Quad Biking
Travel around farmland in the Lake District and you are guaranteed to spot a farmer or shepherd on a quad bike, usually accompanied by a sheepdog balanced on the back. They are a familiar sight amongst the fells as they enable farmers to move quickly over uneven terrain. However, they are not just the domain of farm workers, as Quad Bikes have also become a popular vehicle for recreational activity.
Quad Bikes, also known as four-wheeler All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) feature low pressure tires and four-wheel drive enabling them to be used on difficult terrain. They are usually single-seaters, and are controlled via handlebars in the same way as motorbikes, whilst offering more stability than their two-wheeled counterparts.
What Quad Biking Involves
Quad Bikes are allowed on UK roads, providing you hold a B1 license, tax, insurance, and the vehicle is registered with the DVLA. However, this does not apply on private land, where anyone can drive one providing they have permission from the landowner, which is why activity companies are able to offer Quad Biking as one of their adventures. In a typical session, you will be given an introduction to the vehicle with tuition on how to use it, and then either be allowed to drive freely on a small piece of enclosed land, or taken on a tour around a much larger private estate. You may encounter boggy fields, streams to cross, and steep hills to ascend along the way.
What to Wear and Bring
Group of friends on quad bikes
Quad Bikes do not offer any shelter, so you should wear weather appropriate clothing, such as waterproofs and warm layers if required. During the summer, you should wear long sleeved tops and trousers to protect your arms and legs from scratches from any branches or plants you pass. You should also wear sturdy footwear. Safety gear such as helmets should be provided by your activity company but do check in advance that this is the case.
Where to Go Quad Biking in the Lake District
There are three companies offering quad biking in the Lake District, all on private land so no license is required.
Rookin House
Quad Biking sessions explore the Rookin House Farm which is located above Ullswater and surrounded by fells.
- Address: Rookin House Farm, Troutbeck, Ullswater, Penrith, CA11 0SS
- Tel: 01768483561
- Website: rookinhouse.co.uk
The Outdoor Adventure Company
With a 300-acre site just outside Kendal, Quad Biking at the Outdoor Adventure Company covers a wide variety of terrain types for a thrilling challenge.
- Address: Old Hutton, Near Kendal, LA8 0NB
- Tel: 01539722147
- Website: theoutdooradventurecompany.co.uk
Lingholm Sporting Quad Treks
The 1000-acre Lingholm Estate is perfect for exploring by Quad Bike, and with Lingholm Sporting Quad Treks, you will be able to roam through the estate on a guided tour.
- Address: Derwent Bay, Keswick, CA12 5UB
- Tel: 01768772862
- Website: lakedistrictquadbiking.com