Bala
Little more than a single main street, Bala is a popular stop-off for travellers on their way from north-west England to the Cambrian coast. The town's great attraction is Bala Lake (“Llyn Tegid” in Welsh). This is the largest natural body of water in Wales, much used by watersports enthusiasts who benefit from the winds sweeping through the mountain valley in which it is set. The steam trains of the narrow-gauge Bala Lake Railway run for several kilometres along its southern shore. In a nearby valley is another lake, Llyn Celyn, which is entirely artificial; canoeing competitions are held on the white water downstream from its dam.
The secondary school in nearby Bala provides free bus service from home. Bala has a range of shopping facilities including Monday market, two supermarkets, bakeries, several high class butchers, chemists, high street banking, and a public library. An excellent comprehensive medical Centre includes Doctors’ surgeries, X-ray facilities, ambulance and full accident and emergency services.