Are Green Lanes only for the serious 4x4?

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a 4x4 for the express purposes of exploring the UK's massive green lane network. It seems you can cover some amazing country with them and see the "real" landscape ...I've traveled allot of the UK on tarmac and always wished I was up in the hills, quiet and seeing the amazing countryside up close which you don't really see from the tarmac.

My worry is the grade of skill required. I'm relatively new to 4x4 and allot of the trails I've been looking at online look incredibly difficult and should be attempted by only skilled individuals whilst *also* being in a group. My wife and I just want to explore some amazing countryside but not sure if this is actually the best way to go about it now. We aren't that keen on mud slinging it through trails, less keen on the 4x4 side of things and more on getting to see some amazing remote places ...which ironically can only be accessed by the 4x4.

It also seems you should really only be driving these lanes in groups to help each other out. We would prefer to do it alone and at our own pace and take our own route to get to our destination. Not sure this is really advisable given the state of some of the vids I've been watching online.

So in short, in all your experiences...
- is green laning a good way to go if you want to see some amazing remote inaccessible countryside?
- is it ok to do it alone?

Really appreciate the info. Thank you.

Cheers

Well I just drove over the Carpathians on my own in an only slightly modified Discovery...

It all depends on what you want to do. A stock Freelander will deal with some surprisingly tricky stuff I expect, then there are some lanes like hollinsclough you wouldn't want to touch without a decent lift kit, a winch, and some mates for when it all goes horribly wrong...

Ultimately you are asking a question that is too broad to answer. Do you want to do it to see new places? In which case you want to think about an overland equipped car with camping. Are you after the satisfaction from driving a technically difficult track -in which case it's a trayback quarry basher with silly articulation that's needed.

Best bet before spending any money is see if you can get on a laning day where you drive someone elses vehicle and they guide you round lanes - cost perhaps a couple hundred notes and you get some idea if you like it or not. Or find a meeting in the local area and go and talk to the people.. most will be willing to help you out I'd expect in getting a bit of experience.

Doing it on your own? I'd say yes - but then again I can walk out of anywhere I can drive and I have reasonable wilderness survival experience. I also have some radios that will let me call for help from anywhere on the planet. But if you get stuck 2 vehicles far better than one.

Lets you see the world? Have a look at my pictures and others on the trips forum and judge for yourself...

There green lanes and Green Lanes, its not a wide open access to any tracks across the UK. You should check specifically where your going and plan it well. In Scotland vast tracts of off-road are actually prohibited by private owners; its out with the scope of right of access (a vehicle that is).

niic said:

So in short, in all your experiences...
- is green laning a good way to go if you want to see some amazing remote inaccessible countryside?

Absolutely!

- is it ok to do it alone?

I'd have to say no, particularly with the concerns you raised. When you have experience and 'more kit' then maybe ...

Click to expand...

Hope that helps ..

Remote, only a 4x4 track to get there ...


Why you don't go alone ..

Since the nearest green lane to me is tarmac'd, I often go down it in the car, the next nearest is sand, some bits are drivable by car some bits by tractor / 4x4. Choosing the right type of green lane for your abilities and your vehicle is part of deciding whether to go in a group or not.

Hey mate,

Thanks for the reply

As mentioned in my post, we aren't too keen on the 4x4 technical side but more just want to get to really remote places and see some awesome country side (and camp if possible yeah). I do allot of aerial photography so am looking for spots not so frequently traveled. Super happy to hear that technical skill level isn't necessarily needed to be that high to even think about doing it. I guess everything I've looked at has been more form folks more interested in the 4x4 technical side so they tend to show the more extreme trails pulling mad angles. I certainly wouldn't attempt anything I wasn't confident with but I do intend to take a couple 4x4 courses to help with general terrain navigation and approaches. My experience has been limited to very basic terrain.

We are looking at a Land Cruiser 2006 LC4 with a lift kit and winch at the moment.

I'll have a look through your photos, thanks very much for the great info.

