Lake Bala

Lake Bala (Welsh, Llyn Tegid), lake near Bala, Gwynedd, in Snowdonia National Park, northern Wales. With a length of 5.5 km (3.4 mi), an average width of approximately 1 km (0.6 mi), an average depth of 24 m (79 ft), a maximum depth of 43 m (141 ft), and an overall surface area of 478 hectares (1,181 acres), Lake Bala is the largest natural lake in Wales. The lake lies above the historic market town of Bala, in the upper Dee catchment area, within the Snowdonia National Park. The River Dee (in Welsh, Afon Dyfrdwy) enters Lake Bala from its south-western end and flows north-east, through the lake, along the border with England, past Chester, and into the Irish Sea. The River Dee is a major source of drinking water for Liverpool, and its flow is controlled by sluice gates at the lake’s outlet at Bala. In addition, the waters of the Afon Llafar, Afon Tryweryn, and Afon Glyn are also directed into the lake. The total catchment area of Lake Bala is 150 sq km (58 sq mi).

Lake Bala is an important conservation site. It has been recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1971 and was designated a Ramsar site as a wetland of international importance in 1991. The lake contains the rare fish species, the gwyniad (Coregonus lavaretus), a unique sub-species of the European whitefish that was left stranded in the lake at the time of the last Ice Age (some 10,000 years ago). The lake provides a habitat for the unique species of the glutinous snail (Myxas glutinosa). Lake Bala is surrounded by forests and farmland, including grassland and moorland. Livestock raising, in particular sheep farming, is particularly important to local agriculture.

The town of Bala, founded in 1310, lies on the north-western shore of the lake. Bala is a popular tourist resort, used by many visitors as a gateway to the Snowdonia National Park. The lake plays a central role in the local tourist economy. Watersports, especially windsurfing, are popular, as is fishing.