Paddleboarding Adventure at Bala Lake, North Wales
This past weekend, I joined SUP Stratford for a much-needed escape to the stunning Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) in North Wales. It was a perfect opportunity to combine paddleboarding, running, and great company in one of the most picturesque parts of the UK.
The Journey to Bala
The drive up to Bala was an adventure in itself—rolling hills, narrow country lanes, and sweeping views that made me stop more than once for a quick photo-op (and to stretch the legs!). Located in Snowdonia National Park, Bala Lake is the largest natural lake in Wales, and its beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. The weather forecast promised a mix of sunshine and cloud, so I was optimistic for good paddleboarding conditions.
After a long week, I finally arrived at Glanllyn Lakeside Caravan & Camping Park around 7 pm on Friday. The sun was setting over the hills, casting a golden glow across the lake—a pretty magical sight to kick off the weekend. I had booked a spot with an electrical hook-up for my tent, which made settling in a little more comfortable. I quickly set up camp, eager to explore the lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. SUP Stratford members were scattered around the campsite, and the excitement for the weekend ahead was palpable.
Saturday Morning: Run and Paddle
I woke up early on Saturday, full of energy, and decided to start the day with a 10 km run from the caravan park up to Bala and back. The crisp morning air and the scenic route made it a perfect run, with the quiet roads winding through fields and along the lakeside. Running with the hills of Snowdonia in the distance was both challenging and rewarding.
Once I returned, it was time to hit the water! After a quick snack, the whole group set out to paddle around the entire lake, which spans about 4 miles in length. The weather couldn’t have been better—calm water, a slight breeze, and cloudy skies that occasionally let the sun peek through. The group energy was amazing as we paddled along, chatting and taking in the gorgeous scenery. There’s something special about sharing an experience like that with fellow paddleboarders.
Saturday Evening: BBQ with the Crew
After a full day of paddling, we were all ready for some good food, and nothing beats a group BBQ after an active day. We gathered around, firing up the grills, sharing stories, and laughing late into the evening. The BBQ turned into a perfect way to wind down and bond with the group. Bala Lake by night, with the moon reflecting off the water, was a sight I won’t soon forget.
Sunday Morning: The “Short” Paddle That Wasn’t So Short
On Sunday morning, with the weekend already feeling too short, three of us decided to get in a quick, casual paddle before packing up. The plan was to stay near the shore and just enjoy the peaceful morning… but of course, it ended up being another full paddle around the lake! None of us wanted to miss the opportunity for one last lap around Bala. The stillness of the water and the quiet morning atmosphere made it feel like we had the whole lake to ourselves.
Afterward, we treated ourselves to breakfast at a little cafe in town, where we indulged in some well-earned food and hot coffee. It was the perfect ending to a brilliant weekend.
Final Thoughts
Bala Lake is such a gem, and this trip with SUP Stratford was exactly what I needed to reset and recharge. From the 10 km run, to paddling the entire lake (twice!), to sharing meals and laughs with friends, it was a weekend full of adventure and connection. If you ever find yourself looking for a paddleboarding spot that combines natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere, Bala Lake should be at the top of your list.
Until the next trip, keep exploring and making memories on the water!
“There’s something uniquely freeing about paddling across a vast, serene lake, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Bala Lake gave me the perfect balance of adventure, tranquility, and camaraderie—an experience I won’t soon forget.”
