The majority of us who opt for a 4×4 over a conventional motor do so for the power and the looks, not the off-road potential. But anyone who might occasionally glance longingly at their Toyota Land Cruiser in the driveway and wonder what lies beyond the tarmac is in luck because the UK is littered with hundreds of incredible potential off-road adventures.
To get you started and give some idea as to the kind of experiences available in this incredibly diverse country of ours, we’ve picked five of our favourite UK off-road drives that won’t prove too challenging for newcomers.
Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire
If you were to ask any seasoned UK-based off-roader for their top 10 off-road driving location in the UK, chances are Salisbury Plain will be somewhere towards the top of the list. It’s an idyllic area with a wide variety of terrain types for drivers and vehicles of all abilities. The ever-popular drive through Savernake Forest, for example, wouldn’t faze the average Ford Ranger driver, whereas the muddier routes around Amesbury will challenge even seasoned veterans.
Silverstone
While it might come as some surprise to many that Silverstone (the home of F1 in the UK) would be on this list at all, it’s actually the ideal experience for beginners. That’s because alongside the famous tarmac course is a purpose-built off-road area offering various obstacles and challenges to face, whatever your skill and however powerful your suspension might be.
Honister Pass, Cumbria
This one is a bit of a cheat because it is mostly on tarmac but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking and it’s a wonderful place to dip your toes into the idea of off-roading without having to get them dirty, so to speak. The route runs out of Keswick towards the River Cocker and is a winding valley filled with green and grey wonders. You’ll also find more than a few decent opportunities to go off-road if you feel confident enough.
Perthshire Off-Road
As the name implies, this is a bespoke off-road centre in the Scottish Highlands with courses intended for drivers of all experience levels. A short drive from the bustling city centre of Perth, the centre is regularly rated as one of the best in the country. And with good reason. You can also rent a vehicle for the day if you don’t fancy getting your own motor dirty.
Strata Florida, Wales
Finally, if you’ve tried a few beginner green lanes and feel like you’re ready to push yourself and your vehicle then this Welsh driving gauntlet might be just the ticket. It will take you through several river crossings and lots of muddy and uneven terrain. You’ll need a decent upgraded rig to be able to handle it comfortably and you really shouldn’t attempt it after a heavy downpour but it should always be one to keep on your list.
If you’ve been tempted by any of the destinations above, contact us today and we’ll help you get your 4×4 fighting fit and ready for your homespun 4×4 adventure.
Image: JordanCrosby / Shutterstock.com
