Whilst most of our customers use their beloved 4x4s for day to day travel or a spot of light green laning, the summer months open up a whole new world of off-roading opportunities.
Off-roading is a popular pastime for so many brilliant reasons as Siberian 4×4 explains:
“As Jeep’s slogan ‘Do Anything’ states, off-roaders love to push the bounds of what modern life has tamed us to. To get off the concrete and asphalt and see parts of this earth that may never have been touched is the off-roader’s dream. While off-roading has a wide variety of types, the community is all about pushing limits, exploring, and beating the mundane.”
Whether this summer will mark your very first off-road experience or you’re already a seasoned off-roader, the following hotspots should certainly be on your hit list…
Swaledale, UK
If you’re looking to stay on home turf for your summer off-road adventure, Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales is one of the best places to visit with your overland truck.
Spanning 17.5 miles in total, this off-road trail is one rugged route that will keep you thoroughly entertained. It offers a series of captivating views of rural England as well as an off-road paradise for bikers, cyclists and 4×4 drivers alike.
Death Valley, USA
Those wishing to take their off-road travels a little further afield should venture to Death Valley in the US state of California. The region may be ominously named, but it is well known for its recreation, exploration and off-roading.
Take your 4×4 to the depths of its valleys and the peaks of its mountains to enjoy a varied landscape at its very best. There are some 1,000 miles of paved roads and dirt tracks to explore, with Lookout City one of our favourite trails for off-roading.
Castelo de Monsaraz, Portugal
Taking you on a scenic route from Castelo de Monsaraz to Parque Natura da Serra de s Mamede, this Portuguese off-road trail is one of the best in western Europe. The 135-mile route offers a mix of dirt tracks and paved roads, as well as a route through abandoned farmland, rugged wilderness, lake land, mountains and even archaeological ruins.
The terrain is rather rocky with a variety of steep sections, but it’s nothing a 4×4 with the right upgrades can’t handle!
Sahara Desert, Africa
The expanse of the Sahara Desert offers a wide range of off-road trails to explore, especially in the southeast, close to Morocco. Whilst you may be tempted to take the tarmac road to Erg Chebbi (Morocco’s highest dune), taking the route less travelled to Erg Chigaga – situated between the towns of M’Hamid and Foum Zguid – is a must and it’s only accessible by 4×4!
The Erg Chigaga dune may not be as high as its famous cousin but it covers a larger area. Thanks to its 4×4 only access, this dune is also pretty much untouched by tourism.
Read our definitive guide to driving the Sahara for more top tips from our experts. You can also find the upgrades you need to prepare for your off-road adventure here.
Image: Mike Pellinni / Shutterstock.com