Cheers

niic said:

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a 4x4 for the express purposes of exploring the UK's massive green lane network. It seems you can cover some amazing country with them and see the "real" landscape ...I've traveled allot of the UK on tarmac and always wished I was up in the hills, quiet and seeing the amazing countryside up close which you don't really see from the tarmac.

My worry is the grade of skill required. I'm relatively new to 4x4 and allot of the trails I've been looking at online look incredibly difficult and should be attempted by only skilled individuals whilst *also* being in a group. My wife and I just want to explore some amazing countryside but not sure if this is actually the best way to go about it now. We aren't that keen on mud slinging it through trails, less keen on the 4x4 side of things and more on getting to see some amazing remote places ...which ironically can only be accessed by the 4x4.

It also seems you should really only be driving these lanes in groups to help each other out. We would prefer to do it alone and at our own pace and take our own route to get to our destination. Not sure this is really advisable given the state of some of the vids I've been watching online.

So in short, in all your experiences...
- is green laning a good way to go if you want to see some amazing remote inaccessible countryside?
- is it ok to do it alone?

Really appreciate the info. Thank you.

Cheers

Click to expand...

Hi,

I hope I can help you here a bit.

1. To drive Green Lanes you need to know exactly where they are and your legal right of way. Many lays have restrictions on them. And some lanes might not even be green lanes at all, despite looking like one.

It would make sense, at least at first to join an organised trip or go with some people that have been before. 3 -5 vehicles is a nice size group. Driving were you shouldn't is a no no.

2. While out on the lanes, remember it is a public right of way. So you need to be mindful of the surrounding countryside and that other members of the public may also be using it. Driving next too the lane, i.e. "off piste" is not acceptable and is largely what gets lanes shut and closed to general access. Common sense and consideration for the location and other people are top priority.

3. It is generally advisable to only go laning with other people. There are some simple reasons why:

• Many lanes are very remote and you often will have no phone signal. Should something happen, such as a vehicle breakdown or you get stuck. Then you can be a long way from any aid.
• If you get stuck, then self recovery can be quite challenging. Multiple winches, land anchors, strops, waffle boards and others can all be useful. But all carry a cost to acquire, room to carry and skill to operate.

4. In terms of vehicle. By and large most 'green lanes' are drivable in standard vehicles. You shouldn't need anything extreme. In fact, if you do, then chances are it either isn't a green lane you are on (meaning you shouldn't be there), or the lane isn't in a state to be driven regardless of the vehicle you have.

5. Vehicle prep. The most sensible thing is a good set of tyres. Now you do NOT need extreme tyres. In fact people laning on 'Insa Turbo Special Tracks' really are missing the point and being someone selfish. But a good set of MT's wouldn't go amiss. You might be able to get away with AT's, but it will depend on the terrain, location and weather. MT's will server you better and are generally more puncture resistant too.

The only other thing to really consider is, many lanes will have deep tram line ruts. So low riding 4x4's, such as Freelanders or a stock Discovery on 29" tall tyres, will run risk of becoming beached. This can happen very easily and even to seasoned off roaders.

6. Other considerations. Many lanes get over grown, so can be very scratchy. And some may have other hazards, such as trees or rocks. Unless you know the lane, or someone with you has been along it before, you may want to assume that it isn't suitable for a nice vehicle.

e.g.

If you have a tidy Range Rover Sport, you'd be unlikely to want to drive down this lane... see if you can spot the Series 1 80" only 20-30 feet in front.



On this note, roof racks and roof tents are not really advised unless you know the lanes will not cause damage to those.

Paul D said:

Hope that helps ..

Remote, only a 4x4 track to get there ...

Click to expand...

WOOW Amazing and that is the sort of country I want to see. Stunning stuff. The UK has so much to offer here.

re group travel, your image is precisely my concern. If you get stuck, what generally are your options? I imagine AA don't come to the rescue. Who actually would you be calling for assistance?

Much appreciated the info.

