Whether you’re itching to put your 4x4 to its intended use, or just want to swap your own car for an afternoon off-roading, Britain’s driving schools and green lanes offer the ultimate driving experience.
For the beginner
Whether you’re after a family friendly experience or a first solo attempt at off-roading, it’s best to start with an easy course organised by an accredited school. The All Wheel Drive Club offers family vehicle trials – entry level competitions for newcomers with vehicles that have to be used as family transport during the week. Cross Country Driving provides a safe route in the Hertfordshire countryside for the whole family to enjoy the 4x4 experience in their own vehicle. Impala goes as far as to offer a family off road treasure hunt through the Lake District National Park.
Those wanting the freedom to explore combined with safety and fun for all the family will find plenty of easy and accessible routes in Mid Wales. Aberystwyth provides some of the best routes for beginners, likewise the Pontesbury to Crossways off-road drive in Shropshire.
For the daring
Looking for a challenge but not ready for some of the toughest terrain imaginable? Try one of the intermediate or moderate courses on offer. Highland Offroad in Scotland offers instruction for all levels, in own or hired vehicles. Most driving schools offer something for the enthusiast. The British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) governs these and has a list of accredited schools on its website.
If you’re wanting to go it alone in testing but not too challenging territory, the North Downs offers a 37mile route from Hollingbourne to Westwell. Drive past rural and remote valleys, chalky hills and stunning scenery.
For the fearless
Anyone after an extreme challenge should look at the more advanced courses found in abundance throughout the country. Whitecliff Off Roading Driving Centre based in Gloucestershire offers a full day’s worth of instruction amid the most severe terrain, best sampled in wet weather for an exhilarating day designed to test your wits and prepare you for the dilemmas faced when going it alone. The route is so extreme that it’s best followed by successful completion of the intermediate course.
For those wanting to bite the bullet and go it alone over the most rugged tracks on offer, Derbyshire boasts some of the most challenging green lanes. Check a map for BOATs (Byways Open To All Traffic) in the area, in particular those connecting Baslow to Totleymoor. In the Cotswolds, BOATs connecting Exmoor to Quantocks are in the same vein.
Please note Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.
Routes on which you can off-road will be marked on ordnance survey maps as BOATs (byways open to all traffic) or RUPPs (road used as a public path). Some BOATs will be contested or have obstructions so it’s worth researching before you set out.
When travelling over BOATs, always carry your driving licence, insurance certificates and tax documents.
Secure tow and recovery points at front and rear and always carry a tow rope.
Always take a mobile phone in case you need to call for help. Try to travel in company.
Only use right of way which are known and proven to have vehicular rights.
Make sure you know your route beforehand and stick to your defined track.
Travel at a quiet and unobtrusive pace and as slowly as is practicable.
