Off Road Newbie - Advice Required!
Discussion
Right, so, eventful Saturday, bought a Freelander for the Mrs.
Shamefully, its for the school run but I'm determined that it will get muddy at least occassionally.
I know its a soft roader and we've never done off roading before (save for a few corporate days) so looking for something in Berkshire, thats quite soft that will allow the Mrs and I to have a bit of fun in it.
I've also read a bit about Greenlaning, really fancy this but seems its difficult to find info on the web as to rules and where the best ones are.
Willing to travel a bit, anything between Windsor and Gloucester up to Oxford would be fine.
Any advice much appreciated as we are quite obviously numpties in this regard.
Ta.
Shamefully, its for the school run but I'm determined that it will get muddy at least occassionally.
I know its a soft roader and we've never done off roading before (save for a few corporate days) so looking for something in Berkshire, thats quite soft that will allow the Mrs and I to have a bit of fun in it.
I've also read a bit about Greenlaning, really fancy this but seems its difficult to find info on the web as to rules and where the best ones are.
Willing to travel a bit, anything between Windsor and Gloucester up to Oxford would be fine.
Any advice much appreciated as we are quite obviously numpties in this regard.
Ta.
Essetially the classifications have changed so what was a Road Used as Public Path (RUPP) is now a restricted byway and can not be driven. Bridleways and footpaths are also out.
Essentially what you can drive are BOATS (Byways Open to All Traffic) These may have a Temporay Restriction Order (TRO) which closes it for several reasons. If a TRO is in force then it should be clearly marked as such. If a Byway is blocked otherwise, by a locked gate or a farm machine then report it to police and or council as it is an offence.
Total Offroad magazine do some good road books which are suitable for the softer rover. The freelander should be fairly competant. It is limited by lack of serious ground clearance and the exhaust on the rear overhang.
I think there is a Freelander club which organises suitable trips too. Really, If you can find another vehicle to go with then so much the better. Invest in a proper rated rope or strop and certified shackles. Make sure that the car has a good recovery point and not just a tie down point.
Have a look at the forums on:
ORRP.com
Difflock.com
forums.landrovernet.com
forums.LR4x4.com
www.landroveraddict.com/smf/
Essentially what you can drive are BOATS (Byways Open to All Traffic) These may have a Temporay Restriction Order (TRO) which closes it for several reasons. If a TRO is in force then it should be clearly marked as such. If a Byway is blocked otherwise, by a locked gate or a farm machine then report it to police and or council as it is an offence.
Total Offroad magazine do some good road books which are suitable for the softer rover. The freelander should be fairly competant. It is limited by lack of serious ground clearance and the exhaust on the rear overhang.
I think there is a Freelander club which organises suitable trips too. Really, If you can find another vehicle to go with then so much the better. Invest in a proper rated rope or strop and certified shackles. Make sure that the car has a good recovery point and not just a tie down point.
Have a look at the forums on:
ORRP.com
Difflock.com
forums.landrovernet.com
forums.LR4x4.com
www.landroveraddict.com/smf/
If you're happy to travel round to Surrey, there's quite a few green lanes between Guildford & Dorking.
Alternatively, pay and play in an ex quarry, forest or similar. We did one at Aldermaston last weekend, and will doubtless be back there next month. I'll post up on here when the time comes. They have marked areas according to vehicle and driver competence, plus marshals who will be able to tell you what is or isn't feasible in a Freelander.
One thing that would make a significant difference would be to put all terrain tyres on rather than road tyres. It certainly did for me on the Shogun, and unlike most mud tyres, they're still perfectly acceptable for road use as well. BR Goodrich A/Ts are reputedly good for anything up to 100k miles, and most people replace them due to age rather than wear, so they're fit once and forget.
Alternatively, pay and play in an ex quarry, forest or similar. We did one at Aldermaston last weekend, and will doubtless be back there next month. I'll post up on here when the time comes. They have marked areas according to vehicle and driver competence, plus marshals who will be able to tell you what is or isn't feasible in a Freelander.
One thing that would make a significant difference would be to put all terrain tyres on rather than road tyres. It certainly did for me on the Shogun, and unlike most mud tyres, they're still perfectly acceptable for road use as well. BR Goodrich A/Ts are reputedly good for anything up to 100k miles, and most people replace them due to age rather than wear, so they're fit once and forget.
Hi,
my website (see profile) has some info about green laning. I wrote it up based on what I learned as I went along - just a hobby really. You are right, there are a lot of mixed messages about what you can / can't do.
Basically, as Liszt said, you used to be able to drive Byways and Roads Used and Public Paths. In 2006 new legislation came in in that changed RUPPs to Restricted Byways, which means no motor vehicles.
So legally you can only drive byways, assuming there is no traffic restriction in place (should be sign posted, or on the council website). The Ridgeway for example is only open for 5 months of the year in the summer to vehicles.
You can also drive "white roads" (on an OS map) and some ORPAs (Other Routes With Public Access). ORPAs are shown as green dots (on 1:25k map) and red dots (on 1:50k map). Not many around here, but loads in Wales. Legal status isn't always clear, so if you ever do them check it out locally first. But like I said, it is unlikely you will come across many of them.
If you really get into it, organisations like GLASS (Green Lane Association) can be very usful. They have local area reps who keep up to date with the latest changes and restrictions.
Bottom line is, get an OS map, look for the byways, and when you head out, check for any signs which might suggest they are closed. OS maps obviously aren't always up to date, so if you're planning a day out, do some reasearch on the council websites first.
My website also has some thoughts about how to drive them etc. All IMO of course, you will always find other people with different views.
Let me know if you need more info.
edited for spelling
my website (see profile) has some info about green laning. I wrote it up based on what I learned as I went along - just a hobby really. You are right, there are a lot of mixed messages about what you can / can't do.
Basically, as Liszt said, you used to be able to drive Byways and Roads Used and Public Paths. In 2006 new legislation came in in that changed RUPPs to Restricted Byways, which means no motor vehicles.
So legally you can only drive byways, assuming there is no traffic restriction in place (should be sign posted, or on the council website). The Ridgeway for example is only open for 5 months of the year in the summer to vehicles.
You can also drive "white roads" (on an OS map) and some ORPAs (Other Routes With Public Access). ORPAs are shown as green dots (on 1:25k map) and red dots (on 1:50k map). Not many around here, but loads in Wales. Legal status isn't always clear, so if you ever do them check it out locally first. But like I said, it is unlikely you will come across many of them.
If you really get into it, organisations like GLASS (Green Lane Association) can be very usful. They have local area reps who keep up to date with the latest changes and restrictions.
Bottom line is, get an OS map, look for the byways, and when you head out, check for any signs which might suggest they are closed. OS maps obviously aren't always up to date, so if you're planning a day out, do some reasearch on the council websites first.
My website also has some thoughts about how to drive them etc. All IMO of course, you will always find other people with different views.
Let me know if you need more info.
edited for spelling
Edited by signia on Monday 17th March 09:30
Plotloss,
There aren't many lanes near you, you need to come over towards Reading before you get some decent lanes. Lots in Arborfield to explore, many of those ok for a Freelander.
Closest long-ish lane to you is up at Hawthorn Hill. Have a look on this link. Approaching on the A330 from the east turn right where the circle is and follow the red crosses (byway). Go long there and rejoin / leave the road to the left.
This is a fairly easy lane. The first half has no risk of scratching at all. The bit where it goes north is very clear up until half way up. Then in summer / autumn the rest of it can be a little narrow - sometimes with fallen trees. Might be ok at the moment though.
It's a good lane for a first trek out. Don't be tempted to try the Hawthorn Hill to Westleymill byway, it's closed.
Let me know how you get on. Happy to meet up and show you some of the others near me if you want - includes some decent fords, but nothing damaging - even for a freelander
There aren't many lanes near you, you need to come over towards Reading before you get some decent lanes. Lots in Arborfield to explore, many of those ok for a Freelander.
Closest long-ish lane to you is up at Hawthorn Hill. Have a look on this link. Approaching on the A330 from the east turn right where the circle is and follow the red crosses (byway). Go long there and rejoin / leave the road to the left.
This is a fairly easy lane. The first half has no risk of scratching at all. The bit where it goes north is very clear up until half way up. Then in summer / autumn the rest of it can be a little narrow - sometimes with fallen trees. Might be ok at the moment though.
It's a good lane for a first trek out. Don't be tempted to try the Hawthorn Hill to Westleymill byway, it's closed.
Let me know how you get on. Happy to meet up and show you some of the others near me if you want - includes some decent fords, but nothing damaging - even for a freelander
signia said:
Plotloss,
There aren't many lanes near you, you need to come over towards Reading before you get some decent lanes. Lots in Arborfield to explore, many of those ok for a Freelander.
Closest long-ish lane to you is up at Hawthorn Hill. Have a look on this link.
http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|binfield#t=l...
Approaching on the A330 from the east turn right where the circle is and follow the red crosses (byway). Go long there and rejoin / leave the road to the left.
This is a fairly easy lane. The first half has no risk of scratching at all. The bit where it goes north is very clear up until half way up. Then in summer / autumn the rest of it can be a little narrow - sometimes with fallen trees. Might be ok at the moment though.
It's a good lane for a first trek out. Don't be tempted to try the Hawthorn Hill to Westleymill byway, it's closed.
Let me know how you get on. Happy to meet up and show you some of the others near me if you want - includes some decent fords, but nothing damaging - even for a freelander
edit to add link - it's way too early...There aren't many lanes near you, you need to come over towards Reading before you get some decent lanes. Lots in Arborfield to explore, many of those ok for a Freelander.
Closest long-ish lane to you is up at Hawthorn Hill. Have a look on this link.
http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|binfield#t=l...
Approaching on the A330 from the east turn right where the circle is and follow the red crosses (byway). Go long there and rejoin / leave the road to the left.
This is a fairly easy lane. The first half has no risk of scratching at all. The bit where it goes north is very clear up until half way up. Then in summer / autumn the rest of it can be a little narrow - sometimes with fallen trees. Might be ok at the moment though.
It's a good lane for a first trek out. Don't be tempted to try the Hawthorn Hill to Westleymill byway, it's closed.
Let me know how you get on. Happy to meet up and show you some of the others near me if you want - includes some decent fords, but nothing damaging - even for a freelander
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