Thanks

niic said:

Super happy to hear that technical skill level isn't necessarily needed to be that high to even think about doing it.

Click to expand...

I think that would be a somewhat naive approach to this.

Remember, green lanes are technically roads, so they are ON, not OFF roading.

However understanding how a 4x4 system works, what it can and can't do. Will be vastly useful in such endeavours. As you'll need to make judgement calls on which line to take, which to avoid. And how to tackle certain obstacles.

It isn't rocket science I admit. But there is still a high degree of technique and skill involved. The difference can often be breaking stuff vs no damage. Getting through or getting stuck.

Again, I reinforce the fact you probably shouldn't do this on your own. At least not until you are experienced enough to make the judgement call yourself.

niic said:

We are looking at a Land Cruiser 2006 LC4 with a lift kit and winch at the moment.

Click to expand...

Not wanting to scare you off, but this is a Land Rover forum. So you'll likely find very limited help or interest in a Toyota. That said, it's not a bad vehicle. But have you considered a Land Rover?

300bhp/ton said:

Hi,

I hope I can help you here a bit.

1. To drive Green Lanes you need to know exactly where they are and your legal right of way. Many lays have restrictions on them. And some lanes might not even be green lanes at all, despite looking like one.

Click to expand...

Yep, I'm taking the necessary steps to get the info before travel and contact my local GLASS rep for the latest info

300bhp/ton said:

It would make sense, at least at first to join an organised trip or go with some people that have been before. 3 -5 vehicles is a nice size group. Driving were you shouldn't is a no no

Click to expand...

Yep, I am looking for some local groups that I could possibly join to get a first look at operating procedures.

300bhp/ton said:

2. While out on the lanes, remember it is a public right of way. So you need to be mindful of the surrounding countryside and that other members of the public may also be using it. Driving next too the lane, i.e. "off piste" is not acceptable and is largely what gets lanes shut and closed to general access. Common sense and consideration for the location and other people are top priority.

Click to expand...

Yep, completely aware of the sensitive nature with vehicles and not following the rules. Have spent allot of time reading up on the issues that result from people not following the rules etc. Common sense should get you through most of it but i've joined TrailWise and number of other groups to keep the info coming in.

300bhp/ton said:

3. It is generally advisable to only go laning with other people. There are some simple reasons why:

• Many lanes are very remote and you often will have no phone signal. Should something happen, such as a vehicle breakdown or you get stuck. Then you can be a long way from any aid.
• If you get stuck, then self recovery can be quite challenging. Multiple winches, land anchors, strops, waffle boards and others can all be useful. But all carry a cost to acquire, room to carry and skill to operate.

Click to expand...

Mostly, we would want to do this just ourselves so I guess it will be me coming up with a route plan and then talking to the local GLASS reps to determine the lane conditions and if it is safe to do it solo.

300bhp/ton said:

4. In terms of vehicle. By and large most 'green lanes' are drivable in standard vehicles. You shouldn't need anything extreme. In fact, if you do, then chances are it either isn't a green lane you are on (meaning you shouldn't be there), or the lane isn't in a state to be driven regardless of the vehicle you have.

Click to expand...

Looking at a Land Cruiser LC4 2006 with lift kit and winch. Definitely not looking to get into any situations where the trail is not suitable to drive on. If it isn't derivable, we definitely wouldn't be there

300bhp/ton said:

5. Vehicle prep. The most sensible thing is a good set of tyres. Now you do NOT need extreme tyres. In fact people laning on 'Insa Turbo Special Tracks' really are missing the point and being someone selfish. But a good set of MT's wouldn't go amiss. You might be able to get away with AT's, but it will depend on the terrain, location and weather. MT's will server you better and are generally more puncture resistant too.

The only other thing to really consider is, many lanes will have deep tram line ruts. So low riding 4x4's, such as Freelanders or a stock Discovery on 29" tall tyres, will run risk of becoming beached. This can happen very easily and even to seasoned off roaders.

Click to expand...

