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Ok, so it's looking very likely that I will be visiting the land of my fathers in late October. I would like to hit a few spots in South Wales and North Wales and I was wondering about the rail/public transport system. It's been suggested to me that I rent a car for this trip because the public transportation between North and South Wales is not so great. The idea of driving on the wrong (or, uh, "other" ) side of the road through mountains kind of scares me. Of course if I need to drive I'll be able to adapt and overcome. So would you agree that a car rental in Wales is a better idea than relying on bus/rail?
Also at the end of October I imagine it will probably be a little chilly and rainy?
I also plan on hiking Mt. Snowdon. Any input on this? How long it usually takes and what sort of things I would encounter? I see there are several different trails up it.
Ok, so it's looking very likely that I will be visiting the land of my fathers in late October. I would like to hit a few spots in South Wales and North Wales and I was wondering about the rail/public transport system. It's been suggested to me that I rent a car for this trip because the public transportation between North and South Wales is not so great. The idea of driving on the wrong (or, uh, "other" ) side of the road through mountains kind of scares me. Of course if I need to drive I'll be able to adapt and overcome. So would you agree that a car rental in Wales is a better idea than relying on bus/rail?
Also at the end of October I imagine it will probably be a little chilly and rainy?
I also plan on hiking Mt. Snowdon. Any input on this? How long it usually takes and what sort of things I would encounter? I see there are several different trails up it.
Thank you in advance.
Car rental could be your best answer, I've drove through North Wales and some parts are not for the faint hearted.
They have just opened a new cafe on top of snowdon.
Ok, so it's looking very likely that I will be visiting the land of my fathers in late October. I would like to hit a few spots in South Wales and North Wales and I was wondering about the rail/public transport system. It's been suggested to me that I rent a car for this trip because the public transportation between North and South Wales is not so great. The idea of driving on the wrong (or, uh, "other" ) side of the road through mountains kind of scares me. Of course if I need to drive I'll be able to adapt and overcome. So would you agree that a car rental in Wales is a better idea than relying on bus/rail?
Also at the end of October I imagine it will probably be a little chilly and rainy?
I also plan on hiking Mt. Snowdon. Any input on this? How long it usually takes and what sort of things I would encounter? I see there are several different trails up it.
Just be careful about climbing Snowdon. On a nice day, it should be fine. But if the weather is bad, which it can be in even in the summer, it can be dangerous. We took the railway but half way up, you couldn't see more than 3 ft in front of you for the fog. If you can imagine, it was foggier than this: Picasa Web Albums - Robin - Wales
As it says, that was the last picture I could get before it became so foggy, there was nothing for my camera to focus on, it was just a white sheet all around us.
It was also so cold you could see your breath (this was in August), it was raining and the winds were so strong, the train had to go back before reaching the top. They usually let people off the train at a mid point too but we were not allowed since the weather made it too dangerous. Total waste of time and money - and had we been walking, would have very life threatening. The weather can change very quickly and naturally, it can be completely different at the top than the bottom so be careful and be prepared. Take a map, compass, heavy coat, rain cover, etc.
As for driving, again, be careful... our sat nav took us on a one lane road which in itself is fine. But on one side there was a complete drop off and an earth wall on the other side. And then another car came in the opposite direction. And we got the cliff side. And it was wet and slippery. The wheels were centimeters from slipping off the edge. I nearly had a heart attack! Get the smallest car you can!
As for driving, again, be careful... our sat nav took us on a one lane road which in itself is fine. But on one side there was a complete drop off and an earth wall on the other side. And then another car came in the opposite direction. And we got the cliff side. And it was wet and slippery. The wheels were centimeters from slipping off the edge. I nearly had a heart attack! Get the smallest car you can!
For anyone planning to drive in the UK, I'd also invest in a road atlas to use in addition to your sat nav. You can get a good atlas fairly cheaply from most larger garages, or newsagents. Sat nav is all well and good, but has been known to give dodgy decisions especially if it is the only navigation you have to follow. At least a road atlas you can have a look before you set off and get an idea of the class of roads you might encounter before sat nav thrusts you on them unexpectedly! Single track roads are always fun, and sods law you will meet something coming the other way at the furthest point from any passing place!
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) side of the road through mountains kind of scares me. Of course if I need to drive I'll be able to adapt and overcome. So would you agree that a car rental in Wales is a better idea than relying on bus/rail?
and some parts are not for the faint hearted.
I recommend proper boots 
