With longer, warmer days and shorter nights upon us, there's never been a better time to start planning some adventures with a difference this summer. And where better to do that from than behind the wheel of a 4x4 Off Roader?
So, it's with that in mind that we've dug out our A-Z, and now invite you to take a look at four of our top recommendations for an awesome Off Road Experience day along some of Britain's best trails there are to discover…
Atlantic Highway, Cornwall
Cornwall really comes into its own once the warmer weather arrives - why else is it one of the most visited parts of the British Isles during the summer months?
So dubbed after the Atlantic Coast Express, the former Southern Express railway line, the Atlantic Highway stretches out over 160 miles between Barnstaple in Devon, all the way to Newquay, where you'll be able to take in spectacular coastal views, rolling hills and picturesque villages along the way.
Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire
The historic Salisbury Plain, site of the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge, is located at the border where Wiltshire meets Dorset, and is an ideal place for those newcomers to the world of off-roading to make their mark. Many seasoned off-road drivers have taken their ATV here.
There's the incredible route through Savernake Forest that has to be seen to be believed, but for those with a little more mileage under their belts, the more complex muddier terrains in and around Amesbury will be right up your bridlepath.
Honister Pass, Cumbria
Now, there's a caveat to stipulate here, insofar as the route here is a tarmac one. However, when it comes to off-roading, there are few places in the UK where you can do that as well as Cumbria.
It's home to the Lake District National Park, for starters, but on this route that sets off from Heswick towards the River Cocker, you'll find a rich valley surrounded by some truly outstanding natural beauty, with ample opportunities to go off-road when you've got your confidence up.
Bowness-on-Windermere and Queen Adelaide's Hill, Cumbria
Staying in the North West and the Lake District, there's also this circular trail, just over 4.4 miles long, which takes just over two hours to complete, but is the ideal step up for novice off roaders who are after something that's the next challenge.Traversing in and around the charming village of Windermere, there's numerous wooded sections and chances to spot the variety of wildlife that's along here, and opportunities to stop for a light refreshment at a number of cafes and coffee shops, as well as passing the docks for the Lake Windermere cruises, the Steam Boat Museum, and the many winding streets with traditional cobblestone houses.
Some Important Pointers
It's vital that you do your prep work before you head out in your 4x4, and ensure that where you're driving is legal under the GLA (Green Lane Association), which you should consider joining.
Green lanes are off-road public rights of way. However, not all of these are accessible to vehicles. The ones you need to look out for are byways (BOAT) and unclassified roads (UCR), as these are the ones you'll be able to drive on.
It's also worth bearing in mind a couple of factors; one being that green lanes naturally have more growth in the warmer summer months, so may be narrower than they are in the cooler autumn or winter months.
Another thing to watch out for is the level of ability it's best suited to; it goes without saying that if you're more of an entry level off-road driver, you're best sticking to less challenging routes.
Using Ordinance Survey (OS) maps will help, but so too will using clever technology such as the TrailWise software, which offers expert and unique mapping services. And of course, to ensure you are prepared for any emergency, ensure you have essential contacts stored in your SIM, a fully charged phone, spare battery pack and emergency supplies.
If you do get stuck, there's always the What3Words website or app, which you can use even if you're out of signal or in a low signal area. Bookmark this in your phone so you can provide a unique three word address to say, ambulance or rescue crews, that will help you be located easily.