We were back at Bala for three days July, 25th-27th in 2009, combining racing with fun events (relay racing, Pro-am racing (novices and experts in teams) and regional teams (Full reports to follow)

Bala club was again very hospitable, organising evening social events.  Bala has excellent camping and caravanning facilities, in beautiful family-friendly surroundings,

Social side

On shore, the Club has extended their welcome into social events, and in 2009  there was a wild west themed barbecue - called High Sheeparral! - on Saturday evening with baked potatoes, sausages, burgers and beans on the menu. On Sunday, after the AGM, there was an excellent evening meal at a local hostelry.

Accommodation

 The campsite can be booked through Mrs Menna Roberts on 01678 520415.with a pitch in the "Catapult Village".

If camping is not your ‘thing’, then there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs in Bala and surrounding villages, because this is a major centre for touring Snowdonia and the rest of North Wales. Tourist information is on 01678 521 021, or there are lots of websites offering accommodation in the area.

Directions

Bala Cat Club is on the south side of Bala Lake (or Llyn Tegid) near the village of Llangower. From the A5 Llangollen to Betws-y-coed road turn south on the A494 for Dolgellau. Coming into Bala take the first left (B4391), then turn right onto the B4403 immediately after crossing the end of the lake. The Cat Club is signposted off the B4403 in 2.5 to 3 miles.

Make a holiday of it

Many members turn this event in to a great holiday by extending their stays before and after the weekend and taking the opportunity to tour the magnificent Snowdonia National Park. If you’re particularly energetic, in addition to the great walking there is excellent mountain biking in the Coed-y-Brenin Forest or white water kayaking at the National Whitewater Centre above Bala Town. For the kids there is the narrow gauge steam railway that runs along the lake right past the Cat Club, and there are fascinating old slate mines to visit.

Slightly further afield there are the excellent beaches of Harlech, Barmouth and Porthmadog, plus the eccentric delights of Portmeirion village, well known to viewers of the cult 1960s series The Prisoner. History buffs can climb the walls of Harlech, Caernarfon, and Criccieth Castles, while Ivor the Engine fans can enjoy rides on the Ffestiniog, Tal-y-llyn and Fairbourne railways plus the newly completed Welsh Highland Railway that runs from Porthmadog to Caernarfon.