A lengthy hike along the hills of Llyn Tegid’s northern shore
This walk leads along the northern hills above Llyn Tegid, offering striking views of Arenig mountain, open countryside and, of course, Llyn Tegid itself.
Llyn Tegid is one of the National Park’s most popular destinations. As Wales’ largest natural lake, activities such as paddle-boarding, kayaking and fishing are popular reasons to visit its shores.
The town of Bala, which is a short walk from the route’s starting point, 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?
While Llyn Tegid North is considered a moderate walk, its length might be a barrier for some. At around 6 miles, a good fitness level is required to complete the walk. Novice walkers might feel more comfortable on the area’s shorter walks.
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 moderate route. It is suitable for people with some countryside walking experience and a reasonable level of fitness. The terrain will include some steep or unsurfaced paths in the open countryside. Walking boots and waterproof layers are essential.
Start
Eryri National Park Car Park on Llyn Tegid foreshore
Finish
Commemorative Monument, Llanuwchllyn
Bus services operate between Y Bala and Llanuwchllyn.
Relevant Map
OS Explorer OL23 (Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid)
Always park in designated parking areas and never in places where you block entrances to fields or residential areas.
Llyn Tegid Foreshore Car Park
Owned by Eryri National Park Authority
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There are also public toilets at this car park. Check to see when they are open.
Stay safe and help protect the countryside by reading the information about safety and following the Countryside Code.
Nant Gwenwyn Meirch (Stream of Horses’ Poison)
During the first half of the route, as you ascend to the hills away from Llyn Tegid, you will follow an interestingly-named stream. ‘Nant Gwenwyn Meirch’ translates to the Stream of Horses’ Poison. In 1645, during the Civil War, a famous poet and royalist named Rowland Vaughan lived in nearby Caer Gai. According to the story, a group of locals one day saw Oliver Cromwell’s knights on their way to Vaughan’s home. Knowing that the knights would allow their horses to drink at the stream, the locals collected yew leaves, which are very poisonous to horses, and threw them into the water. As a result, the knights’ horses got severely ill. Since then, the stream has been known as Nant Gwenwyn Meirch (Stream of Horses’ Poison).
Werglodd Wen
Along the last mile of the route, you will encounter a historic home. Werglodd Wen was home to the Reverend Michael D. Jones—a prominent figure in the history of Bala. The Reverend was the Principal of Bala Theological College. However, his prominence also stretches beyond the waters to South America. During the 1860s, he played a significant part in establishing a Welsh settlement in Patagonia. As a result, the Welsh language is still spoken in Patagonia to this day.
The birthplace of a national youth movement
As you reach the end of the route, you will arrive at the village of Llanuwchllyn. Here a monument stands to commemorate a father and son originally from the village.
Sir O.M. Edwards was an editor, litterateur and prominent educator eager to encourage pride in the Welsh language and Welsh traditions.
Inspired by his father’s work, Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards founded the national youth organisation ‘Urdd Gobaith Cymru’ in 1922. The Urdd is one of Wales’ largest and most-celebrated youth organisations. It provides opportunities for children and young people to enjoy experiences through the medium of Welsh. In 2022, the Urdd celebrated its centenary year with a membership of over 55,000 young people.
One of the Urdd’s residential centres, Glanllyn, is situated on the northern shore of Llyn Tegid.
