Mr G Imp

Active Member
Hi Guys - I’m thinking of going down the strata Florida track in mid wales just looking for some input.
I’m going up to the area next week and thinking of taking the 90 - it’s an old defender 200tdi bog standard, Michelin army type tyres on with not great tread!
Anyway thought I would have a drive down and see what it’s like there take my kid.
Am I going to get stranded? Cheers !!
 
Last time I did it it was fairly straight forward so a standard defender with 7.50 Michelins should be fine. However I have not done it for a few years. One thing I would say to do is check the restrictions on it. I seem to remember it is only open to motor traffic for a limited time of the year so make sure you can actually drive it and it is not closed.
 
never done it but thought it was closed over winter, need to check, i've heard the flooding has got worse in a couple of areas
 
Did it with a mate in a pretty standard Disco some years ago. As there has not been a lot of rainfall of late would say the nine [I think] river crossings would not pose a problem but check it is open. The old Abbey [ ruin ] after which the lane is named worth a look.
 
think it, along with a few other lanes, got hammered with yoofs in totally inappropriate cars 'for a laff' during lockdown restrictions when they couldnt do the usual ibiza/magaluf/benidorm trips
 
Hi Guys - I’m thinking of going down the strata Florida track in mid wales just looking for some input.
I’m going up to the area next week and thinking of taking the 90 - it’s an old defender 200tdi bog standard, Michelin army type tyres on with not great tread!
Anyway thought I would have a drive down and see what it’s like there take my kid.
Am I going to get stranded? Cheers !!
There are 2 sides to this.

1. All green lanes in the UK should be fairly easy to drive. They are roads at the end of the day. If they are really challenging, then you might not be on the lane.
2. Having said the above, you are in the middle of nowhere. So go prepared. Should you get stuck or stranded it is a long way to go and get help.

Considering the above. Have you done many lanes before? Normally it is worth going with at least one other vehicle. Solo laning is fine, but obviously comes with much higher risk should something go wrong. Including just breaking down. Phone signal is normally rubbish in these areas. So you'll have to be up for a long walk. And Strata Florida is in a particularly un-populated area.

There are lots and lots of other lanes in Wales, you may want to consider them instead or as well as. Strata Florida is quite long, the constant jolting and bumping over the rocks can wear on you if its getting late.

Make sure to stay on piste. Straying from the legal byway is illegal and only helps to get lanes closed to motor vehicles. Highly advisable to use a mapping tool. You can get some really good apps on a smart phone where you can download an OS map and track & record you live location, while showing where the by-way actually is.

As for the Strata Florida, its pretty standard for a Welsh mountain lanes. Not really all that difficult, not really a challenge in an off road sense. A few bumps and lumps. There is quite a bit of water and some deep water crossings. These pose a genuine risk if the water is high and/or fast flowing. Plus deep water wading can always take a toll on any vehicle. Most times it should be fine, but it could cause alternator, starter motor issues etc.
 
Hi Guys - I’m thinking of going down the strata Florida track in mid wales just looking for some input.
I’m going up to the area next week and thinking of taking the 90 - it’s an old defender 200tdi bog standard, Michelin army type tyres on with not great tread!
Anyway thought I would have a drive down and see what it’s like there take my kid.
Am I going to get stranded? Cheers !!
I think the key to this is your level of experience, and how well you maintain your vehicle.

The question itself suggests that you are not very experienced, and the mention of worn tyres suggests your vehicle is not that well maintained.

I would think carefully before driving that as a single vehicle, and especially taking a child.
 
The way passes through what is called " The green desert of Wales " a rough green/brown tussock grass is about all you will see.
 
I'd like to do some lanes in the 322, if it will fit!! But never been off tarmac in diesel/auto/electronic car so might do a pay n play first to learn what it likes to do.. or not
 
Why go to wales???
There are plenty of nice lanes in Wiltshire. Some open in may & most are drivable by yourself.(flint tracks)
But there are other lanes that the long grass hides the ruts as these don’t get driven enough over winter.

as for strata Florida used to be fun but now is a day out. I would not go out alone with children. Best to take another motor
 
If you stick to the proper lane and it doesn't rain heavily just before you'll be absolutely fine mate. It's a solid stone track essentially, bedrock and river stones. In a defender absolutely no problem at all, just check on any restrictions that's all! Happy laning! :)
 
I think the key to this is your level of experience, and how well you maintain your vehicle.

The question itself suggests that you are not very experienced, and the mention of worn tyres suggests your vehicle is not that well maintained.

I would think carefully before driving that as a single vehicle, and especially taking a child.

Fair assumption, I am fairly competent off road and the front tyres are legal but not as chunky as they once were!
Mechanically the vehicle is looked after by a local Landrover specialist I’ve never had a problem with it breaking down.
We are staying very close to the strata Florida route so it’s just an idea at the moment.
 
Why go to wales???
There are plenty of nice lanes in Wiltshire. Some open in may & most are drivable by yourself.(flint tracks)
But there are other lanes that the long grass hides the ruts as these don’t get driven enough over winter.

as for strata Florida used to be fun but now is a day out. I would not go out alone with children. Best to take another motor

I’m staying near by, it looks like it takes 8 hours which might be a bit much for the kid and me to be fair.
 
There are 2 sides to this.

1. All green lanes in the UK should be fairly easy to drive. They are roads at the end of the day. If they are really challenging, then you might not be on the lane.
2. Having said the above, you are in the middle of nowhere. So go prepared. Should you get stuck or stranded it is a long way to go and get help.

Considering the above. Have you done many lanes before? Normally it is worth going with at least one other vehicle. Solo laning is fine, but obviously comes with much higher risk should something go wrong. Including just breaking down. Phone signal is normally rubbish in these areas. So you'll have to be up for a long walk. And Strata Florida is in a particularly un-populated area.

There are lots and lots of other lanes in Wales, you may want to consider them instead or as well as. Strata Florida is quite long, the constant jolting and bumping over the rocks can wear on you if its getting late.

Make sure to stay on piste. Straying from the legal byway is illegal and only helps to get lanes closed to motor vehicles. Highly advisable to use a mapping tool. You can get some really good apps on a smart phone where you can download an OS map and track & record you live location, while showing where the by-way actually is.

As for the Strata Florida, its pretty standard for a Welsh mountain lanes. Not really all that difficult, not really a challenge in an off road sense. A few bumps and lumps. There is quite a bit of water and some deep water crossings. These pose a genuine risk if the water is high and/or fast flowing. Plus deep water wading can always take a toll on any vehicle. Most times it should be fine, but it could cause alternator, starter motor issues etc.
Thanks good info! I’m reading it’s an 8 hour long drive so may be too much for a 7 year old - I didn’t know it was so long!
 
Lots of good advice. From Stroud, it’s quite a drive and certainly a full day round trip. I wouldn’t do it with one vehicle. A second will allow for recovery or driving home if it goes wrong or you have a mechanical issue. Salisbury Plain is much closer and a shorter day too, which is worth considering if you’re taking a child with you.
 
I’m staying near by, it looks like it takes 8 hours which might be a bit much for the kid and me to be fair.
There may be a few other nice lanes around the area.
There was a loop that someone posted on here but as the search button is not always working…

@bankz5152 did you do strata or surrounding areas in the new disco? Any info to help out
Thanks
 
Often drive a green lane ***** in my standard 110 or the wife's Kia Rio.
We near enough live on it..


Mind you quite rough..



For a tarmacked road...

***** As defined in the county map.
 

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