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Bala (Ready Camp)

Bala, Gwynedd, Wales
1 acre hosted by Ready C.
A small, camping and caravanning club site 5 minutes from the small watersports town of Bala and its vast, beautiful lake
Known as the Welsh Lake District, the Bala area positively buzzes with the sound of wildlife. It is one of the last bastions for the UK’s red squirrel population, hen harriers, crossbills and redstarts whistle around the skies, wood warblers ring out from the local forests, butterflies flitter above the blueebells, and badgers scurry along the banks of the smallest country lanes. With so many animals around it seems apt they have just introduced safari tents at this charming Bala campsite. True, there aren’t exactly any lions around here, but then again, you never know what exactly is lurking in the trees.

It’s right to be curious too. This is a place with an element of unpredictability about it. Despite being a Caravan and Camping Club site it bucks the trend of static mobile homes and onsite restaurants. Instead the site is restricted to a tidy 50 pitches and the atmosphere is one as much for the young outdoorsmen as older caravanning couples and families out for a weekend in the national park. Those travelling light, in particular, will like the aforementioned tents, which come fully kitted out with all the kit and caboodle so you need only bring a few bed sheets along. Think double beds, sofas and a well-equipped kitchenette – there aren’t any khaki waistcoats or out-of-Africa binoculars, I’m afraid, that aspect of safari you’ll just have to bring along for yourself.

The natural, small scale feel of the site, surrounded by open fields that roll into a tuft of hills to the north east, dovetails nicely with the main attraction of the area: the great outdoors. Head to Bala Lake, a rightful focal point, at three and a half miles long and 140ft deep it is the largest natural lake in Wales and a jewel in this Lake District crown. The 14-mile walk around its perimeter is an excellent route for those willing to go the distance. The trail keeps close to the water but occasionally climbs the surrounding hills to provide fantastic views down the valley.

On the lake, equip yourself in Bala town with some aqua-ready gear (and grab some picnic food from gourmet shops including, reputedly, the best butcher in Wales) and dabble around in a kayak, canoe or rowboat. Sailing boats will also be zipping around on more blustery days but the place is vast, so there’s plenty of room for all! With wind in mind it’s also handy that the campsite always publish the next few days MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) forecast outside the onsite shop. If rain’s on the cards then don’t worry. Head down to the National White Water Centre and don yourself a dry suit. Water is released through their chutes around 200 days of the year and crashes down a two-mile course in ferocious rapids. If you’re going to get wet then you might as well do it in style.

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Location
Bala, Gwynedd, Wales, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Ready C.Joined in March 2016
From the host
Your time spent…where it matters Time away with family & friends is great, but let’s be honest - it can sometimes be hectic to even think about! Ready Camp takes away some of the stresses and hassles of camping - having a pre-erected, canvas-wrapped haven with real beds, a kitchen and dining area. There’s no need to fill the car rammed to the rafters with an endless supply of ‘just in cases’. We give you back the time to do the fun things together with your friends and family. Pack your bedding & a sense of adventure Walk into a comfortable haven with cosy furnishings and oodles of little luxuries.  With two bedrooms, an open plan living/dining area where you can wine and dine to your hearts content or put your feet up on the comfy settee after a long day’s adventure. The Kitchen area includes a fridge, microwave and hob, along with basic cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. (We’ve even supplied the corkscrew!) When it comes to light’s out…we’ve even included a torch for those midnight toilet trips, or just to make funny shadows on the tent!
Nearby attractions

This campsite is in a rural location, so is popular for those looking for quieter adventures. Many who visit will, at some point, take the 20 mile trip to Mount Snowdon, certainly worth doing but it's important to wait for a clear day. There are plenty of local routes nearby, though, and the staff onsite are exceptionally knowledgeable and are happy to give suggestions. Bala lake is close at hand, a good spot to hire kayaks (01678 521059) and dabble about on the water or enjoy a little wild swimming along the shoreline. It's also around a 10 minute drive to the National White Water Centre (01678 521083), so if dawdling on the lake is a little too sedentary for you then be prepared for some more high-octane waterborne action on the Tryweryn River!

Food and drink

The nearest pub is the Bryntirion Inn (01678 530205), 2 miles away, a snug spot that serves excellent locally sourced food in an exceptionally friendly atmosphere. Rhug Organic Farm (01490 412203) is 7 miles away and sells home reared black beef and lamb, along with freshly cooked dishes in their shop café.

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