Alula
Finding Alula
Alula perches high on the mountainside above Bala, with the valley unfolding below and Eryri/Snowdonia’s peaks rising in the distance. Trails wind from the Shack into the hills, through heather and stone, inviting quiet walks or more adventurous climbs. A short drive brings you to Bala town, where cosy pubs, local bakeries, and welcoming coffee shops offer a friendly pause after a day in the hills.
1 hour 30 from Liverpool
2 hours 15 from Manchester
4 hours 40 from London
Nearest train station: Ruabon, it's a 40-minute taxi from there.
Once you arrive, you can park and walk uphill 150m to the cabin.
Features
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Stay local
In under ten minutes by car - you’ll reach Bala, a small Welsh market town with a big heart. Here, you’ll find friendly pubs, cafés, and local shops that celebrate the best of North Wales.
Settle in for hearty Welsh dishes at Plas Yn Dre, sip something local at Y Cyfnod, or tuck into a wood-fired pizza at Cwrt. For those who prefer a quiet night in, browse Y Pantri, Tŷ Coffi, or the town’s independent delis to pick up fresh produce, artisan cheese, and treats to enjoy back at your Shack - preferably by the fire, under a blanket of stars.
Beyond food and drink, Bala is a haven for adventure and stillness alike. Spend the day at Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) - Wales’s largest natural lake - for wild swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply watching the light ripple across the water. Wander riverside trails, hike into the foothills of Eryri / Snowdonia, or follow the call of nearby waterfalls.
For a slower pace, explore Bala’s craft shops and galleries, or take a ride on the Bala Lake Railway, a heritage line that hugs the water’s edge. However you spend your day, everything here flows back to the same quiet rhythm - one set by nature, the land, and the steady rush of the river.
FAQs
Once you've arrived, the walk to Alula is about 150 meters uphill. Remember to shut the gates behind you! 🐑
Check-out is at 10am
All our shacks are pet-friendly, and we charge a flat £35 fee - whether you're bringing one dog or the whole gang. Just select the pet option at checkout. We include a welcome pack for pooches, including a water bowl, towel, poop bags and treats.
At Alula:
Livestock - Alula is on a working farm and livestock can often be in the fields.
Walks - Plenty of nearby footpaths. See the 'What to do in the local area' dropdown for suggestions.
Pilgrim Café (Bala) – A small, soulful café serving excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and wholesome, locally-sourced lunches. The kind of place where you lose track of time watching the world go by.
Tŷ Coffi (Bala) – This café is perfect for a slow morning - good coffee, hearty breakfasts, and local chatter at every table.
Cwrt (Bala) – Wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and a laid-back vibe. Great for an easy evening meal or a casual lunch before exploring the lake.
Rhug Estate Farm Shop (Corwen to Bala area) – An award-winning farm shop offering top-quality local and organic produce, deli counters, butcher’s meats and takeaway treats.