Llyn Tegid is Wales’s largest natural lake and is owned and managed by the Eryri National Park.
Designations for Conservation
It has important designations for conservation:
Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Sites established throughout the European Union under the EU Habitats Directive. They are part of the Natura 2000 network and aim to provide conservation measures to European species and habitats of particular importance under the European Habitats Directive
Ramsar
The Convention on wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, “is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources”.
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
One of the Eryri National Park principle purposes is to uphold those conservation designations and to ensure that they are not compromised.
With this in mind, the lake welcomes many users including events and appreciates that many are worthwhile, and when run responsibly they can bring great enjoyment to participants and is also of significant economic benefit to the area.
However, this can only happen as long as activities are well managed and not detrimental to those designations.
It is also important that these activities are undertaken with due care and by adhering to the advice proffered by the Eryri National Park in terms of safety and biosecurity.
Event organisers should always consult beforehand with the Eryri National Park Warden at the Lake Office, Llyn Tegid Foreshore, Pensarn Rd, and Y Bala. Gwynedd. LL23 7SR
Or tel: 01678 520626 or parc@eryri.llyw.cymru
Recommendations for water sports
Lifejackets or approved buoyancy aids are required for all water borne activities (other than swimming).
Swimmer are advised to wear hi viz caps and a floatation device whenever possible. Be aware of other users or any sailing events taking place on the lake.
We recommend that swimmers keep to the west side swimming lane which is zoned off with yellow buoys. This is approximately 50m wide (from the shoreline) and 400m long beginning at the jetty located at the northern foreshore.
Please also be aware that there may be bank side fishermen who may be casting lines from time to time so try to avoid these whenever possible.
There are no charges for general swimmers but a `charge per head` will be applied for any organised swimming events or as part of a triathlon.
The lake is very cold even during summer months so anyone undertaking activities should be fully aware of this. Event organisers should relay this information to any participants during any event briefings or instructions and ensure that they are adequately prepared for this issue.
The National Park takes this issue very seriously. Participants for water based activities on the lake have a responsibility to ensure that any equipment such as: paddleboards, wind surfers, boats including canoes and kayaks, protective clothing such as waders, floatation devises, wellingtons, water boots, wet/dry suits and fishing gear are cleaned thoroughly before you arrive at the site and then after use.
Please refer to the following links for some useful advice on bio security
Non Native Species
Algae
From time to time, especially in hot weather, there are occasional algae blooms that appear on the lake. Generally, the lake Wardens will erect advisory signs when blooms are present but in the event of you en-countering anything whilst in the water – move away from it and make you way out of the water, as they can be toxic. Inform the Wardens.
For more information please follow the link below
Advice for the public and landowners
Advice for the public and landowners
Safety boats for events
Motorised safety boats are allowed to cover sailing or swimming events but must adhere to the speed limit and be manned by a competent person (with a recognised small boat handling qualification).
Please note that a special licence is required for any rescue craft on the lake. This can be obtained from the Wardens Office by prior arrangement.
Phone: 01678 520626
Email: parc@eryri.llyw.cymru
Weather
Llyn Tegid is a large freshwater lake but please do not assume that conditions will be mild or sheltered at any given time. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly and you should monitor this continuously during any activities you undertake.
Always check to local forecast beforehand.
Useful Information
For other useful links to Bala – Llyn Tegid and activities please see the links below:
For Canoe Trail information.
All Ability Trail
All Ability Trails
