4x4 Off-Road Driving

4x4 Off-Roading
Do you want to get deep in the mud without getting your feet dirty? Do you want to test your driving skills to the limit? With off-road driving in a 4x4 you can enjoy exploring some of country’s most remote areas and difficult terrain without leaving your seat.
Unlike most standard cars where only two wheels receive power from the engine, on a 4x4, or four wheel drive vehicle, all four of the wheels receive power from the engine, giving the car greater traction, i.e., greater grip, on the road. For this reason, they are ideal for using on difficult terrain. Negotiate your way up steep, muddy inclines, through fast flowing streams, and across bumpy, bog ridden fields, all whilst staying warm and dry.
What 4x4 Off-Roading Involves
Whilst 4x4 off-road driving might be an activity for those who prefer their adventures to be conducted whilst seated, don’t be mistaken into believing that you will be comfortable, as using a 4x4 vehicle off-road in the Lake District is guaranteed to be a bumpy ride. You can explore the magnificent Cumbrian countryside from a vehicle designed to cope with the rough terrain, giving you a completely different driving experience from that you might find in the towns and cities.
What to Wear and Bring
You do not need any specialist clothing for going off-roading, but we would recommend that you wear hard wearing shoes and quick drying trousers in case you do end up trying to push your vehicle out of the mud. Even if it’s a warm day, bring warm and waterproof clothing in case you end up lost or stranded.
If you are going on a self-drive tour on a permitted route, you will need a map. A GPS navigation unit will also be useful. Make sure you have plenty of refreshments for the day, and a fully charged mobile phone.
Where to Do 4x4 Off Roading in the Lake District
If you already own a 4x4, there are a number of legal routes, also known as "Green Roads" that allow public vehicle access. You can access maps detailing these routes from Cumbria County Council’s website. It’s important to stick to these legal routes, as taking a vehicle on any other type of public right of way is a criminal offence. Furthermore, you should take care to avoid damaging the route with your vehicle.
Unless you are an experienced off-road driver with a good knowledge of the area, we recommend that you use an activity company to get the most out of your 4x4 experience. There are a number in Cumbria offering a mixture of packages both on private land and on permitted routes, whether it be a simple session cruising in a 4x4, or in combination with adventures in other vehicles, such as a 15 tonne tank.
Kankku
Kankku make use of the numerous permitted routes throughout the Lake District for their activity sessions. You can sit back and enjoy the ride on a tour, drive one of their own vehicles under guidance, or take a couple of days to complete a self-drive safari.
- Address: Victoria Forge, Victoria Street, Windermere, LA23 1AD
- Tel: 01539447414
- Website: kankku.co.uk
Rookin House
Rookin House offers off-roading in a Dakar 4x4 kit car on private farmland surrounding the activity centre, overlooked by the majestic Blencathra fell. You can also try a reverse steer challenge, video navigation, or take a thrilling ride in an amphibious Argo Cat.
- Address: Rookin House Farm, Troutbeck, Ullswater, Penrith, CA11 0SS
- Tel: 01768483561
- Website: rookinhouse.co.uk
The Outdoor Adventure Company
With a focus on environmentally sustainability and carbon neutral activities, the Outdoor Activity Company provides 4x4 off-roading in terrain that even includes a pond and a seesaw. Test your driving skills further by taking their 15 tonne armoured personnel carrier out for a spin.
- Address: Old Hutton, Near Kendal, LA8 0NB
- Tel: 01539722147
- Website: theoutdooradventurecompany.co.uk