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Bala Lake, by Bala, Merionethshire

Bala Bala is a pocket-sized market town in Merionethshire, lying at the north end of Bala Lake, 17 miles north-east of Dolgellau. It is little more than one wide street, the High Street. Nevertheless, Bala has served as the county town of Merionethshire. In the 18th century, Bala was well-known for the manufacture of flannel, stockings, gloves and hosiery. It is now a popular destination for summertime visitors, who come either for the beauteous scenery or for watersports on the lake or cycling in the hills. Bala Lake is the largest natural lake in Wales, 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, with the town of Bala sitting at its lower, northern end. The Lake is amongst the hills and takes the water of several rivers, principally the Dee, and is subject to sudden and dangerous floods. A narrow gauge railway, the Bala Lake Railway runs from Bala for 4½ miles along the lake's southern shore. (Read more)