Apart from a simple waiting shelter, there are no toilets or passenger facilities at Bala station. Parking is restricted to on-road parking. Trains normally wait here for 10 minutes while the engine is run round, passenger loads changed and tickets issued by the guard, before the train departs on the return journey.
Although the sign says Bala station, this was neither Bala nor Bala Junction but Bala Lake Halt on the Ruabon - Barmouth Junction/Morfa Mawddach line.
There is a short footpath from the platform leading to the road, which can be followed into Bala town, the walk takes 10-15 minutes.
Bala Town
Bala town is about half a mile (10 minute stroll) away offering a range of interesting shops, inns, restaurants.
Norman Castle Motte
The street layout, set up by Roger de Mortimer from Chirk Castle in the 14th Century is marked out in square courts. Stryt Fawr, the main street, is wide and has shops along its length - it is where the original markets were held.
Two side lanes, Arenig Street and Plase Street were attached to the old Tomen. ‘Tomen y Bala’ is a typical large Norman castle mound or "motte", located at one end of the town and now accessible as a public garden. It is well worth a visit, as from the summit there are wonderful views of Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala) and the mountains beyond.