A leisurely walk above the northern hills of Y Bala
Eryri National Park conjures images of craggy mountain scenes, but this walk will show you the gentler, greener aspect of Eryri.
The route will take you through Y Bala, which has the highest percentage of Welsh speakers in the National Park. A great wealth of history and culture is associated with the Bala area.
Why this path?
Craig y Fron is a reasonably easy walk, which involves a steady climb at the outset, then levelling out for a gradual descent across grazing land. It offers views of Y Bala town, an old quarry, and nearby mountain ranges.
The path’s proximity to Bala makes the town a perfect place for a post-hike refreshment in one of Bala’s many cafes and pubs. Or, on hotter summer days, a dip in Llyn Tegid itself might be the best way to cool off after the hike.
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The National Park Authority has categorised this route as a leisurely route. It is suitable for people with a reasonable/moderate level of fitness. The terrain may include unsurfaced and undulating rural paths. Walking boots and waterproof clothing are recommended.
Start/Finish
Llyn Tegid foreshore car park off the A494
Relevant OS Map
OS Explorer OL18 (Harlech, Porthmadog & Bala)
Always park in designated parking places and never in areas where you block entrances to fields, residential areas.
Llyn Tegid foreshore car park, Y Bala
Owned by Eryri National Park Authority
Stay safe and help protect the countryside by reading the information about safety and following the Countryside Code.
Y Bala
Y Bala is an old market town that received its charter in 1324. The town’s Tomen (Tump), a Norman motte-and-bailey site, points to an earlier settlement due to its position at the head of the River Dee.
In the 19th century, Y Bala became the focal point of the religious revival in North Wales. It was led by the Methodist, the Reverend Thomas Charles (1755-1814), founder of the British and Foreign Bible Society.
Thomas Charles founded the Bible society after being inspired by the story of Mari Jones. Mari was a young girl who, in 1800, walked 25 miles barefoot to Y Bala from her native Llanfihangel-y-Pennant to obtain a Welsh language Bible from Thomas Charles himself.
The strong religious tradition continued to influence the town. Coleg y Bala, the Presbyterian Theological College, was built in the 1860s using stone from nearby Craig y Fron quarry.
The town’s many statues are also a memorial to the political leaders raised here. Today, the Y Bala area continues to be a bastion of Welsh cultural tradition. It has one of the highest percentages of Welsh speakers within the National Park.
