Back Roads Great Britain (Eyewitness Travel Back Roads)

21

Below far left Signs on the Kennet and Avon

Canal Below left Pay-and-display ticket

machine, Penwith, Cornwall Below centre Old-

fashioned road sign at Lacock in the Cotswolds

Below right Sheep by the roadside in Ashdown

Forest, the home of Winnie the Pooh, Sussex

Above left Sign for a guest house in Bude, Cornwall Above right Camp site in a field in Dorset, tucked away behind the trees

DIRECTORY

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOMES

Camping and Caravanning UK

http://camping.uk-directory.com

Cool Campervans

01332 661 342;

http://www.coolcampervans.com

Just Go

0870 240 1918 (UK); +44 1582 842 888

(from abroad); http://www.justgo.uk.com

Motorhomes Direct

0800 612 8719 (UK); +44 1954 718750

(from abroad);

http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk

UK Caravan Parks and Campsites

Directory

http://www.uk-sites.com

DISABLED DRIVERS

Disabled Drivers’ Association

+353 (0) 94 936 4054; http://www.ddai.ie

Mobilise

01508 489 449; http://www.mobilise.info

CAR HIRE

Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental

0844 576 5425;

http://www.arnoldclarkrental.com

Avis

0844 581 0147; http://www.avis.co.uk

Budget

0844 544 3407; http://www.budget.co.uk

Hertz

08708 44 88 44; http://www.hertz.co.uk

Driving in Bad Weather

When conditions reduce light levels,

dipped headlights should be used.

Turn on fog lights whenever visibility

is less than 100 m (328 ft). If you bring

a left-hand drive vehicle with you,

adjust the headlights. Buy beam

adjusters at ferry terminals, or check

with your motoring organization.

Always reduce speed in adverse

conditions, as you will need a greater

braking distance, and poor visibility

gives less time to react. In Scotland

and other mountainous areas, you

may encounter ice and snow in winter.

Slow down, especially for curves and

turns, and make your actions steady

and deliberate to avoid sliding out of

control. If you find the car skidding,

take your foot off the accelerator – do

not brake – and turn the wheel into

the skid until the car corrects itself.

Watch out for “black ice”, especially on

bridges and overpasses which freeze

up first. If you hit a patch, do not

brake or turn the wheel, but keep as

straight as possible and coast over it.

you make your reservation regarding
their age restrictions. It’s highly
recommended that you book in
advance, especially during peak
season – you will often get a better
rate. Rental rates usually include
unlimited mileage, but double check.
Most rental cars in Great Britain are
standard (manual) shift. Automatic
cars are available but they cost more
and must be booked in advance.
Consider renting a smaller car than
you may be used to at home, as they
are much easier to handle on narrow
country roads than big SUVs. If you
need a child seat, these should be
booked in advance as well.
Third-party insurance is compulsory
and is included in the rate. Some
rental agreements also include
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW )
which limits your liability for damages
to the rental car, theft loss cover and
personal injury insurance; others
charge additional fees for these items.
Be sure to read your agreement
carefully so that you fully understand
what your coverage and liabilities are.
Some drivers may be able to use
insurance from a personal credit card
to claim CDW, but check carefully
with your card company to make sure
they cover your trip abroad and be
prepared to show proof of cover.

Driving in Great Britain