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North Wales - Llwyngwril B (6)

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Getting Around Wales, UK

Road: 

Many of the smaller roads are slow, and in upland areas may become impassable during bad weather. The latest traffic information is available from Traffic Wales (www.traffic-wales.com).

Side of road: 
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Road quality: 

Many of the smaller roads are slow, and in upland areas may become impassable during bad weather. The latest traffic information is available from Traffic Wales (www.traffic-wales.com).

Taxi: 

Taxis are usually available from ranks in city railway stations. Outside cities, taxi journeys may be expensive if you are going long distances, and you usually need to pre-book. Youth hostels or hotels can usually supply you with the number for a reliable local taxi company.

Regulations: 

Speed limits are 48kph (30mph) in urban areas, 113kph (70mph) on motorways and dual carriageways, elsewhere 80kph (50mph) or 97kph (60mph) as marked. Seat belts must be worn by the driver and front seat passenger. Where rear seat belts have been fitted, they must also be worn. It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. The minimum driving age is 17.

Breakdown service: 

The AA (www.theaa.com) and RAC (www.rac.co.uk) are able to provide a full range of services to UK members touring the UK. These organisations can also assist people who are travelling from abroad with maps, tourist information and specially marked routes to major events or places of interest.

Documentation: 

National driving licences are valid for one year. Drivers must have Third Party insurance and vehicle registration documents.

Getting around towns and cities: 

All the main centres have local bus services. There is a good network of local train services radiating from Cardiff.

Rail: 

There are a large number of local steam railways, rescued by railway enthusiasts during the Beeching era, known collectively as The Great Little Trains of Wales. The most famous of these is the one at Ffestiniog, Porthmadog in Snowdonia, which has lovingly restored locomotives and carriages from the last century.

Others include the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway (in north Powys), the Talyllyn Railway (near Barmouth in Cardigan Bay) and the Bala Lake Railway. Passport tickets are available, giving access to all the railways for the whole season. For further information, contact The Great Little Trains of Wales (www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk).

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