Organisers are gearing up for Bala’s 16th Charity Challenge walk, which takes place this year on 9 May.

The annual walk is held by the Rotary Club of Bala and Penllyn.

In 2019, 180 walkers raised over £2,500 for a number of charities.

There are three charity walks that participants can take part in.

There is the eight-mile Bala Scenic Lake Walk, starting at the leisure centre and finishing at Llanuwchllyn Railway Station.

The Bala Lake circuit is 14 miles and starting at the leisure centre, it incorporates the Scenic Lake Walk before returning to the leisure centre.

The full challenge consists of a six-mile walk up the Aran Ridge, to and from Llanuwchllyn. Participants then link in with the Bala Lake Circuit before returning to Bala.

Every year the Rotary Club chooses to support different charities and local good causes.

From July 2017 to July 2019 they raised money for Hospice at Home, Shelter Box, Polio Appeal, Bala Nursery, Silver Star and Breast Cancer Care.

In 2018, the Rotary Club also donated young trees to the Bala Wing of Berwyn Prison, to “establish a closer link with our community”.

As well as raising money for charity, the Rotary Club also sponsors young people who participate in the National Rotary Scheme RYLA, an outward bound course which is designed to increase young people’s confidence.

Additionally, the charity has recently given support to the local badminton group to buy shuttlecocks for their young players and has donated money towards a care home keep active DVD.

A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Bala and Penllyn said: “President Paul Dale cordially invites walkers from near and far to come and take part.

“This is an opportunity for walkers to raise money for a charity of their own choice through sponsorship, or to support the Bala and Penllyn Rotary Club with their charities.

“For further information, search Bala Challenge 2020 on the internet, email [email protected] or phone Keith Robinson on 01678 521480.”