Whether you’re accustomed to a bit of green laning or completely new to the big, bad, brilliant world of off-roading, choosing the destination of your very first off-road experience wisely is important.
There are so many great off-roading locations to choose from both in the UK and the rest of the world. In this blog post, we reveal the very best destinations for beginners as well as share the touring tips and 4×4 upgrades that will see you through.
The Graythwaite Estate, UK
Overlooking the stunning Lake Windermere in Cumbria, Graythwaite Adventure is an off-road course that’s made for beginners. It’s also the region’s only purpose-built trail.
Graythwaite’s 4×4 off-road driving experience is the ideal place to get to grips with Overlanding. You can even receive one-to-one tuition to guide you through the entire process. In addition to being designed with first-time off-roaders in mind, its course avoids green lanes to guarantee a thoroughly sustainable experience for the eco-conscious.
Moreton Island, Australia
As one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, the island of Moreton in Queensland is a little slice of paradise for 4×4 drivers. Moreton is the second largest sand island on the planet and a place where roads simply aren’t a thing.
Its never-ending beaches, freshwater creeks, steep hills and rocky outcrops are made to be explored by 4×4. In fact, the entire island – all 240 kilometres of it – is only accessible by 4WD vehicle.
You do need a permit to drive Moreton Island, but it’s the perfect playground for those new to off-roading yet looking to push themselves, and their vehicles, a little harder without the risk of too much danger!
Rausch Creek, USA
Rausch Creek in Pennsylvania offers more than 3,000 acres of off-roading fun. Featuring a varied terrain, this dedicated off-road park is home to designated trails for beginners and experienced off-roaders, along with club-friendly tracks to share with your fellow off-road enthusiasts.
Rausch Creek is a popular haunt for 4WD jeep, truck and SUV drivers. It also offers basic camping facilities if you’re looking to make a holiday of your first off-road experience. Rausch provides monthly guided trail rides too for entry-level drivers with slightly modified 4WD vehicles.
The Pyrenees, Spain
As one of the least visited parts of the wider Pyrenean Mountain range, the Spanish Pyrenees is a hidden gem with plenty of high places to appreciate the most captivating views. It also offers some of the very best mountain driving in the whole of Europe.
From deep valleys and forest foothills to snow-covered peaks and remote mountain villages, it’s a route that will enable you to take in a wilder Spain at your own leisure. Its trails make short, more manageable driving days possible and many of its tracks require minimal 4×4 driving experience to negotiate safely.
The touring essentials every first-timer should know
Getting to grips with off-road routes, even those purpose-built or recommended for beginners, requires lots of research. As well as knowing your route inside out, you’ll need the upgrades and supplies to not just survive but thrive during your first off-road adventure.
Prepare your vehicle with the off-road tyres, self-recovery equipment, extreme performance brakes, specially developed suspension and lift kits, and underbody protection it needs to tackle harsher terrain.
Being able to adjust your tyre pressure with a portable air compressor is another must, especially if you’re indulging in some sand driving as FleetCrew explains:
“It has been a standard practice by 4WD enthusiasts to reduce tyre pressure while beach driving. The reason for this is it increases the size of the footprint of the tyres on the sand resulting in the weight of the vehicle spreading across a larger area. By spreading the weight, the tyres are more likely to drive over the top of the sand rather than digging down into it and causing the vehicle to get bogged. The increased footprint will also increase traction.”
Along with mechanical upgrades, investing in touring accessories like roof racks, roof top tents, modular drawer systems and hidden winch mounts will also prepare you for a comfortable trip both on and off-road.
Shop all the 4×4 upgrades and accessories you need for your very first off-road experience right here.
Image: iacomino FRiMAGES / Shutterstock.com
