Off-road

Off-road adventures begin where paved roads end. With off-road vehicles you can explore deserts and forests, remote mountain regions and tundras. Driving over hill and dale is something you have to learn and it requires the right equipment. But with a little knowledge and preparation, this kind of travel is absolutely incomparable to anything else!

The best regions

Central England and the Midlands

South East England

South West England

North East England

Mid Wales

North West England

East England

North Wales

West Wales

Hertfordshire

Western Balkans

Essex

Montenegro

Uttlesford

Maidstone

Redcar and Cleveland

East Suffolk

Braintree

South Wales

North Hertfordshire

Herefordshire

East Cambridgeshire

Komovi

Bedfordshire

Parc naturel régional Livradois-Forez

Patagonia

Medway

Hinckley and Bosworth

Huntingdonshire

Vale of White Horse

Saint Albans

South Cambridgeshire

North Devon

Welwyn Hatfield

Kolašin Municipality

Podgorica Capital City

East Northamptonshire

North West Leicestershire

Lincolnshire

Nottinghamshire

Worcestershire

Wokingham

West Midlands

South Norfolk

Wellingborough

Epping Forest

East Riding of Yorkshire

Chelmsford

Discovering the world off-road

For many people, there is nothing better than discovering the world in an off-roader. Many off-road vehicles are suitable for traveling – or can at least be converted accordingly. There are almost no limits to the imagination: from a rooftop tent on the off-road vehicle to a cabin on the loading area to a professional expedition vehicle.

The destinations are as diverse as the travelers themselves: While some travel between the volcanoes and geysers of Iceland, others explore the vast plains of the Near East or even cross the deserts of Africa.

Photo: CC0, pixabay.com

The “4x4“ for every off-road expedition

The most important thing for off-roading is, of course, an off-road vehicle. This can be a car (SUV/pick-up) – but it doesn’t have to be. Depending on the planned tour, motorbikes, quads, buggies, rock crawlers etc are also suitable. A special class are the so-called amphibious vehicles, which can drive both on land and on water.

The equipment of your vehicle depends on the nature of the desired routes. A four-wheel drive system (permanent or selectable), flexible suspension and off-road tyres with a rough tread are part of the standard package. In addition, there are vehicles with reduction drive, limited slip differential, winch, etc. Important key figures such as ground clearance or wading depth provide information about the terrain for which your vehicle is suitable.

Your first off-road adventure

Although the equipment for off-roading is anything but inexpensive, you don’t have to be wealthy to experience the sport. Off-road vehicles can be rented in many places. Often, professional off-road tour operators are behind the offers, who will also advise you on the choice of route, provide you with a complete equipment package, instruct you comprehensively on site and even accompany you if necessary.

If you prefer to plan your expedition yourself, we recommend a special intensive course as preparation, which slowly introduces you to the world of off-road driving and teaches you the most important skills in terms of driving technique. There are, however, routes that should better not be driven alone. A second vehicle provides additional safety in the event of a breakdown and in remote regions.

Off-road and the environment

Motorised sports admittedly have a hard time in the eyes of nature lovers and environmentalists. This could be because people often equate off-road sports with fast-paced rally events or muddy slopes in off-road parks.

“Normal“ off-road adventures and nature conservation, on the other hand, do fit together quite well. You often travel with little effort and luxury, only need the bare necessities and in any case move away from the big tourist crowds – and that is already much closer to nature than package tourism.

Nevertheless, off-road adventurers naturally bear a great responsibility for the environment when they travel on lonely tracks in an off-road vehicle. We have collected some tips for you on how to make your trip as environmentally friendly as possible.

Photo: CC0, pixabay.com

Familiarise yourself with your vehicle and learn how it reacts in different terrain. Slowly get to grips with steep climbs and descents, banking and water crossings. Special training courses also help you to learn how to drive in an environmentally friendly way.
Check your vehicle thoroughly before you start your journey. This way you can rule out possible damage or malfunctions in advance.
Simply speeding through untouched nature is taboo. In many regions, driving off the beaten track is even prohibited by law. If possible, stay on recognisable paths and adapt your speed to the terrain at all times.
Observe all designated protection zones and avoid any possible damage to the flora and fauna.
True to the motto “Home is where you park it“, you can theoretically stay overnight anywhere on an off-road holiday. However, please find out whether wild camping is allowed at your destination and inform yourself about the conditions. Also, remain quiet at the place where you are staying and don’t leave anything behind.

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