Llanuwchllyn
is a small village on the southern edge of Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) in
Gwynedd
North Wales. The village is home to the headquarters of Bala Lake
Railway and indeed there are regular journeys throughout the day from
Llanuwchllyn to the town of Bala some 4.5 miles away (seasonal).
The area is popular for walkers being close to the Cambrian range of
mountains including Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy with Arenig Fawr being
some 6 miles to the north west. If the mountains seem like too much hard
work then there are walks on more level ground in the quiet lanes
around the beautiful Bala lake.
Watersports enthusiasts are well catered
for with sailing, canoeing, rowing and windsurfing being available on
Bala Lake. And if White Water Rafting is your thing then the National
White Water Centre (Canolfan Tryweryn) is close by at Fron Goch, with
white-water rafting all year round on the steep and rocky mountain
river.
Anglers are able to buy permits for fishing both the lake and the surrounding
rivers with courses available for newcomers to experience the sport of
fly fishing.
Llanuwchllyn itself has a long history. Close by is the site of the
Roman fort of Caer Gai, occupied from 75-150 AD. It was positioned on
an important strategic route near sources of gold and lead. Tradition
has it that it was later the home of Sir Hector of the Arthurian
legends and the name commemorates his son Cai Hir (Long Kay)– the
Sir Kay of the legends.
Llanuwchllyn Church, now unfortunately abandoned
by the Church in Wales, is a very old foundation that was rebuilt in
1872. It contained a 14th Century recumbent
effigy of a mail-clad knight and an interesting old communion
plate that is believed to have once belonged to Cymmer Abbey. Just a
few miles along the lane there is another now abandoned church. The atmospheric
church of Llangower sits alongside the lake among interesting gravestones
and an ancient Yew tree.
