This is the largest natural lake in Wales at about 3½ miles long. It is an excellent centre for day-sailing in beautiful surroundings, but sleeping on board is not allowed, and small cruisers are discouraged. The lake warden assured me that a small dinghy cruiser would be ok. Maximum length is 20’ and no engine is permitted.

The 1990 permit to sail costs £2.50 per day or £7.00 per week, and this is collected by the warden who visits the launching sites. There are small extra charges at each site.

SH 905 348 BALA SAILING CLUB Phone number: 0678 520 464 This has the only ramp into fairly deep water — all the others are from a gravel beach and/or into shallow water, but space is at a premium on weekends, so always phone before arrival. All yacht club facilities.

SH 905 325 LLANGOWER Privately owned car parking and camping site with launching from a long gravel beach. No facilities, but not expensive, and plenty of room.

SH 891 321 HEN GLANLLYN Large camping site with good facilities and a shallow launching beach available for site customers.

SH 924 355 Public car parking, launching and toilets, close to Bala Town.