The vehicle we are looking at is relatively new and yeah your photo is super extreme, I wouldn't attempt anything like that in my car. That is for the hardcore

Most of the areas I will be frequenting will have no vegetation. However, am looking at putting a higher spec than factory tyres on the vehicle.

I have been talking to my garage about a liftkit ...I don't want to destroy my car so as you have said, want to be able to handle moderate ruts.

300bhp/ton said:

6. Other considerations. Many lanes get over grown, so can be very scratchy. And some may have other hazards, such as trees or rocks. Unless you know the lane, or someone with you has been along it before, you may want to assume that it isn't suitable for a nice vehicle.

e.g.

If you have a tidy Range Rover Sport, you'd be unlikely to want to drive down this lane... see if you can spot the Series 1 80" only 20-30 feet in front.

On this note, roof racks and roof tents are not really advised unless you know the lanes will not cause damage to those.

Click to expand...

Definitely wouldn't attempt anything as overgrown as that. Generally we will be far north so vegetation that extreme won't be a problem. I'll mostly be concerned with terrain and missing sections of trail due to land movement.

I am very keen to hear what options you have if you get stuck and are solo though where mobile reception is non existent. I'd like to know as a precaution what the options are if you get a vehicle breakdown. I imagine AA aren't going to trek out to reach you?

Many thanks for all the really great info. Very much appreciated

Thanks,
Nick.

300bhp/ton said:

I think that would be a somewhat naive approach to this.

Remember, green lanes are technically roads, so they are ON, not OFF roading.

Click to expand...

I meant it as a general rule ...if in general it required a high degree of skill, it would probably be something I would avoid because I don't have the experience. If however there are allot of lanes out there where you don't need to handle cross axle, high angle moves then great. I've been hunting down as much info as I can on lanes and what the general state is to try and determine if they are mostly so badly degraded that should only be attempted by the experienced and in groups. Sorry should have clarified more my position

300bhp/ton said:

However understanding how a 4x4 system works, what it can and can't do. Will be vastly useful in such endeavours. As you'll need to make judgement calls on which line to take, which to avoid. And how to tackle certain obstacles.

It isn't rocket science I admit. But there is still a high degree of technique and skill involved. The difference can often be breaking stuff vs no damage. Getting through or getting stuck.

Again, I reinforce the fact you probably shouldn't do this on your own. At least not until you are experienced enough to make the judgement call yourself.

Click to expand...

This is why I'm on here talking to you lot

I don't have loads of experience so keen to get as much info as possible before making a purchase decision. My decision to purchase is greatly dictated by if these lanes are "generally" accessible or "mostly" inaccessible requiring people with experience.

I need to try and meet a group and spend a few days out on the lanes. That is the most ideal option but difficult in my circumstances to get the time to do that.

300bhp/ton said:

Not wanting to scare you off, but this is a Land Rover forum. So you'll likely find very limited help or interest in a Toyota. That said, it's not a bad vehicle. But have you considered a Land Rover?

Click to expand...

aaah is it ...I thought it was a general Green Lanes forum ooops! I'm mostly wanting to find out about the lanes rather than the vehicle. That's entire other discussion!

I'm still open to decision on the vehicle ...I want something that was 7 seater, under 6k. and has plenty of storage option for all my gear. Need space for 4x4 support eq, camping gear, and all my aerial photography gear. LC seemed to fit the bill. I will take a closer look at the LR

Thanks very much!! Really helpful.

Cheers

Not at all

Hi, from a fellow london resident.

There are clubs out and about, I am a member of 4x4 response and we have laning trips and driver training days. A day in a pay & play site can be advantageous, lots of people around if you get stuck, and likely willing to offer help and advice, a good way to find the limits of you and your vehicle in a reasonably controlled environment.

I used to lane around Surrey a lot, in a 2 wheel drive Hyundai saloon! There are lots of nice lanes round there, and soon as I weld my heap back together I shall be touring them again.

DEFENDER why compromise? the best 4x4xfar!