Suggestions for transporation choices North Wales

The North Wales chapter of Rick's Great Britain guidebook (not an England book) has a good summary of the transport companies and suggests Conwy as and easy home base for a mix of train and bus options. Local tourist information offices are another good resource while you're there, or see http://www.visitllandudno.org.uk/visitor-info/getting-around.

I agree with Rick's comment that the most scenic part of the historic rail journey described in the book is the northern section. Another key sight in that area is the gorgeous Bodnant Garden. It is accessible by public bus, but you'll need to spend a bit of time tracking down schedules if you opt not to rent a car.

Taxis are often a fairly inexpensive solution. We used taxis to get around the Chirk area and later in Devon. For short or moderate distances the price can be quite reasonable. The only problem that we found was that in the morning and late afternoon the taxi service might be delivering kids to or from school.

Thank you all for your kind offerings. We opted to book a place to stay in Conwy, so there are a lot of transportation choices. I'll look up Ricks' book, as suggested.
Sage

You will find a railway station in Chirk and it has direct trains to Conwy. (Be sure to tell the guard that you wish to get off at Conwy). I would also suggest that you should visit CHESTER - whether as a break of your Chirk to Conwy trip or when leaving N.Wales.
https://www.visitcheshire.com/chester

For trains see:>http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
If you want to find out how to get from a to b in Wales use:>https://www.traveline.cymru
www.traveline.info also works over most of Britain.
http://www.trawscymru.info/routes/ (Longer distance bus routes in Wales).

Here is a map of the British Rail network, Chirk is not marked but is the first station south of Ruabon. The line along the north Wales coast from Chester to Llandudno Junction is not scenic. Don't be disappointed by this as most of north Wales is very scenic - especially the Snowdonia National Park. However, a car is the best for exploring. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/images/structure/css/nationalrailnetworkmap.pdf
www.festrail.co.uk
https://snowdonrailway.co.uk

Presumably you will be heading for Llangollen via the canal? If so, you might like a trip on > http://llangollen-railway.co.uk

On the way, you will be crossing the wonder of the Victorian age = The Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. I would suggest that you make sure that one of your party is on the footpath in order to take photos as you cross high above the Dee valley.
https://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
See video >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehX7gKaAL74

I missed your mention of a narrowboat adventure. You might find my trip report useful.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-narrowboat-adventure-england-and-wales-on-the-llangollen-canal-part-1

You can message me if you have any questions.

We had a rental car so that doesn’t help you, but we enjoyed each Conwy, Harlech, and Caernarfon and their castles. We stayed at Victoria House B&B in Caernarfon. Heading back to Wales in the spring to see more of it.

Hi Mike Tipton -

Thank you! Some very good, solid information in your post. I liked your 'lessons learned' comments. Very helpful. I may reach you to you in a couple of months, with questions, if that's OK with you.

Happy holidays everyone!
Sage

James - Thanks to you too! for your links. Chester looks awesome! I'll see if we can fit it in.

Happy holidays!
Sage

I see that I forgot to add the link to the map of the British Rail Network:> http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/images/structure/css/nationalrailnetworkmap.pdf

(Now also corrected in earlier post).

Hi Sage,

You are welcome to hit me up with any questions!