The Bala Challenge: 11th May 2013

The Bala Challenge is the premier walking event of Southern Snowdonia. The event is a Charity Walk, organised by the Bala & Penllyn Rotary Club, which raises funds for beneficiaries such as the North Wales Air Ambulance, Mountain Rescue Service & local good causes. Participants can raise funds for their own good cause or just enjoy the walk.

The first event was held in 2005 and the number of participants has increased each year to over 250. The event has raised over £14,000 directly and taking into account participants own sponsorship it is estimated that some £50,000 has been raised.

Features of the event are:

• Marvellous scenery of southern Snowdonia
• Choice of route of various distances
• A serious walk of 20 miles, over 4,000 ft
• Family walk with return by steam railway
• Feeding station & refreshments at the finish
• Circular walk or transport provided

The 9^th Bala Challenge Charity Walk will be held on Saturday, 11^th May 2013

This will be an opportunity to experience the outstanding scenery of southern Snowdonia, North Wales, with views of the largest natural lake in Wales, surrounded by three mountain ranges (Berwyn, Aran, Arenig) and a possibility to observe the natural wildlife including Buzzards and Red Kites. The route has been chosen to maximise the views over a variety of terrain including farmland, moorland and forest.

Individual walkers or groups representing societies or clubs may also seek sponsorship to raise funds for a good cause of their own choice.

There is a choice of walks:

• The Bala Challenge is a strenuous circular walk Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), including part of the Aran ridge, starting and finishing at the Penllyn Leisure Centre, in Bala. The walk is 20 miles (32 km) long with a total ascent of 4,100ft (1,250m).
• The Bala Lake Circuit is a circular walk around Bala Lake starting and finishing at the Penllyn Leisure Centre, in Bala. The walk is 14 miles (23km) long with a total ascent of 2,700ft (800m).
• Bala Lake Walk: suitable for family groups, is a linear walk along the south-east side of Bala Lake starting at the Penllyn Leisure Centre in Bala and finishing in Llanuwchllyn. The walk is 8 miles (13km) long with a total ascent of 1,700ft (510m). Return to the start may be by steam railway or provided by the organisers.
• Guided Walk circular of 2 hours with a local expert who will provide information on wildlife.

There will be an opportunity to take a break en-route at the Eagles’ Inn, Llanuwchllyn. Light refreshments are also available at the Bala Lake Railway Café, Llanuwchllyn.

Further information:                                                                 Gwybodaeth bellach:             

Peter Cottee Tel: 01678-521782                                             Cyswllt Cymraeg:

E-mail: petercottee@hotmail.com                                           Gareth Griffiths            01678 521855

Web: www.abercelyn.co.uk