you can step ashore to stretch your legs
- Sail back along the eastern shore of the lake
- Take a break at the Lakeview Cafe at Bala Sailing Club (closed Wednesdays)
- Land back at the Llyn Tegid Foreshore car park
The weather in the mountains can change quickly. If the wind is south westerly, there can be a significant wind speed difference from one end of the lake to the other.
Trip Extensions:
Admire the lake from the carriage of a steam train – https://bala-lake-railway.co.uk/
Launch Point Lat and Long:
52°54’21.33″N – 3°36’26.45″W
Launch Point What3Words: ///materials.fond.bluntly
Launch Information:
Launch and parking fees information can be found here
Permits must be obtained before going on the lake; the Lake Warden can ask to see them at any time. The permits can be purchased from the Lake Warden’s Centre or the pay and display machines in the Llyn Tegid Foreshore car park.
Warden’s Office: Tel: 01678 520 626; email; parc@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Tidal Information: Not applicable
Towing Vehicle Parking:
Park you vehicle in the car park at the Llyn Tegid Foreshore car park and you can use the pay display machines to pay.
Towing vehicle Parking What3Words: ///running.plantings.glorious
Towing vehicle Parking Information:
£5 for all day parking
Trailer Parking:
Park you vehicle in the car park at the Llyn Tegid Foreshore car park and you can use the pay display machines to pay.
Trailer Parking What3Words: ///running.plantings.glorious
Trailer Parking Information:
This is still to be determined
Toilets:
Yes
Toilets What3Words: ///groomed.feuds.movie
Toilets Information:
Public toilets are available at Llangower Station and Llanuwchllyn Station, both of which are on the Bala Lake Railway line. There are also toilets at the main Bala Lake car park on Pensarn Road
Page Month Published:
October 2025
Dinghy Trail Sponsor: