The Mud Life - 25 - April 2021 by The Mud Life Magazine

THE MUD LIFE ISSUE 25 - April 2021

Issue 25!

EXTREME.E RACING SUZUKI IGNIS LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 5 RANGE ROVER VELAR

Goods'n'Gear Laning Life Reader's Rides Road to Morocco

Suzuki Ignis pages 32-41

Important information Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the contents of The Mud Life magazine are accurate, we accept no responsibility for errors or omissions, nor the consequence of actions made as a result of these. When responding to any advertisements in The Mud Life magazine, you should make appropriate enquiries before sending money or entering into a contract. The publishers and owners take reasonable care to ensure advertiser’s probity, but will not be liable for any losses incurred as a result of responding to adverts. Copyright All images and material on these pages are protected by copyright © Damian Turner. All rights reserved. None of the images or material within this magazine may be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose that is not expressly authorised by Damian Turner or Karen Lee Turner.

IN THIS ISSUE TURNER'S TORQUE

4-5

NEWS

6-11

LANING LIFE 13-16 DIRECTORIES 18-21 LAND ROVER VELAR R DYNAMIC 22-31 SUZUKI IGNIS 32-41 LAND ROVER DISCO/VELAR DAY OUT 42-57 GOODS & GEAR 58-67 EXTREME E RACE SERIES 68-83 SIMON SAYS 84-85 ROAD TO MOROCCO PT.3 86-96 READER'S RIDES 98-103 TWO GO MAD IN STRANRAER 105-109 RETRO SNAPS 110-11

DAMIAN TURNER Editor-in-Chief, Writer, Photographer, Reviewer

KAREN LEE TURNER (A.K.A. The Muddy Madam)

Creative Director, Layout Designer, Reviewer

F O L LOW U S

THE TEAM

BACK ISSUES 112-113

FACEBOOK - TheMudLifeMag INSTAGRAM - themudlifemag TWITTER - themudlifemag WEBSITE - www.themudlife.co.uk THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

turner's torque How the hell did we manage to create 25 magazines?? We have two celebrations this month, one is that this is our 25th issue of The Mud Life magazine, and the other is that apparently I turn 54, which is weird as I still feel like I’m in my early twenties. Actually, that’s not entirely true, I act like I’m in my early twenties, but I’ve definitely become more grumpy, and my body doesn’t work like it once did. Annoyingly, both Muddy Madam and I missed out on our birthday celebrations last year (and Muddy Madam's was a big one), and it looks like this year will be the same due to lockdown, but when we’re eventually let out we’ll have one hell of a celebration! We also have a new addition to The Mud Life team who has come aboard as our advertising superstar, so if you get a phone call from the lovely Emma you know she's legit. Anyway, enough about what's happening (or not) here, let's talk about 25 issues - how did 2 people in a bedroom make that happen? For starters, I think it's because we are a bit bonkers, but we wouldn’t still be around if wasn’t for you lovely folk reading and subscribing to our little mag (if you haven't already subscribed click here), so thank you from both myself and Muddy Madam. Onwards to the next 25, but before then, by all accounts we’ll all soon be able to venture out green laning again for the first time in ages, which I can’t wait for. I’ve also ordered a bunch load of new camping gear, from a Robens Tipi style tent and tent stove, to new sleeping bags, so I’m looking forward spending a few nights under the stars!

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muddy madam's moment Not the eco issue I was expecting! I've never tied myself to a tree or picketed a supermarket to get them to stop using single use plastic packaging (though I agree with the ones who do), but I am a bit of a closet eco-warrior, which can sometimes be at odds with Damian's (and probably your) love of four-wheeled fuel-guzzlers.

When press cars arrive, if it's BIG, STUPID and loves to GULP FUEL, then Damian's eyes turn to big heart shaped discs (I think these are the same reasons he loves me too!). I usually have a tendency to roll my eyes, but I have also been known to get rather too excited over power (I once got a little hot'n'bothered with a Bentley Continental soft-top at a race track, but let's leave that there), so I try to uphold my ecocredentials by buying better, and changing my bad habits. With that in mind, and seeing as it is Earth Day on the 22nd, I thought I'd source some products for the Goods'n'Gear section that are better alternatives to the norm, so we can all do a bit to improve our footprint on the world. Due to Brexit issues (and a stuck cargo ship) causing products from abroad to be delayed in transit, a few of the products I wanted to review haven't arrived yet, but I did manage to get a few in there. Damian and I were also trying to make this issue more of an all-round 'Eco' issue with lots of electric/hybrid car reviews, but with COVID still around, some car manufacturers are still a bit wary of sending press cars. We did manage to include a bit of the eco theme as Damian did get his hands on Land Rover's latest hybrid offerings, and I've done an in depth look at the new Extreme E racing. series. Despite all the issues, I am proud to say we have reached issue 25, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy putting it together.

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Introducing the Limited Edition Jeep Wrangler 1941

As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations, Jeep is introducing the most capable Wrangler ever offered on UK roads, the Wrangler 1941. Based on a Wrangler Rubicon, the 1941 utilises Jeep Performance Parts to enhance its already class-leading off-road ability. Each Wrangler 1941 has been factory modified with a twoinch suspension lift kit, black door sill guards, front and rear splash guards, black fuel filler door, all-weather mats and 1941 bonnet decal, which sets this model apart from the rest of the Wrangler range. Enhanced rear underbody protection and wheel arch extensions further extend the abilities of the 1941, while the addition of a hardtop headliner enhances the cabin’s ambiance.

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Each accessory has been designed and engineered specifically for the vehicle, and thoroughly tested. These authentic Mopar accessories and Jeep performance parts guarantee both quality and satisfaction, increasing the capabilities of the legendary off-roader while also retaining the vehicle’s three year warranty.

Available exclusively in four-door guise, in combination with the 2.2-litre Multijet diesel engine, just 41 examples will reach the UK shores in a choice of four colours - Brilliant black, Granite Crystal, Firecracker red and Billet silver.

The limited edition Wrangler 1941 is in showrooms now and available to order priced from £58,050 OTR. For more information on Jeep Wrangler 1941 or the Jeep range, visit www.jeep.co.uk.

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Mitsubishi Motors in the UK selling off its heritage fleet

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has announced details of its heritage fleet auction which is scheduled to run from April 1st to April 30th on the specialist online platform Auto Auction. All 14 cars are up for grabs with detailed descriptions, and a comprehensive array of images and videos for each vehicles, as well as introductory films by TV presenter, and ex-Mitsubishi racer, Tiff Needell. Amongst the cars on offer include two of the earliest original UK Mitsubishis ever registered in the country, a Colt Lancer and

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a Colt Galant; the brand’s flagship sports cars of the 80s and 90s, a Mitsubishi Starion Turbo and a Mitsubishi 3000GT; as well as three of its iconic 4X4 vehicles - a Mitsubishi Jeep and a Mk1 and Mk2 Shogun. Of most interest to performance car enthusiasts will be the three Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions, each representing the pinnacle of their respective generations of Evo, and all with low mileage and maintained to the highest standards. The star of the heritage fleet, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition, is also expected to be the highlight of the auction.

The brand’s rally heritage in the UK is represented by a Mitsubishi Galant GTi rally-replica, a promotional vehicle build in the late 80s to commemorate Pentti Airikkala’s Lombard RAC Rally victory in a Mitsubishi Galant VR4, and the championshipwinning Mitsubishi Evo IX which was driving to consecutive British Rally Championships by Guy Wilkes in 2007 and 2008. The newest additions to the heritage fleet, a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Mk1 and a 2017 Mitsubishi L200 'Desert Warrior' which was built for the brand by journalist and presenter Tom Ford for a feature in Top Gear magazine, also go under the hammer. A large selection of Mitsubishi Motors private number plates are going up for auction at the same time, with many featuring the MMC and CCC lettering synonymous with Mitsubishi Motors / Colt Car Company vehicles. Every vehicle on the heritage fleet is being offered with no reserve and the auction will run for the month of April with a staggered end to each lot throughout the final day, April 30th. The auction is open to everyone and the full catalogue can be viewed now at www.autoauction.co.uk

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Vauxhall celebrates the Frontera’s 30th anniversary

Who remembers the butch looking Frontera? We all do, I guess, but where have they all gone? I honestly can’t remember the last time I actually saw one, either on or off-road. Unbelievably it was thirty years ago when Vauxhall introduced the Frontera to the world at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, it was the product of the partnership between Vauxhall's parent firm General Motors and Isuzu. GM used Isuzu's 4x4 expertise, in the form of the Isuzu MU off-roader, to create its own SUV in the hope it would gain a strong foothold in the European Jeep market at a fraction of the cost. Production of the Frontera started in 1991 in Luton, and the Frontera quickly became a success. The Frontera sold well, and so it should have, it was designed and built to introduce new driving dynamics to the offroad sector, making it friendlier and more capable under normal driving conditions, without sacrificing any off-road prowess. It was voted off-roader of the year in Germany in 1991 and 1992, and by 1993 had become the best-selling off-roader in Europe, with more than 320,000 units sold. When it arrived on sale in 1991, the Frontera was available in two flavours, the short wheelbase two-door Frontera Sport with a hard top and powered by a 2.0 litre petrol engine producing whopping 112bhp. Alongside that a long wheelbase five-door Frontera with a torquey 122bhp 2.3 litre petrol engine, or a 2.3 turbo diesel with 98bhp. The Frontera was a proper 4x4 and featured a separate ladder frame chassis that also carried the suspension and powertrain. Both petrol engines featured a three-way catalytic converter as standard, and the transmission consisted of a five-speed manual gearbox and a transfer case, allowing the driver to switch between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with high and low 4x4 drive modes. A limitedslip rear differential was optionally available. Additionally, the powertrain was located on additional mounts so that it could be easily removed for servicing or repairs. 10

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Second-generation Frontera In 1998, the second-generation Frontera was launched with a new 2.2 litre direct injection diesel and a 3.2 V6 petrol engine. With a new look and improved road handling, the second-generation Frontera also featured an electronic “No Stop 4x4” system on all models, which allowed drivers to switch between rear and four-wheel drive without stopping - obviously. The handling and stability on the new Frontera were improved through the use of a five-link rear axle and a longer wheelbase on the fivedoor variants, while quieter engines and new door seals helped reduce cabin noise by a whopping 50%. The second-generation Frontera also improved occupant safety with the addition to side impact protection, full-size airbags and seatbelt tensioners for the driver and front passenger were now available. Over its 13-year production run, the Frontera became known as a tough and durable vehicle that combined traditional off-road looks and capability, with improved driving dynamics and comfort on the road. Of course it had its faults, most cars do, and by 2004 it was gone. Despite it’s success the Frontera had a bad name for quality, and if I remember correctly, at one point in its life, owners descended en masse on Vauxhall HQ to complain! It had a half decent run, and I dare say a handful still exist, either as farm hacks or Pay and Play toys, and whatever your thoughts, it could be argued that the Frontera was important and paved the way for todays SUVs.

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g n i n Life a L

aton E n e r u a by L

Read about green laning as seen through Lauren ‘Sunshine’ Eaton's windscreen at The Green Lane Association, and find out what’s hot, or not, in the laning world each month. Enjoy!

Here at the Green Lane Association we work with all sorts of stakeholders ranging from landowners and managers, to local authorities, the police, and even the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). A lot of this work revolves around education, most of the land we cross is a working environment that requires understanding, respect and care from those who cross it, and arguably none more so than military training areas such as Salisbury Plain Training Area. Understanding that these areas can go from “calm to combat” from one day, or area, to the next is essential for the safety of the public who are welcome to use these areas for recreational purposes within parameters set out in law, bylaws, training times and military personnel.

We are proud to be working in partnership with the DIO and the MOD to ensure that you can access these areas in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Calm to combat

Our land – full of beauty, splendour and wonder. From lush landscapes to unique wildlife, but here, you never know what’s around the corner. Things can change in the flick of a switch. The Defence Training Estate is shared land. It’s where families and locals spend time, but it’s also where our armed forces practise live-fire training. It can go from tranquil to treacherous overnight. Welcome to ‘Respect the Range’ the new campaign that encourages everyone, from families and dog walkers, to hikers, green laners, and mountain bikers, to be mindful of the shared lands and make sure they’re using the training areas only when it is safe to do so.

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Working together

Our relationship with Salisbury Plain isn’t new, we have worked with the MOD and DIO to help ensure that the whole area, which is the size of the Isle of Wight, is fully and correctly signposted so that vehicular users know where they can legally drive. This video explains more about that ongoing project.

While the byways are clearly signposted, there is more to consider than the legality of a route when it comes to driving on military training estates. Before planning a day out on any training ground it is essential to check the live firing times before setting off to avoid being disappointed that the area you were hoping to drive is currently closed for the safety of recreational users. Thankfully this information is easy to find here www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-access

Enjoying our countryside

With lockdown measures easing many of us are planning to finally get back out into the great outdoors with more freedom than we have enjoyed for a whole year! This is completely understandable of course but the ‘stay safe’ message also still applies. We are still required to social distance and that is likely to remain in place for some time. While that may not be a difficult thing to manage on an area the size of Salisbury Plain there are still safety considerations that will always apply to such a unique landscape.

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What you need to consider before a day on the plains

• Firing times • Military bylaws • Flags (daytime) and lamps (night-time) denoting access is prohibited to an area due to training • The dual-use of the land - you are entering a military estate where live fire occurs • Other users - everyone is welcome in permitted areas at permitted times and should respect each other and their surroundings when they use them • Good practice - this shared space can be safely enjoyed by all when guidelines are followed

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation Good Practice Guidelines

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation provides public information to ensure your safety. Here are their good practice guidelines, a full version can be found here. • Use only BOAT, unclassified and classified roads and permissive MOD roads. • Give way to military vehicles and personnel. Comply with any directions given to you by military personnel / MOD staff and be prepared to take an alternative route if required. • Give way to walkers, horse riders and cyclists and be prepared to stop your engine to let them pass. • Ensure that you and your vehicle are fully road legal. Vehicular access on SPTA PROW and MOD roads is subject to the same regulations that apply to all public roads. • Keep to the defined track. Areas of SPTA are used for live firing and to leave defined MOD roads or PROW could be extremely dangerous. If the route is not obvious contact Wiltshire Council. • Travel at a quiet and unobtrusive pace. When travelling in groups keep to a small number: four cars or six bikes maximum. Larger groups should split up and use alternative routes rather than using the same trails to avoid causing excessive damage. • A speed limit of 30 mph is operated on MOD roads and it is strongly recommended that this is limited to 20 mph when travelling on PROW. • Pay attention to “The Four Ws”: • Weather – do not travel on PROW during or following periods of extreme wet weather as they risk being damaged beyond a point of natural recovery. Remember that not all routes are appropriate for vehicle use at all times. • Weight – Do not use PROW that may be seriously damaged by the wheel pressure of your vehicle. • Width – Do not use PROW that are too narrow for your vehicle. Avoid damage to trees, hedgerows and boundaries. • Winches – The use of winches on PROW or MOD roads is inappropriate and should not be required. • Follow the Countryside Code. • Remember that wildlife faces many threats and PROW can be valuable habitats. Take special care in spring and early summer.

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Useful links

To report suspicious or dangerous activity please call the SPTA HQ Ops Room on 01980 674951 email: DTEOpsRoomSouthWest@landmarc.mod.uk MOD Firing times - 01980 674763 - www.gov.uk/government/collections/firing-notice SPTA Byelaws - www.gov.uk/ministry-of-defence-byelaws SPTA Newsletter - www.gov.uk/government/publications/salisbury-plain-training-area-spta-newsletter Wiltshire PROW - www.wiltshire.gov.uk/recreation-rights-of-way Countryside Code - www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code Don’t forget that if you’re a member of the Green Lane Association you can contact the Wiltshire Rep. for help and guidance too. That’s all from us this month folks! We sincerely hope that you are able to finally enjoy some much needed time in the countryside now that lockdown measures are starting to ease. Remember that we’re always here if you need further information on legal green laning routes in any part of the UK. If you are interested in joining us, or getting involved with the work that we do in any capacity, you can join or find more information at www.glass-uk.org or click the image below. Happy laning and stay safe! Lauren x

• Regular digital bulletins • 2 printed magazines per year • Members website and forum • TW2, the essential green lane route planning tool • • Access to area reps for route planning and advice • Member discounts from selected suppliers • Legal challenges • Extensive knowledge base •

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Fancy an off-road challenge? Want to get your 4x4 filthy?

Don’t ruin our ancient byways, try out your local P&P site, join a tour or brush up your skills on a driver training day instead. Over the next few pages we have listed many of the business that you can play, train and holiday with. If you fancy going along, always find out what you'll need to bring along or which vehicles are allowed: • Does your 4x4 need to be road legal? • Do you need to show proof of age, vehicle MOT and insurance documents? • Are your recovery points secure? • Do you even have any recovery points? Always check with the individual site before you set off. Remember, as well as a good quality tow rope, it’s always useful to bring along some rags and a bottle of water to clean your lights and reg plates, so you can stay legal whilst driving home!

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Pay & Play Directory

NORTH

SOUTH

Hill ’n’ Ditch

Essex Rochford & District 4x4 Club

Mouldsworth, Cheshire http://www.hillnditch4x4.com 07974 398201

Explore Off Road

Crewe, Cheshire http://www.exploreoffroad.co.uk 07970 286881

Kirton Off Road

Hibaldstow, Gainsborough https://www.korc.co.uk 01652 245022

Frickley 4x4 Off Road Centre South Elmsall, West Yorkshire https://www.frickley4x4.co.uk 07881 590593

Cowm Leisure

Whitworth, Rochdale https://cowmleisure.com 07970 101 879

WALES Ultra Adventure Driving

Wrexham, Wales http://www.ultraadventuredriving.co.uk 01978 358 444

Canewdon, Rochford http://www.4x4er.co.uk

Devils Pit

Barton Le Clay, Bedfordshire http://www.devilspit.co.uk 07764 159478

Avalanche Adventures

Market Harborough, Leicestershire https://avalancheadventure.co.uk 01858 880613

4x4 Without A Club

Aldermaston, Berkshire http://www.4x4-withoutaclub.co.uk 07887533168

John Morgan 4x4 Driving Slindon, West Sussex http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 01903 812195

Piccadilly Wood

Bolney, West Sussex http://www.piccadillywood4x4.co.uk 07984 543886

If you have a Pay & Play site, offer tours or driver training, and want to be included for FREE in the directories just email your details to us. We also offer an enhanced eye-catching boxed listing (see next page) for only £25 per issue (better rates for 3, 6 & 12 month listings) email - klt@themudlife.co.uk for more details THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

4x4 TOURS DIRECTORY

Highland All Terrain

Trails and Tracks 4x4 Adventures

Single & Multiple Day Tours with Wild Camping 100s of miles of Off-Road Tracks Access to Private Estates

Cambrian Way

The Old Filling Station, Kinlochlaggan, Newtonmore, PH20 1BX

tel: 01528 544 358 mob: 07708 819 157 email: info@highlandallterrain.co.uk

www.highlandscenicsafari.co.uk

Ardent Off Road

Activities: 4x4 Tours, 4x4 Experiences https://ardentoffroad.com Tel: 01405 947 001

One Life Adventure

Activities: 4x4 Tours & vehicle prep training https://www.onelifeadventure.co.uk Tel: 01347 830188

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.cambrianway.com Tel: 01550 750274

Roam Free Adventures

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.roamfreeadventures.co.uk Contact via website

Timeless Overland

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.facebook.com/tloverland Tel: 07508 833 899

Land Tracks and Trails Green Lane Adventures Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.lanestracksandtrails.co.uk Tel: 07855 213355

Ardventures

Compass Adventures

4x4 Adventure Tours

Battlefields by 4x4

Activities: 4x4 Tours, 4x4 Experiences https://ardventures.co.uk Tel: 01757 638 479

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.4x4adventuretours.co.uk Tel: 07769 336 099

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://trailsandtracks.co.uk Tel: 07976 393 838

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Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.compassadventures.co.uk Tel: 07508 708 588

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.battlefieldsby4x4.com Tel: 07014 241 418

Off Road Driver Training & Experiences UK WIDE

SOUTH

All Terrain Services

John Morgan 4x4 Driving

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training & Experiences, Self Drive Tours https://www.allterrainservices.co.uk 01792 862669

Activities: Pay & Play Off Road Driver Training http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 01903 812195

NORTH

Wild Tracks

North Yorkshire Off Road Centre Activities: Off Road Driver Training & Tours http://www.nyoffroad.co.uk 07787 555060

Activities: Off Road Driver Training 4x4 Experiences https://www.wildtracksltd.co.uk 01638 751918

True Grip off Road

Explore Off Road

Activities: Off Road Driver Training 4x4 Experiences http://www.truegripoffroad.co.uk 01233 662251

WALES

Protrax

Activities: Off Road Driver Training, 4x4 Experiences http://www.exploreoffroad.co.uk 07970 286881

Bala 4x4

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training https://www.bala4x4.co.uk 01536 772238

SCOTLAND Scottish Off Road

Activities: Off Road Driver Training http://www.scotoffroad.co.uk 07711 217759

Far X Four

Activities: Off Road Driver Training, 4x4 Experiences http://www.farxfour.com 01450 860275

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training https://www.protrax.co.uk 01536 772238

Avalanche Adventures

Activities: Pay & Play 4x4 Experiences https://avalancheadventure.co.uk 01858 880613

Ash 4x4

Activities: Off Road Driver Training 4x4 Experiences http://www.ash4x4.com 07581 030331

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Range Rover Velar

2.0 P250 R-Dynamic S E

What is it?

That’s a very good question. It’s obviously a strikingly beautiful designed vehicle, but what is it and why does it exist? That’s a question I was asked most during our week together. Sitting between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport, the Velar is targeted towards buyers who want a larger, more stylish SUV that’s mostly road-biased and without all the trick 4x4 abilities that you’ll find in the rest of the range.

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If you spend a lot of time of social media, you’ll be aware that every now and again someone will post an old drawing of a Range Rover styled estate car, with the heading, ‘Land Rover to build a road-going car!’ This usually stirs up a lot of fuss, but in reality, that’s pretty much what the Velar is. When you gaze upon it’s sultry lines, the Velar appears like a huge vehicle, yet it isn’t, it’s a bit weird like that. Being around 3” shorter that the Sport, and a bit narrower, the main difference is the sleek, swept back low roofline, it’s actually around 5” closer to the ground than the Sport, too.

On t he road

Oddly, this is the first time I’ve ever driven a Velar, and I liked it. During a 3 hour drive down to Eastnor Castle it devoured the miles like they didn’t exist, and on the twisty bits it was both fun and wafty. There was a bit of body lean around corners, but not as much as you would expect for its size, and its steering was smooth yet crisp, especially around town. Being the P250 (petrol 250bhp), model it has some punch, but enveloped in its plush interior, it disguises its performance well. I found that it can be a bit hesitant at pulling out from junctions, but by switching the gearbox into Sports mode helps, as does taking control of the gear changes via the steering-wheel mounted flappy paddles. Despite huge door mirrors and 21” tyres, there was hardly any outside noise emanating into the cabin, and if there was it was drowned out by the rather splendid Meridian sound system and noise cancelation sensors. Throughout the week, which included more motorway miles that short commutes, the petrol P250 managed an average 28.5mpg. Although for motorway use I switched to ‘Eco’ mode, the rest of the time it was switched to Dynamic, because that’s how I roll!

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Off road

With strict instructions not to go daft, I decided only to go where typical owners would venture and I don’t mean muddy car parks, and it was fine. But the Velar is a much more capable vehicle than you might think, despite having a much lower ground clearance and, as Land Rover say, being only a single gearbox vehicle (no low-box). Fortunately during my week with the Velar I was also invited down to Eastnor Castle to drive the new model year Discovery and Hybrid Velar, this in turn meant exploring some of the forest tracks was on the cards. Being mindful of ground clearance, the PR team and Land Rover Experience instructors arranged an off road route around parts of the Castle that would test its ability, but not damage it. Parking up at the foot of a steep and slippery incline I engaged ‘Mud & Ruts’, gently rested my foot on the accelerator and up I went, with hardly any fuss. The Velar managed to get me through some proper sloppy muddy sections then up a quite slippery gradient. Critics with will say that the tracks at Eastnor are purpose built to make Land Rovers look good, and to a point they might be right, but there are still plenty difficult sections for them to negotiate, especially when it’s wet. On the last steep incline with the tyres lovely and wet with their tread full of good knows what, I could feel the Velar struggle for grip and crab slightly. The All terrain Response was working hard, especially as I chose not to use momentum and instead crawled up at a snails pace. 26

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Interior

Modern and sleek is, I think, the best way to describe the Velar’s interior. All Velars get a pair of 10.0” touchscreens mounted one atop the other in the centre of the dashboard. Both are sharp and responsive with the lower screen used for the air conditioning and off-road modes whilst the top one shows the multimedia system and sat-nav. Being an old grumpy sod, I do miss the simple things in cars these days, like actual knobs and dials, but hey, I’m stuck in my ways. That said, the Velar does have proper, multifunctional rubberised heater dials that are simple to use. Oh, and seeing as I’m moaning, I was quite

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surprised at how warm the central cubby box became, you certainly wouldn’t want to keep any chocolate bars in there! There’s also plenty of space inside regardless of where you’re sitting and how ‘big-boned’ you are. Drivers have a 14-way electrically adjustable seats, with power-recline rear seats standard on SE trim. In the back, despite the sloping roof, there’s plenty head space and leg room for six-footers, even with a panoramic roof fitted Is it practical? For sure. Behind the second row the Velar has 748 ltrs of cargo space, drop the rear seats and that grows to a massive 1,811 ltrs.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed my time with the Velar, and although it may not be quite as rugged as a Ranger Rover Sport, it offers headturning styling, more cargo room, and is more road biased, which some people actually prefer!

As a good friend of mine said, “the Velar isn’t trying to be something it isn’t. It isn’t saying ‘hey, look at me, I’m a practical 4x4 that happens to have luxury seats. It isn’t claiming to be able to climb Kilimanjaro, either. It’s just saying I’m a big luxury car, and there’s a sort of honesty about it that I can respect.” And I wholeheartedly agree.

Heading off in st yle...

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SUZUKI IGNIS

1.2 SZ5 ALLGRIP Hybrid

WHAT IS IT? I have to applaud Suzuki for creating the Ignis, it’s different, in a cute and retro looking way, that certainly stands out from the crowd. The Ignis was first introduced back in 2017 and has enjoyed much success, and recently Suzuki has seen fit fit to treat it to a bit of a facelift. As usual for a Suzuki, for not a lot of money, this crossover-styled city car is packed with goodies, and what Suzuki doesn’t know about creating small cars and 4x4s, frankly isn’t worth knowing. ON THE ROAD The last time I had a Suzuki Ignis was around 4 years ago, I’d just turned 50 and Muddy Madam and I drove it to Wales to view our Beach Buggy, and whilst there we drove quite a few easy-ish green lanes. Remember those days when we could just go for a drive - anywhere? Anyhow, this time ‘round, due to lockdown, I didn’t get to explore to the same extent, but we still managed to cover around 300 miles. Despite being slightly down on horsepower over the previous model, I’m pleased to report that the updated 1.2 litre Dualjet petrol combined with mild hybrid technology is still fun to drive. It’s obviously nippy around town, yet it also manages to keep up with third lane cruisers on the motorway. On normal roads there’s a bit of road noise, but that can be expected, and there’s quite a clatter from the arches if there’s mud of loose stones on the road. With an upright driving position and excellent visibility, the Ignis makes an excellent choice for tootling around town, and its diminutive size ( just over 12 feet long), means that you can park it pretty much anywhere you want. When it arrived the computer read that it had achieved 53mpg on the way up from down south, the delivery guy would have taken his time. Setting the computer to zero, and after a week of zooming around, even I got 52mpg.

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OFF ROAD Obviously I didn't take too far off the beaten track as it isn’t built for hardcore stuff, but that doesn’t mean it’ll lose traction easily, nope. Skinny wheels helped when on wet grass, ALLGRIP did the rest, and Hill Descent Control did its job admirably. The Ignis adopts Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘AUTO’ four-wheel drive system that’s available as an option on the SZ5 manual model. It's a well proven and simple fully automatic and permanent four-wheel drive layout which transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling. Enhancements to the ALLGRIP ‘AUTO’ system include Hill Descent Control and Grip Control. Grip Control activates on slippery surfaces at speeds of less than 18mph. Once switched on by the driver, it focuses torque on the driven wheels that have grip and will quickly apply braking to the wheel that is spinning. Obviously, the Ignis isn’t an off-roader, its low approach angle sees to that, so you need to be careful when venturing off the beaten track. Of course I had to test it on my usual lane and see how it coped balancing on its 2 opposing wheels. The result, well, it was like a walk in the park. 36

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INTERIOR The interior is nicely laid out with everything within easy reach, obviously there’s a a lot of plastic. but that’s fine, we’ll allow it as it’s lightweight and funky. There’s plenty of space, too. I’m on the wrong side of 19 stone and around 6ft2” and found it easy to get comfortable, even when I sat in the back with the drivers seat in my position, there’s surprisingly a good amount of leg room for rear passengers, even when sat behind tall people. Getting in and out isn’t a problem either as both the rear doors open up to almost 90º angles! Typically you get lots of safety features and goodies, from Electronic Stability Program, front, side and curtain airbags to stereo cameras, amongst others. The Dual Camera Brake Support (DCBS) on SZ5 models works above approximately 3mph and detects a risk of collision with the vehicle in front and warns the driver to apply the brakes. At higher speeds if it senses the possibility of a collision, it warns the driver with a buzzer and also via a notification on the multi information display. If the probability of a collision has increased, the system activates brake assist which increases the braking force during emergency braking, and if the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, it applies the brakes automatically. Open the tailgate and there’s quite a step into the floor, and there’s another large step that’s formed when you fold the rear seats (60/40 split on the five-seat SZ3, 50/50 on all other models). This will make it a tad awkward if you want to slide in heavy or bulky items. Due to the location of the rear differential for the 4WD system, the luggage capacity is 204 litres versus 260 litres for the 2WD model.

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ENGINE ‘N’ TRANSMISSION These days there’s just one engine is available, an 82bhp 1.2 litre Dualjet petrol that uses mild hybrid technology. It’s basically an updated version that was used in the Swift back in 2014 but now offers greater fuel economy and even lower CO2 emissions. CONCLUSION I love the Ignis, it’s always been a cracking small car to drive, and this version in Fervent Red with black roof and black alloys is by far the best colour combo, in my opinion. It remains an ideal choice for customers who live in rural areas and may need additional mobility across rougher terrain or for

crossing slippery surfaces during winter months without owning a more conventional SUV sized vehicle. During the week it proved itself to be a nimble and frugal car, it could handle a bit of off-roading and was surprisingly sticky when thrown around corners. To be fair, its bold styling may not be to everyone's taste, but I like it because it dares to be different. Website - https://cars.suzuki.co.uk/new-cars/ignis/ Ignis prices start from £14,499

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LAND ROVER

Discovery

he last time I drove the latest Discovery was around 12 months after its launch (I was a little late to the game), and that was for 20 minutes. Despite the short introduction, my initial thoughts were that not only was it probably the most capable 4x4 out there at the time, but as well as being incredibly practical and family friendly, the D5 would usher you along in a new level of efficiency, refinement and comfort. In fact, I remember writing that it was so smooth you’d think you were driving a Range Rover. Four years later and we have an updated version with a minor facelift, and this time I had pretty much a whole day to play with it, both on and off road.

So what’s new?

Plenty, for a start there’s a new range of efficient 3.0 litre straight-six Ingenium engines, both petrol and diesel, featuring 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. The petrol range starts with the P300, a 2.0 litre turbo fourcylinder that develops 296bhp with 400Nm of torque. Above it sits a 3.0-litre straight six fitted with an electric supercharger that I’ll get to shortly. The diesel line-up consists of 247bhp and 296bhp versions of a 3.0-litre six-cylinder mild-hybrid that have an increased towing capacity of 3,500kg. On the outside you get enhanced exterior features like the distinctive new LED headlights and tail lights with fresh front and rear bumpers. The new R-Dynamic model has a more assertive road presence with unique bumpers, wheels and tail lights to create a more sporting character.

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Vehicle software updates can be scheduled ‘over-the-air’, so customers don’t need to visit a dealership to ensure they always have the most up-to-date apps and services. Inside you’ll find a completely redesigned centre console that’s home to a 48% larger 11.4” full HD touchscreen and Land Rover’s cutting edge Pivi Pro infotainment system. And let’s not forget about the new cabin air ionisation with PM2.5 air filtration that monitors air quality inside and filters harmful particulates. Family versatility has always been a hallmark of the Discovery, and its optional hands-free Gesture Tailgate can detect the wave of a foot beneath the rear bumper to open the boot while the Powered Inner Tailgate restrains loose items in the huge 2,391 litre loadspace and doubles as a handy bench. 46

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Even with seven seats in use, the boot provides 2,458 litres of luggage space and all occupants have somewhere to charge electronic devices. Speaking of occupants, there’s also 41.8 litres of extra storage for small items. New Discovery is available in Discovery S, SE and HSE trim levels, in sporty R-Dynamic guise or as a practical Commercial model with a 2,024-litre cargo area, additional underfloor stowage lockers and the same maximum 3,500kg towing capacity as the rest of the range. At the start of the day I opted to take the new R-Dynamic S in-line six cylinder P360 petrol out. First impressions were that it’s super smooth and quiet, an utter joy, really. It offers 358bhp, 500Nm, 0-60mph 6.2 seconds, a combined mpg 26.7 and WLTP CO2 emissions from 238. I also had the opportunity to test the D300 SE, which is no slouch by comparison and offers 298bhp, 650Nm, 0-60mph 6.5 seconds, a combined mpg 33.9 and WLTP CO2 emissions from 218. To be honest, I don’t think the petrols are likely to be too popular in the UK. Out on the open road it doesn’t matter which engine you chose, you’re in for a treat. I love the upright driving position that offers commanding views everywhere you look - it’s something I dearly miss when driving other new press 4x4s. In both models the steering was direct and the ride was quite firm - not in a jarring sort of way, but you can tell the difference in road surfaces. I suspect Land Rover want to make the Discover more car-like to drive and distance it from the Defender. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

Off road

The route around Ledbury included a detour along some of the Land Rover Experience tracks, and the Discovery performed exactly how I expected it to faultlessly. The availability of Configurable Terrain Response that allows drivers to fine-tune the Discovery’s throttle mapping, gearbox shift points, steering and suspension settings is an option, but I left it in ‘Mud & Ruts’ and let it do its own thing. I mentioned the on-road ride was a bit firm, it was similar off-road, you can definitely tell when any of the wheels are off the ground as they return to earth with a bump. Again, I’m not suggesting that it’s uncomfortable, but I do miss the subtleness of long coil springs!

Because of the Discovery’s width and the tightness of some of the tracks, I found the front cameras to be an excellent aid, especially the ones fitted to the door mirrors. Not only could I see in what direction both front wheels where pointing, but I could also see how far away they were from gnarly rocks and roots that could easily tear a hole in my sidewalls. Overall the Discovery remains the automotive version of the Swiss Army knife, it can carry seven people in comfort, it has the towing capacity of 3,500kg, and it’s pretty much unstoppable off-road, it also manages to do all of this in style and luxury it’s wonder they’re so damn popular.

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Then it was time for the Velar…

On the same day as I got to play in the Discovery, I also got my hands on two versions of the updated Velar. Up until I was invited to the launch I hadn’t actually driven a Velar, but as you read earlier in the mag, I'd had one on test for that week, so I was getting to know the model quite well, and really enjoying the experience. First up was the mild-hybrid D300 MHEV R-Dynamic SE. Fitted with the new 3.0 litre, inline 6-cylinder Ingenium diesel that’s coupled the 8-speed automatic gearbox, it was as smooth as they come, and with just under 300bhp and 650Nm of torque, getting to 60mph only takes 6.1 seconds, which it does it in comfort and style.

All that power is nice, of course, but what was it like to drive for an hour or so? The routes set in the sat-nav were wide and varied, from motorways, town centres to ridiculously narrow country lanes. The D300 MHEV felt right at home no matter where I drove it. Despite the quoted 38.2mpg I was managing around 35mpg, which wasn’t too shabby, considering I wasn’t driving Miss Daisy. I could write more about it, but in all honesty

what I was really more interested in was the new plug-in Velar S, P400e PHEV that I drove next.

This new plug-in hybrid has a massive 398bhp and 640Nm of torque from the electric motor and 2.0 litre petrol engine combined, and will get you from 0-60mph in just 5.1 seconds, a second quicker than the D300 MHEV.

On the subject of quietness, cleverly Land Rover has fitted noise cancelling tech to the Velar that monitors external noises, and with a cancellation signal played through the speakers you’ll think you’re constantly in EV mode.

Out on the open roads around Ledbury, the P400e was a joy to drive, and as I’ve mentioned elsewhere, the Velar’s steering is precise whilst holding the corners incredibly well. It shouldn’t have been, of course, but the biggest surprise was the acceleration, it’s quite addictive.

Speaking of EV mode, you do get a smug feeling whilst driving through town centres, or past school gates in silence knowing that you aren’t churning out emissions. With EV smugness comes great responsibility, despite being a huge SUV, I did find that pedestrians and cyclist either walked out or pulled out in front of me as they couldn’t hear me coming.

You have three modes in the P400e, EV mode that lets you drive solely on electric for those zero emission journeys, Hybrid mode that combines the petrol engine and battery and Save mode that lets you run on petrol and saves the battery charge for town and city driving, and creeping up on unsuspecting shoppers in supermarket car parks!

Thoroughly satisfied with my on-road jaunt, it was time to head back to Eastnor Castle to visit the off-road section.

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As I’ve written in the other Velar article, all I had to worry about was ground clearance. Exploring some of the tracks around the Eastnor Estate, the Velar switched to electric, and there’s always something strange and eerie about driving silently off road, especially when you’re used to judging speed and momentum by revs. Overall the Velar coped admirably. The silence did make the odd scrape from underneath sound more dramatic, but you’ll find that it has more off-roading ability than the average Velar owner will ever need. Step inside the latest Velar and you’re treated to lovely high-end interiors with plenty of space for four adults. In the drivers seat you confronted with a digital instrument pack deep in the binnacle, plus two 10” touchscreens featuring the latest Pivi and Pivi Pro infotainment systems. I found the revised steering wheel to be less intuitive than the pervious version I’d driven down in, and I preferred the old models dial that’s used to select drive than the new stubby gear selector, but that’s my personal preference. I could go on about the other key features and tech, like 3D Surround Camera System, Wade Sensing, the 12” Interactive Driver Display and so on, but trust me, you get a lot of bang for your buck, as they say.

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Opting for the plug-in and you’ll noticed that the boot takes a bit of a hit from the battery as it’s down from 748 litres to 625 litres. It’s still cavernous, mind. The main attraction of the electrified Velar P400e PHEV (other than caring for the planet, obviously), is the huge tax savings. The 49g/km of C02 emissions is what gets the company car benefitin-kind tax down to 11% (versus 37% for a pure petrol model). That equates to 130mpg if you can keep up with the official WLTP economy tests. In the correct driving conditions, the 17.1kWh battery will get you 33 miles on electric alone, and using a 32kW DC rapid charging capability, you’ll get an 80% top-up in just 32 minutes, or an hour and 40 minutes from a 7kW AC home charger. The Velar range starts at ‘just’ £46,110 for the D200 S, but going for the P400e range you’re looking at between £56,550 £71,020 (plus options). The S model I drove was reasonably well specced for just under £62,000.

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GOODS & GEAR L EA T H ERM A N RA TCHE T D RI VE R Over the years I’ve had plenty of multitools sent to me for reviewing, and in all that time two have stood out, and one of the those is my Leatherman Wave. In an attempt to make it even more useful, Leatherman has introduced a new compact Ratchet Driver that’s compatible with Leatherman flat bits and standard ¼” bits. Like any normal ratchet, the 3-way positioning allows for forward, reverse, and locked positions. Attaching the Ratchet Driver couldn’t be easier. As you can see in the video on the next page, you simply open up the Wave, then the large bit driver and replace the bit with the Ratchet Driver and attach the bit to the magnetic bit holder on the other end. So far it’s been an excellent addiction to my Wave and perfect for using on stubborn screws and nuts without the need to adjust my grip, or turn my wrist as much as I normal would. When you’re finished, the Ratchet Driver slots easily into the elasticated pocket on the side of the sheath. The Ratchet Driver works with the following Leatherman tools:

Charge®+ TTi. Charge®+. MUT®. MUT® EOD. Skeletool®. Skeletool® CX. Wave®+, Surge®, Skeletool® RX, Signal®, Heritage Charge®+, Heritage Wave®+, Black & Silver Signal®, Black & Silver Skeletool®, Black & Silver Surge®, Black & Silver Wave® +, Topo Signal®, Topo Skeletool®, Charge®+ Forest Camo, Super Tool® 300M

price: £34.95 more at » www.leatherman.co.uk

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GOODS & GEAR L EAT HERM A N B I T K I T With 21 double-ended bits - 42 tools in all, the Bit Kit Set has extended my Wave’s usefulness ten-fold, with all the bits I’ll ever need, and then some. On first use the bits can be a little difficult to remove from their holders, but they get easier with time. Speaking of time, I’ve only had this kit for a fortnight or so before publication, but in that time I’ve given them some hammer, and so far all the bits I’ve used are holding up very well. The only problem I’ve found is that they don’t slot into my Wave’s original leather sheath, but you can buy another sheath that fits them all. That said, both holders are slim enough to slip into my pocket without worry. 42 bit options • Hex 3/32" ; 5/64" • Hex 1/16" ; .050" • Square bit #2 ; #3 • Square bit #1 ; pozi #3 • Torx #10 ; #15 • Torx #20 ; #25 • Torx #27 ; #30 • Phillips #0 ; #3 • Phillips #1 ; #2 • Screwdrivers 3/32" ; 1/8" • Screwdrivers 5/32" ; 3/16"

• Screwdrivers 7/32" ; 1/4" • Hex 1.5mm ; 2mm • Hex 2.5mm ; 3mm • Hex 4mm ; 5mm • Hex 6mm ; 1/4" • Hex 7/32" ; 3/16" • Hex 5/32 ; 9/64" • Hex 1/8" ; 7/64" • Phillips ; flat tip eyeglasses screwdriver

The Bit Kit works with the following Leatherman tools:

Cam, Charge® AL, Charge® ALX, Charge® Ti, Charge® XTi, Charge®+, Charge®+ G10, Charge®+ TTi, c33B, c33Bx, c55B, c55Bx, e306x, e307x, e33B, e33Bx, e55B, e55Bx, h502, h503, Heritage Charge®+, Heritage Wave®+, MUT®, MUT® EOD, Original Surge®, Piranha 2, Pump, Rail, Removable Bit Driver, Signal®, Skeletool®, Skeletool® CX, Skeletool® RX, Skeletool® SX, Surge®, Wave®+, 2H Wave®+

price: £29.95

more at » www.leatherman.co.uk

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GOODS & GEAR H A N DLED P OT GRI P P E R & F U EL CANISTER RE CYCLE TOOL

We have numerous pots and pan sets here at Muddy Towers, but there’s always one thing that they seem to lack, and that’s enough handles. Consequently when I’m using two pans, I often find myself faffing around disconnecting one handle and fixing it to another, in truth it’s a bit of a nuisance. Thankfully, Wilderness 121 have sent us Outdoor Elements’ handy pot gripper, which also doubles up as a gas canister recycling tool. Let’s start with the grippers... Made from hard anodised aluminium, they’re lightweight, sturdy and comfortable to use, and able to safely lift and support up to 4.54kg - which is more than enough. To stop them from scratching the surface of the pot, the pot grippers come with heat-resistant silicone tabs (1½” at their widest point), that provide grip as well as protection. I’ve used it numerous times now and there’s no sign of damage on any pots or pans. 60

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The other useful part of this tool is as a fuel canister recycle tool... Made from stainless-steel EN417, the tool safely releases any residual gas from small gas canisters, and then allows you to puncture the casing, making the canister ready for recycling. Simply remove the cotter pin and pivot pin, screw them into the canister and release whatever gas remains, then press down on the handle to puncture the can. A very useful addition is that the puncture point has a rubber cover to protect your hands while handling the gripper. Despite lockdown I have managed to use the pot gripper several times, and not only is it comfortable and easy to use, being able to dispose of gas canisters safely is an added bonus. price: £14.99 more at » wilderness121store.uk

GOODS & GEAR W O R X ALL-NAT URA L HA N D CLE A NE R If you have a 4x4, odds are at some point you’ll have grubby hands, and if you care about the environment, as most 4x4 owners do, you’ll presumably want an all natural hand cleaner. Take to the stage Worx’s all natural hand cleaner, as it simply does the job, and not only is it plant based and 100% biodegradable (and plastic bead free), but it’s also certified by both EcoLogic and Green Seal, meaning it’s been approved as an environmentally responsible product. In practice, this means that you can feel smug and use it in all environments and scenarios, safe in the knowledge that you’re doing no harm mother earth. “That’s all well and good for the planet, but what about me?” I hear you say.

I hear ya! It’s good news for your skin, too, as Worx is 100% free from borax, phosphates, harsh solvents, petroleum products or mineral spirits. Neither will you find any alcohol, antimicrobial agents, pumice, sands, soaps, nuts or legume shells - whatever they are! As it’s a powder, and not gel, it’s easy to use; simply wet your hands, add a teaspoon of Worx, rub in and rinse - easy as that. My conclusion is that Worx’s all natural hand cleaner is one of those products that’s great to keep around the house as it removes all kinds grime from various body parts, and it’s both kind to your skin and to the environment - win, win! prices: £13 for 1lb bottle £30 for 3lb tub £45 for 4.5lb tub

more at » www.damartools.biz

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New Stuff we've discovered this month VIAIR 400P 12 VOLT PORTABLE COMPRESSOR I had a chat with Matt Savage t’other day, he’s been the UK importer for Viair compressors since 2002, and I asked him what he considered the best portable compressor for a 4x4 with tyres up to 33” in the Viair range, specifically for use in the UK, and say a trip to the Sahara with a tour company? His reply was the 400P What makes the 400P his choice? For starters it has a maximum working pressure of 150psi, ingress protection rating of IP54, a power cord length of 8ft. and a air hose length of 25 ft.

33” tyre 0 to 30 PSI - 4 min. 20 sec. (± 10 sec.) 15 to 30 PSI - 2 min. 05 sec. (± 05 sec.) 35” tyre 0 to 30 PSI - 5 min. 20 sec. (± 15 sec.) 15 to 30 PSI - 2 min. 45 sec. (± 10 sec.) price: £199.96 more at » mattsavage.com

The 400P also comes with a 5-in-1 Inflator/Deflator Air Hose with an inline 100 PSI gauge, an I-Beam sand tray, 40-amp inline fuse holder, dual battery clamps and a 3 pc. inflation tips kit. All packed in a smart deluxe dual compartment carry bag. Fill rates are: 31” tyre 0 to 30 PSI - 3 min. 00 sec. (± 10 sec.) 15 to 30 PSI - 1 min. 35 sec. (± 05 sec.)

Britpart are delighted to now be an approved stockist for the entire ARB range of products in the UK. For nearly 40 years Britpart has been synonymous with parts for Land Rovers and now we are expanding our range of quality aftermarket parts with the introduction of the ARB catalogue for a multitude of 4x4 vehicles.

ARB’s range of products for the off-road and pickup market includes Air Lockers & > Compressors

Recovery Points & > Equipment

> Canopies

> Roof Racks

> Drawers

> StealthBar Bumper

> Lights

Steps & Side > Protection

Upgraded > Suspension > Rear Protection

arb4x4uk.co.uk

> Tyre Accessories > Underbody Protection

ARB accessories & suspension products for a wide range of manufacturers & models Ford Ranger / Isuzu D-Max / Jeep Cherokee & Grand Cherokee & Jeep Wrangler Land Rover Defender & Land Rover Discovery / Mitsubishi L200 / Nissan Navara & Pathfinder / Toyota Hilux / VW Amarok

sales@britpart.com

New Stuff we've discovered this month THE FLAT PACK FIRE PIT We like simple and practical things here at Muddy Towers, so when we recently we came across the Flat Pack Fire Pit, we got a little excited. Made from laser cut 304 2b stainless steel and supplied with a canvass storage bag (both made in Leicestershire), the fire pit is easy to assemble and simply slots together, it was born from a simple idea to keep warm whilst camping on a motorbike. It’s gone from a simple paper template in the creator's lounge to a product that's now in use in parts of Europe. Originally, he created it for himself, then someone saw it and asked for one, and he hasn’t looked back since. When flat they measure 29.5cm x 25.5cm and each piece is cut from 0.9mm stainless steel, so the fire pit is less than 3mm when stacked. When assembled they are 25cm x 25cm x 21cm high and weighs in at 1060g. The simple yet practical Flat Pack Fire Pit has only recently been launched, so it's still quite an exclusive product, so check out his website and order one, before the price goes up!

ECO BRIQUETTE MAKER This briquette maker makes use of old newspapers, and general paper around the house as a natural and effective alternative to burning virgin wood and coal in your fireplace or fire pits. The paper briquettes burn easily, eliminating the need for fire lighters or barbecue fuel, and they are completely non-toxic with no need for additional chemicals or fuel. Simply soak paper in water, fill the log maker and then press down the handles to squeeze out excess moisture, and then leave it to dry. The briquettes burn steadily for up to 2 hours and leave a minimum of ash; perfect for heating your home or keeping you warm round the camp fire. price: £26 more at » ludlowstoves.co.uk

price: £50 (including the bag & shipping within the UK) more at » www. flatpackfirepit.com

New Stuff we've discovered this month

VICTORINOX OUTDOOR MASTER MIC L SPORTS KNIFE Despite being mainly recognised for its multifunctional Swiss folding knives and multitools, the Victorinox Outdoor Master Mic L knife is a fixed, full tang knife made for heavy duty camping or bushcraft purposes in mind.

steel and easy to maintain.Victorinox has also enhanced the Outdoor Master series with a Scandi grind that is great for wood work, and because the pliers of the blade protrude at the end of the handle, you can also use that part as a improvised hammer.

The handle is made from blue-black layered micarta with red liners. Micarta is a material consisting of a linen or paper cloth, impregnated with an epoxy-based resin. The material is compressed under high pressure. The result is an incredibly beautiful, sturdy handle material that offers a lot of grip, even in humid weather conditions.

The Outdoor Master Mic Large comes with a robust kydex sheath that’s equipped with a nylon belt loop and an adjustment screw to adjust the tension of the sheath. This allows you to choose how firmly the knife is secured in the sheath. The side of the sheath is enhanced with a kydex holder for your firesteel. price: RRP £220 (though if you look around you can find it from around £192)

The blade is made from a steel that is used for its pocket knives: 1.4116 steel, which is stainless

more at » www.victorinox.com

OUTWELL PICNIC CUTLERY SET With 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons, 4 napkins, 1 cheese knife, 1 bottle opener and a cutting board, the Outwell Picnic Cutlery Set is a handy cutlery solution for outdoor trips. Say goodbye to loose and dirty cutlery at the bottom of a bag, as the set comes in its own case that measuring 28 x 5 x 23 cm (WxDxH). It’s made using the 600D, 100% polyester and has a silver aluminium foil lining that’s deigned to keep everything inside secure. In addition, the case has a mesh pocket on the front for other bits, like plates for instance. Weighing in a just 0.9 kg, the Outwell Picnic Cutlery Set is ideal, not just for picnics, but for longer overnight stays or expeditions. Each piece of cutlery is made of stainless steel with a plastic handle and is designed to be comfortable to hold. RRP £31 more at » www.outwell.com

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New Stuff we've discovered this month ORE4X4 SPARE WHEEL CARRIER After 6 months of design and development and a further 18 months on test, ORE4x4 have now released their single point wheel carrier for the Defender The ORE4x4 spare wheel carrier works with all Defenders with the standard rear door and requires no drilling or enlarging the chassis as the design has been developed around existing fixing points on the standard rear cross members and early and late doors. The wheel carrier takes all the weight of your spare wheel while maintaining the functionality of the rear door. There is a small linkage which connects the door to the arm thus allowing the door to move the arm for convenience. This unique design incorporates automotive grade bearings that can be greased via the grease nipple. The head is adjustable to accommodate tyre sizes from 235 to over 285, and the most common wheel offsets, they’ve even fitted a tyre as large as 35”x12.5". Manufactured and designed in the UK, the wheel carrier is designed to high tolerances (0.02mm) and exceptional standards of quality, even their high performance coating system undergoes the same treatments as British Tank Armour. Be quick, these things sell out as quickly as they can make ‘em! price: £569 more at » www.ore4x4.co.uk

READER DISCOUNT

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New Stuff we've discovered this month ROBENS TITANIUM MUG There are plenty of steel mugs out there, Robens do one too, and it's considerably less pricey than this one, so why would you want a titanium one? Weight is one of the key factors. When you are stomping around the countryside carrying all your stuff in a backpack it can weigh you down, literally. So with the 450ml steel mug coming in at approximately 114g, you may want to opt for this 62g lightweight version. Add in that titanium is stronger than steel, is also corrosion resitant and the mug comes with foldable handles and its own carry bag, then then this makes a cracking good choice for chucking in the motor for those green laning cuppas, and it will probably last as long as you do. - Material: Titanium - Size: 8.0 x 9.5 cm (Dia.xH) - Volume: 450 ml - Weight: 62 g

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price: £32.99 more at » www.robens.de

New Stuff we've discovered this month GEOORGANICS ECO-MOUTHWASH TABLETS When you are travelling, for work or pleasure you can't easily cart around a big bottle of mouthwash with you, especially when the weight, dimensions and leakablity of a bottle make it impractical for your bag, even if you are just travelling by car. So when you have a bad taste in your mouth, like you've just chowed down on a scabby badger, a great alternative to carting around a big bottle of mouthwash are these handy tablets, oh, and they are also much better for the world for these reasons... Made in the UK • Plastic Free • 100% Vegan • PETA approved brand.

• CRUELTY-FREE - none of the ingredients nor the final products were, or will ever be tested on animals.

These Georganics mouthwash tablets have no synthetic chemicals, and the fluoride, glycerin and SLS free formula helps to restore a healthy pH balance to your mouth, remove teeth stains, maintain good oral health and freshen your breath. All you need is to pop one in water, let it fizzle away and use it as you would with your regular mouthwash! They come in 4 flavours: Spearmint, English Peppermint, Eucalyptus & Activated Charcoal (nope, I don't know how 'English' Peppermint is different from just plain ol' Peppermint either).

price: £8.90 for 180 tablets

more at » earthbits.com

I LIKE IT DIRTY LAUNDRY BASKET I have the title Muddy Madam, and I am part of the mad duo that creates this very magazine every month, so you could say I have a penchant for anything that has mud or dirt in the title, and when there's a bit of smutty innuendo thrown in on top, well I can't resist, so when I spotted this hamper in a press release, well it tickled my ................. fancy, and I thought it may tickle your bits too (did you just think dirty thoughts?). It also ticked my eco-friendly box (stop it now, I said ticked, not tickled!) as this cheeky bag is made from organic cotton canvas. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about how it has a hard-wearing waterproof lining, so don’t worry about being too rough… with the basket, of course!

Let’s get ready to TUMBLE! price: £19

Dimensions: 50cm x 30cm more at » www.redcandy.co.uk THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

Damian and I used to watch every race in the Formula 1 calendar, but it turned into a sport not about the drivers, but about who had the most money, best engineer or dodgiest tactics, and the winner became a tediously predictable affair. We switched off, and so did many others in droves. From then on we weren't really been bothered about watching organised motorsport. Damian started watching Aussie off-road vids on YouTube, and the nearest I got to watching fast cars was Paddy & Co thrashing cars around the Top Gear test track,. Then a year last January we were covering the Autosport motor show, and whilst Damian was off drooling over yet more cars we couldn't afford, I came across a stand with a beefy looking offroader, and a lady extolling the virtues of a proposed strange new kind of motorsport. For the first time in a while I found myself getting excited about motorsport, and I been eagerly waiting for it to start, which it does in 3 days on 3-4th April, 2021.

So what is Extreme E? We've mentioned it a few times in the News section of the mag, but if you haven't already heard about it, Extreme E is an exciting and radical new off-road racing series, founded by the same visionary behind Formula E - Alejandro Agag. It will showcase electric SUVs, and futuristic technologies in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. Extreme E is the first sport to ever be built out of a social purpose, and will utilise its global sporting platform for the purpose of promoting electrification, environment and equality. They aim to minimise environmental impact while maximising awareness, racing in places that have already been damaged or affected by climate change or human interference.The inaugural season will be staged across five environments - Arctic, Desert, Amazon, Glacier and Coastal locations.

The series’ goal is to: • highlight the impact of climate change in some of the world’s most endangered environments • promote the adoption of electric vehicles to pave the way for a lower carbon future • provide a world-first gender-equal motorsport platform 70

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That's all good, but global motorsport isn't exactly great for the environment is it? Extreme E is pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology which will enable its race fleet to be charged using zero emission energy. This innovative solution from AFC Energy uses water and sun to generate hydrogen power. Not only will this process emit no greenhouse emissions, its only by-product will be water, which will be utilised elsewhere on site. The St. Helena, a former passenger cargo ship, has undergone a multi-million euro refit to minimise emissions and transform her into Extreme E’s operations hub. The ship will be used to transport the championship’s freight and infrastructure, including vehicles, to the nearest port, minimising Extreme E’s footprint, as well as being used to advance scientific research through its on-board laboratory. To minimise local impact, Extreme E races will not be open to spectators, with fans instead invited to follow the action through live TV broadcasts, and on social media.

Equality comes to racing! As a woman who thrashed all the men in an off-road karting time trial during an off-road driving weekend 20 years ago (and before you ask, yes Damian was one of the men), I totally love that this is the world's first motorsport that is actively, and brilliantly, promoting gender equality. I say brilliantly because all the teams have one male and one female driver, and only the teams will determine which driver goes first to best suit their strategy. The order in which the competitors drive will be made confidentially, with drivers kept in the dark as to other teams’ choices until the cars reach the start line, ensuring mixed gender racing.

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What about the cars... The thing I like about Extreme E is that the championship cars are a one design fleet, a fully electric SUV named ODYSSEY 21, so the drivers' skill should shine through, rather than who has the best car. In order to withstand the harsh conditions it will have to face, the car’s peak 400kw (550bhp) output is capable of firing the 1780 kilogram, 2.3 metre wide e-SUV from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, at gradients of up to 130%.

bodywork on the common chassis. The exterior shell of the ODYSSEY 21 is made from Bcomp’s natural flax fibre, in a bid to be more sustainable. The two products of the shell, ampliTexTM and powerRibsTM, are made from natural flax fibres, and carry a variety of environmental benefits including a 75% reduction in carbon footprint from cradle to gate, all whilst providing the best in safety standards

Each vehicle comprises a common package of standardised parts, manufactured by Spark Racing Technology with a battery produced by Williams Advanced Engineering. This encompasses a niobium-reinforced steel alloy tubular frame, as well as crash structure and roll cage, whilst its tyres, the vehicle’s crucial connection to these terrains are designed especially for the extreme conditions by founding partner Continental Tyres.

The batteries are specially designed and developed by Williams Advanced Engineering, plugging into the expertise and experience of the same minds who will be supplying the batteries for Gen3 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, starting in 2023.

For Season 1, teams had the choice to use Extreme E's bodywork, or work with an automotive partner, such as Chip Ganassi has done with the GM HUMMER EV, to put its own

Designed to withstand the extreme temperatures, conditions and terrains, the batteries will produce a maximum power output of 400 kWh (equivalent to 550bhp). Teams have been provided with identical 54kWh battery packs to be used in the first two seasons of Extreme E.

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How does the racing work? The series has devised an innovative format unlike any other, sort of ‘Star Wars Pod Racing meets Dakar Rally.’ Designed to put driver performance firmly in focus, Extreme E X Prix weekends feature the precision and pressure of time trial qualifications on Day One, and short sharp wheel-to-wheel racing action on Day Two, where skills will be tested to the limits and races will come right down to the wire. Every race will incorporate 2 laps over a total distance of approximately 18 kilometres. Both drivers will complete one lap behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21 electric SUV, with a driver changeover, the ‘Switch’, included after the first lap. A ‘Hyperdrive’ boost will also be available to each driver on each lap of the race. Activated when the driver presses a button on their steering wheel, they will enjoy an increase in power for a fixed amount of time, the timing of which will be key. Day One: SATURDAY Desert X Prix Qualifying consists of 2 rounds of time trials, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The team starting order is decided by a draw. All races feature the two laps with the incorporated driver ‘Switch’ feature. Day TWO: SUNDAY Desert X Prix Finals Day features a series of 3 car races. • The teams will be listed 1st to 9th place based on the total combined time of each team’s two Qualifying runs. • The top 3 teams go into the Semi-Final - where the the top 2 finishers claim spots in the Desert X Prix Final. • The middle 3 teams (4th,5th,6th) go through to The Crazy Race where only the top finisher progresses to Desert X Prix Final. • The bottom 3 teams(7th, 8th & 9th) head to the Shoot Out. • The Desert X Prix Final features the 2 winners from Semi-Final and the Winner of the Crazy Race.

Fans get a chance to be directly involved... Engaging with fans is a key priority for Extreme E, which is why the championship is enlisting fan voting, through GridPlay, where fans can vote for their favourite driver. When voting has finished, the driver’s votes are added together to give each team a final percentage of the votes. Those teams that don’t make the Final race must ‘gift’ their votes to their preferred opponent in the Final. The grid places for the Final are based upon the voting results once all the teams not in the Final have gifted their votes to the other teams.

How do the points work? Championship points will be awarded after the Final as follows:

1st - 25 points 2nd - 15 points 3rd - 10 points 4th - 7 points 5th - 6 points 76

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6th - 5 points 7th - 4 points 8th - 3 points 9th - 2 points

Who’s driving, in which car, for what team? TEAM - Abt Cupra Cupra became the first automotive manufacturer to establish a formal alliance with an Extreme E squad as it partners long-time Volkswagen Group affiliate and race team Abt. Drivers:

Claudia Hurtgen

1997 Daytona 24 Hours class winner, and German GT Champion

Mattias Ekstrom

Two-time DTM Champion, and 2016 World Rallycross Champion

TEAM - Acciona/Sainz In 2017, Spanish firm Acciona backed the first all-electric car to complete the Dakar Rally, and has created its Extreme E attack in conjunction with World Rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. Drivers:

Laia Sanz

10-time Dakar Rally motorbike finalist

Carlos Sainz Sr

Two-time World Rally Champion

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TEAM - Andretti United McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown has partnered his United Autosports squad, best known for endurance racing, with long-standing IndyCar and Formula E race team Andretti Autosport. Drivers:

Catie Munnings

Red Bull-backed Junior World Rally driver

Timmy Hansen

2019 World Rallycross Champion

TEAM - Chip Ganassi Racing The Extreme E car of American motorsport leviathan Chip Ganassi will resemble the forthcoming all-electric Hummer thanks to a collaboration with General Motors. Drivers:

Sara Price

Stadium Super Truck racer, and X Games competitor

Kyle Leduc

101 wins, and 6 class titles in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

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TEAM - Hispano Suiza A late entry to replace the HWA team, Spanish-Swiss concern Hispano Suiza traces its roots back to engineering involvement in aeroplane engine design prior to the Second World War. Drivers:

Christine Giampaoli Zonca One-time World Rally Championship entrant

Oliver Bennett

Finished third in the 2017 British Rallycross standings

TEAM - JBXE Announced just 10 weeks ahead of the first race, Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has created his own JBXE team, which marks another major coup for the championship. Drivers:

Jenson Button

2009 Formula 1 World Champion, and 2018 Super GT Champion

Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky

Extreme E test driver, and Scandinavian touring car race winner

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TEAM - Rosberg X Racing Further Formula 1 title-winning clout is provided by former Mercedes grand prix driver Nico Rosberg entering the series with his own RXR concern, which is an extension of his father Keke’s DTM operation. Drivers:

Molly Price

2016 Australian National Rally Champion

Johan Kristoffersson

Three-time World Rallycross Champion

TEAM - Veloce Racing Double Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne, and Formula 1 design guru Adrian Newey are part of the set up that has taken the Veloce Esports operation into real-world motorsport. Drivers:

Jamie Chadwick Inaugural W Series champion

Stephane Sarrazin

Sportscar veteran and part-time World Rally driver

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TEAM - X44 Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has made his first step into team ownership with the creation of X44, which will advance opportunities for BAME engineers. Drivers:

Cristina Gutierrez

Runner-up in the All-Terrain Spanish Rally Championship

Sebastien Loeb

Nine-time World Rally Champion

Where can you watch it? IN THE UK: Qualifying/Semis Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Mix, BBC iPlayer, XE website & social Final ITV (2nd hour live and catch up on demand on Extreme E through the ITV Hub), BT Sport 1, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Mix, BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button (broadcast delayed at 13.30 GMT)

GLOBALLY Extreme E will be available on over 40 global broadcasters such as FOX Sports, Eurosport and ESPN, covering regions including North America, Asia and Europe. Find the all the times & stations here: www.extreme-e.com/en/broadcast-information

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How Extreme E is helping the places it visits... The first race is the Desert Race which will be held in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, and Extreme E has collaborated with the Ba’a Foundation, an organisation that focusses on preserving endangered species, natural habitats and historical sites to support turtle conservation along the Red Sea coastline. Extreme E will support the protection of the endangered Green Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, which are under threat for a variety of reasons including: • Entanglement in fishing gear • Illegal trade of eggs (considered a delicacy in some countries), and turtle shells • Coastal development including building on nesting beaches • Plastic debris • Climate change causing rising sand temperatures, creating a gender ratio skew as turtle gender is determined by the temperature - the higher the temperature, the more likely the turtle is to be female - as well as rising sea levels which can erode nesting beaches and flood nesting sites One of the nesting places the project focusses on is Ras Baridi, located 50 kilometres north of Yanbu city in Saudi Arabia, and a location where turtles are born, and return 30 years later to reproduce. Unfortunately, due to the damage to the beach, created by transportation and cement dust from the nearby factory, which solidifies the sand, the turtle returns to find 15-20 metres of the beach is flooded relative to its birth, so they have to reach higher ground. The solidifying sand also makes it difficult for hatchlings to survive. In 2019, there was a 90 per cent mortality of eggs due to flooding of the nests in high-water seas.

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Researchers at KAUST University have been monitoring turtle activity and behaviour for many years, by attaching a tracking device to their shells. Through this, it has noted a big issue due to erosion, which has created a cliff that turtles are falling off and sadly dying. Extreme E will be supporting the turtle conservation through beach fencing, beach management and monitoring, improvements such as raising the level of the beaches to a suitable height with imported sand for turtle-nesting and successful egg-hatching, as well as education.

Founder and CEO, Alejandro Agag says...

"This first Season of Extreme E is going to be like nothing seen before. We have incredible teams backed by some of the biggest names in motorsport, multiple world champions from rally, road and endurance, and five formidable locations, all either suffering or at risk of the effects of the climate crisis. Of course, Extreme E is a motorsport, but it is also more than that. It symbolises the race for our planet, that we all need to play our part in. My vision is that we will use the power of sport to raise awareness of crucial issues, whilst showcasing the solutions we can all be part of as we promote a less carbonintensive world. I’m delighted to have you all on this journey with us.The race is officially on, and everyone is invited. "

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wri t es Simon says

by Simon Hastelow

Positive Diversity No this is not going to be a lecture on cultural diversity or embracing different creeds, colours and religions - unless you think of your truck as a deity! I have complained in the past about the cost of new SUVs and 4x4s. I know I do complain a lot, but I’m at that age when everything irritates me, but I think I have worked through my issues and I’m ready to embrace a new life. Until very recently I had several saved searches on eBay and AutoTrader. They constantly threw up all kinds of goodies, along with a lot of scrap metal. I have now deleted them all, and I’m widening my search to ‘anything and everything’ - nothing is ruled in, and nothing is ruled out. There’s just no point looking at a Defender anymore. The prices are just ridiculous for anything that doesn’t require a new chassis, and the new one, lovely as it is, is now only a lottery-windream.

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The TD5 Discovery II is my next favourite, but most of those are now rotten, and the £5k purchase price will need to be underwritten by at least another £5k of workshop man-hours. I couldn’t trust a D3 or D4 as I’ve seen way to many lose their minds over a splash of water on the wrong sensor. Land Rovers and Range Rovers are generally shoddily built and have more problems than other makes, regularly topping the charts in unreliability surveys, but we still buy them, and I still look at them when they come up for sale! It’s like that old cardigan with threadbare elbows and missing buttons that you just can’t throw out. We know its tatty but we still love it. On a side note, have you see the prices that good Discovery 1s are fetching nowadays? They are catching up with the Defender! Japanese pickups are a great option if you can find one that hasn’t been thrashed by ‘Bob the Builder’, and Jeeps are so few in number (at least the real 4x4 ones, not things like the Patriot) that they have been modified, and are also commanding hefty sale prices too, so we start to look at the less-popular makes.

Despite what you might think, there are still a lot of newish 4x4, AWD and SUV vehicles out there. So rather than be blinkered to a particular brand or model, have a look at what is available. The new Suzuki Jimny is fantastic, but was sadly killed before it could flourish (unless you buy the van version). Old Jimnys are abundant if you are careful about the body rust. Older Vitaras are getting rare, but the later Suzuki SUVs are coming down in price to the more affordable ‘off-road enthusiast’ level. There’s a handful of bomb-proof Diahatsu Sportraks still to be had, and everyone should be able to find a Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero for sale nearby. The plethora of Toyotas still on the roads should be able to keep the ‘off road scene’ alive for a few decades at least. RAV4 (old and new shape), Hilux, Surfs and Landcruisers are abundant. So why do we tend to stick to that one make and dismiss all of the available options? This is all a long-winded way of saying have a rethink on what you need the car for before buying it. I know quite a few people will say that a Defender is unstoppable, or a Wrangler is the best off-road, but I also clearly remember taking my Defender 130 up rough and tortuous route in the Italian Alps that was being similarly climbed - very slowly - by a 6x6 Pinzgauer. Only to find, at the top of the mountain, a Fiat Panda with a family on a day out! If you need the truck for load-lugging or towing then you are excused, the heavier 4x4s are still the ones to go for, but if you just want a bit of green lane fun then any car with decent tyres will probably do! I once had a Fiesta Van as a company car that could easily tackle all of the unmade roads and green lanes near to me. You probably wouldn’t want to take a shiny new Fiesta up them, but it did prove that they can do it. Damian’s regular - and rather brilliant - road tests show that almost everything he drives can do some form of ‘off-roading’ or green laning, so why not go for a ten year old Fiat Panda 4x4? Or even a cheapas-chips, high mileage Dacia Duster? Or, to contradict my earlier comment, a Jeep Patriot? I found a very neat looking, although higher mileage, Patriot for just over a grand on Autotrader! Which all brings me to my point: There’s a lot of cheap off-roading still to be had. Get a cheap hack, fit decent tyres and give it a full service and you’ll have a few years of outdoor adventure ahead. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

written by Jim Hatton

Road to Morocco

3 t r a P

Sahara

(Sheep, Ships and Surfboards) It's Sunday 21st October 2012 in Zagora, an oasis town on the northern fringes of the Sahara desert. Following our mad dash into the campsite the previous day, this morning Zagora was, in stark contrast, peaceful. The Morocco Rally must have started it's final stage before we rose as only a few support vehicles remained now. Rob and Halina packed up early and headed into town for supplies. The rest of us had a more leisurely start following the previous evening's consumption, and we all met up in town a little later. We were a little worried about being singled out again, but no one seemed to give us a second glance. The locals were going about their work as normal, and the shopkeepers were friendly and welcoming. It was back to the Morocco we'd come to appreciate. Back at the cars, Rob showed me the route he'd loosely planned out for the next two days. We would head south to Mhamid where we would leave civilisation, drive west approximately 60 miles, then cut north another 20 miles before rejoining planet Earth at Foum Zguid. "We'll camp somewhere around here" he said, circling an area of roughly 200 square miles in the middle with his index finger. I nodded, and with that, we hit the road.

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The drive to Mhamid was uneventful. We had washed some clothes at the campsite and had fixed them under a bungee on Rex's bonnet to dry, which turned out to be pretty effective. We drove through the small town and past a couple of derelict buildings on the opposite outskirts. Here, people were tinkering with old motorbikes and riding them at speed into the sands beyond. Soon, the road in front of us turned to sand, and tracks led off in numerous directions. Here we were, the Sahara desert at last.

As we travelled the landscape changed regularly, from rolling sand dunes to dusty savannah to rock strewn plains. For the first couple of hours we passed plenty of other people, including support trucks and competitors from the Morocco Rally, the odd camel train and someone tending to his grazing donkeys.

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I'd driven on sandy beaches before, but never on dunes like this. It was good fun building the techniques as we went, making sure to build enough speed to be able to crest a dune without getting stuck, but not so much as to find ourselves airborne on the opposite side. We pulled up beneath a lonely tree for lunch, and decided that because we were making decent progress we would start looking for somewhere between dunes to camp for the night.

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There's only so much that can be written about travelling through a desert, and most of it by people far smarter than me. It's beautiful, that's for sure, and I'm not certain the pictures really do it justice but I hope browsing through them will give you some idea of what it was like to be there.

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We kept our eyes peeled for firewood as we drove, and by the time we found somewhere suitable to camp we'd travelled at least an hour without seeing another person. We felt comfortable that we were the only people for miles around, so when a boy of around ten years old popped up out of nowhere while we were setting up camp we were, all of us, more than a little surprised. We tried to engage with him, but he didn't say a word, he just watched us. Feeling a little freaked out we collectively came to the conclusion that we wouldn't get a good night's sleep in this spot. We gave the boy a bottle of water and some bread and left before he could tell his no-doubt nearby family of our presence. We drove on for another hour and a half before stopping again (we would be grateful tomorrow that we had done this, but more on that shortly). We decided not to set up the tents straight away this time, and instead focused on dinner while we waited to see if anyone would randomly turn up. They didn't. We got a fire going mainly in an attempt to keep the flies away, and watched the sky turn a brilliant orange as the sun kissed the horizon. As the heat of the day left us the flies went with it, and we relaxed a little more. Kath popped a cork, and we all took some bubbles in celebration of reaching the zenith of our trip. Then Rob asked me over the campfire, what we would do next. He'd achieved his goal of reaching Saharan dunes, and now he was happy to carry on west if Laura and I still wanted to surf the

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Saharan coast. We weighed up our options. Tomorrow would be Monday, we had a boat booked from Bilbao for the coming Saturday and thousands of miles to cover to get there. We could head for Tifnit, a place which had been recommended to me a little south of Agadir, but it would likely mean us being pressed for time again. We were a little tired of having to beat the clock all the time, so for better or worse we decided to go for a more leisurely pace. We would still get our boards wet, but it wouldn't be in Africa. We would turn left off the ferry in Algeciras, and head for the western Algarve where one year previously Laura had agreed to marry me. I daren't ask her why.

Everyone slept well, except for Kath and Ian who'd opted to use the hammock instead of their tent and barely slept at all. Once we'd eaten and packed up Rob did some clowning around in the dunes. After I'd towed him out of the soft sand a few times we pointed our fairleads west to complete our passage of this section of the Sahara.

As the dunes petered out we swung slightly northwards, and here we found what remains the worst track I have ever driven. I love a technical track. Mud, rocks, sand, you name it, if it's a fun off road challenge I'll be first in the queue to try it out.......this one was different.

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The plains around us were strewn with boulders and there was a clear, trodden path through, however it was like driving on a very poorly laid, poorly maintained cobbled street, and anything more than walking pace shook the vehicles violently. After a couple of miles it became apparent that most of the rest of the way to Foum Zguid would be like this, so we gritted our teeth and picked up the pace. Rex was heavily loaded, but the Dobinson's suspension performed admirably given the circumstances. It wasn't enough, though. One of the roof crate legs gave way, and I cursed myself for insisting on keeping hold of the wheel we'd changed back in Spain.

We had a reshuffle of the roofload. Rob agreed to take the wheel on his roof, and we emptied the jerry cans into our fuel tanks. A little further on, I realised I shouldn't have had my window halfway down, as the mechanism was at its weakest in this position. The glass fell from the runner from being rattled around so much. This road was determined to take everything it could out of us, including our spirit. We slowed for a spell, trying to give the vehicles some reprieve, then realising keeping that pace would mean us spending another night in the wilds we sped up again.

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Just as we were feeling as though this road would literally last forever we saw an arch forming in the haze ahead. It was the southern gate into Foum Zguid. As it came into focus, so too did an inviting black strip on the ground before it. I've never been so pleased, and relieved to see tarmac in my life. From Foum Zguid we headed north, back through the Atlas Mountains towards Marrakech. We had lunch at a restaurant at the side of the road on one mountain pass, where we were entertained by a litter of puppies who were really taken with another customer's walking poles. We tried to keep pace with a couple of mk1 Transit vans through the rest of the mountains, and pulled in to a 5 star campsite just outside Marrakech as it was going dark. The site was luxurious, and just what we needed after the slog of the days drive. They had a pool, which was closed at night but it didn't stop Laura and Kath spontaneously diving in to cool down, and subsequently getting a ticking off from the warden. We started the next day with a leisurely swim, and breakfast by the pool. After the previous day's drive it felt like we needed a holiday, and I think we were all secretly looking forward to the 25 hour ferry we had booked to get us back to blighty. It would be nice to cover some miles at the same time as taking a break. With a plan laid out in front of us we kept putting miles in, and by late morning on the Wednesday we were checking in at Ceuta for our crossing back to Spain. We queued patiently to get on the boat, then watched in dismay as they lifted the ramp and left without us! We spoke to a customer service advisor who told us plainly, "you are in Africa, not Europe. We do not queue here". The next boat would be in three hours time. Since we had passed through security and customs already we were unable to head back out, so we whiled away the time as best as we could. When the next ferry arrived we made sure we were in position to board first. We watched in amazement as 3 live sheep were dragged onto the boat before us, a man nearby must have noticed our confusion and he explained, "these are the sacrifices, they pray to Allah for a safe voyage". I asked him why they have three sheep, and he told us they sacrifice one for each crossing,, so one is for the return trip and the final one is a spare incase one of the others escapes. The sacrifice for our sailing took place on the lowered ramp at the back of the ferry, right in front of us. As we boarded we realised it really did look like the ship was being held together by the power of prayer alone.

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It was raining lightly as we drove through the western Algarve. We called into Burgau and explored on foot the place where, just over a year previously, Laura had said yes. We had loosely planned for our wedding to take place around the September, but that was before Rob and Halina had invited us on this trip. We decided it was well worth postponing our wedding in favour of an adventure like this. We took a dirt road shortcut to Carrapateira and onwards to one of my favourite beaches in the world, Praia do Amado. The day was grey and drizzly, but the striking red cliffs still looked as bright as ever. We considered getting the boards out, but decided we should keep our wetsuits dry for tomorrow, when we would be able to spend a decent amount of time in the water. That didn't stop Kath going for a swim in the waves, though. As the evening drew near the clouds parted and the sun shone through, treating us to another spectacular sunset. We parked up atop the cliffs and lit the barbecue for dinner. That night we drifted off listening to the waves crashing below us. The morning was shaping up to be just as peaceful and scenic as the previous evening had been. We were greeted to spectacular scenery from the rooftents as the sun rose, reflecting a bright blue off the Atlantic below us. Rob had just thrown some sausages in the pan when a dark grey Defender 90 swung into our camp spot. 94

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Two well muscled men in tight t-shirts jumped out and, in a voice that was clearly used to being obeyed, one of them demanded in clear English to know who's the ground tent was. This caused a little confusion, because the tent actually belonged to my parents, but was obviously in use by Kath and Ian. I looked at them and they looked at me, but before any of us could say anything the man continued, "you cannot put pegs in the ground in a national park, it is against the law, and I should fine you". Were these men were police officers? Park Rangers? I put the question to them and they showed ID proving they were part of the GNR (Guarda). Then they showed me their military issue Glock 19s, and flashed the hidden blue lights of the Defender. We apologised for the ground tent, we honestly had no idea we were in any kind of national park let alone the rules surrounding it. It helped that Kath and Ian hadn't actually pegged it down, it was being held down by their bags inside. Ian packed it away as we talked. We showed some interest in the Landy, laughed with them, complimented them on their excellent English, and offered them some sausages, which they politely turned down. They left saying they would return in half an hour and, if we still had any camping gear out they would fine us for camping illegally. Fair to say we didn't waste any more time with breakfast. We wrapped up and moved down to the Amado beach car park before breaking the stoves back out. The wind was onshore, knocking the waves down prematurely, but with a decent swell there was still some fun to be had in the white water with the surfboards. The wind was warmer now, too, and with the sun out it looked like we would end up with a proper beach day, much to Laura's delight. All good things must come to an end, though, and we eventually gave in and nosed our way northwards, in readiness for the ferry we would be boarding tomorrow... or so we thought. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

We were camped in a wooded area near the Portuguese border in Spain. We were less than 5 hours away from Bilbao now. I remember I was groggily working out what to put together for breakfast on the Saturday morning when Rob piped up, "Uh, guys?" He was the only one of us who had a smartphone, and he'd just received an email from the ferry operator. Our boat had suffered "a catastrophic engine failure" and we would not be able to board today. This was a real blow. Rob phoned the company we'd booked through, and they said we could either wait three days for the next boat (not an option, some of us had to be in work on Monday) or we could drive up through France and board any channel ferry of our choice. We would be refunded the difference in cost between any services. The call handler suggested we keep any receipts for additional costs we would run into such as fuel, tolls and hotels, but couldn't guarantee we would be able to claim everything back. The money, while important, wasn't what annoyed us the most though. The thought of having to drive up through France, and having to do it at a less than leisurely pace was enough to bring a tear to the eye, considering we'd been looking forward so much to our "mini cruise”. Still, there was no time to lose now. If we were going to get back to home turf for work on Monday we needed to get a wiggle on. Once onto the French toll roads we played a game of 'spot the other annoyed Brits'. It wasn't a difficult game, they mostly had bags haphazardly stacked in the back window and were driving at one and a half times the speed limit. We probably would have been too, if it wasn't for the mechanical sympathy we felt, given what our vehicles had already been through over the last fortnight. After a night at a Formula1 hotel, and a lot of monotonous miles we made it. Our ferry docked in Portsmouth just as it was starting to get dark on the Sunday evening, but the adventure wasn't quite over just yet. As I moved Rex off I got a strong smell of diesel. Rob was following, and reported via the CB that we were leaving a wet line behind us. The electronic fuel pump had blown a seal. On reflection I think Rex did this on purpose, as it meant I got my head down on the way back to the Wirral, in the back seat of the recovery truck.

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Who are you, where are you from and what do you do? Hi everyone! My name is Adam, I'm 31, from Blaenavon in South Wales and I'm currently working in the catering industry as a cook. History of cars leading up your present 4x4 My first car was an ancient Ford Fiesta XR2i, but I've probably had ten or more cars of various ilks since passing my test about twelve years ago, from a track ready Toyota Starlet, a

VW Beetle to an ex police Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport. I currently have a Mad Max inspired Citroen C4 rat project, a 2015 Peugeot 308 and my little Yeti! Present 4x4(s) 2012 Skoda Yeti Modifications done We aim to build it into our overlander, it's easier said than done as there isn't really a market for modifying the Yeti, so we have had to do a lot of tinkering to get bits to fit! Front Runner Slimline 2 roof rack, with spare wheel carrier, shovel mount, awning and the all important bottle opener. LED light bar on the roof, and two more on the front bumper, as well as a floodlight under the awning. CB radio and antenna and we’ve upgraded the standard stereo to a 9”Android tablet. It’s also been remapped to 175bhp with around 300lb. ft of torque. There are various body modifications such as a bonnet deflector, wind deflectors and a lower grille cover and upgraded headlights, with a full LED interior conversion. We run Pirelli Sottozero 3s on steel wheels in the winter, and Cooper ATTs on the 17 inch alloys the rest of the year, as the snow here in the Brecon Beacons is pretty much a given!

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Favourite Modifications It has to be the Frontrunner rack, it's really useful and frees up the modest storage space inside the vehicle.

We also have to install a dual battery system to run a fridge etc off, and wire up a rocker switch panel so everything is in one place.

Modifications to do We have all of the bits together for a small body lift, with the tyres it'll probably be around two inches, which should be more than enough for the type of terrain that we encounter.

Favourite green laning trip I love anywhere in Mid Wales, especially the Elan Valley, and I'm a big fan of Dorset. Luckily, my fiance, Becky is from down that way so we get to travel down there quite a lot to see family.

Lottery win 4x4 Either a Jeep Wrangler or a Bowler Wildcat! Favourite car related film It has to be Mad Max! Favourite biscuits Without a doubt, chocolate bourbons are the Kings of the biscuit world. Where can we find more details? Instagram for the Yeti - overland_yeti and for our Mad Max build - valhallac4

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Who are you, where are you from and what do you do? I am Benjy Cradock, born & bred in Hilperton, Wiltshire. Grew up farming & engineering & travelling – still growing up! I’m the director & workshop manager of our family business - RH & IR Cradock Ltd. We’re agricultural engineers, farmers & overland vehicle preparation specialist, specialising in Toyota Land Cruisers. History of cars leading up your present 4x4 • 1956 International B250 tractor (driving licence @16) • 1986 bedford Cf flatbed • 1990 Volvo 440 turbo • 1993 Ford fiesta • 1994 Diahatsu Fourtrak x2 • Ford Escort Tdi • Peugeot 306 diesel • Isuzu Trooper 2.8ltr • 2002 Ford Ranger single cab 4x4 – (started own business working from this as mobile mechanic) • 2000 Peugeot 306 HDi

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Present 4x4(s) - Roxy - 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ80 that I bought in Australia December 2011, she’s my baby! - Elvis - 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ80 – current work vehicle been in family for 13 years. - Lola - 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 that I bought as a toy/investment. - The Bargain Bucket - 2000 Mitsubishi L200 single cab – cheapest value for money 4x4 I’ve ever bought! Modifications done Roxy has had a 2” heavy duty lift that includes HD shocks and SuperPro bushes. She’s had a 1HDT conversion with a DIY intercooler system, hybrid turbo that’s tuned up to 18psi, and sits on 315/75/16 Cooper STT Pros. She also has a NBF bespoke 3 exhaust system, underbody protection, a breather kit, DIY roof rack, Supapeg awning and a rear bumper with carriers and a TJM winch bumper up front. Inside there are a set of custom drawers including a BBQ and stowage as well as a Waeco fridge freezer, a mini front fridge,

leisure battery system, LED lights, Ironman spotties and a set of VDO gauges. She also has a DIY dash tray with cup holders and a CB radio. Favourite Modifications The engine change and the mini fridge on the front (bench) seat. Modifications to do Aluminium rear stowage unit, and gull-wing access doors at the rear. Favourite green-laning trip Devon with Orange 4x4. Lottery win 4x4 A Land Cruiser HDJ7 dual cab on portals and a full NBF bespoke build. Favourite car related film Twister Favourite biscuits Jaffa cakes Where can we find more details? You can follow Roxy on Instagram at thebenjyandroxyshow Business website - ircradockandsons.co.uk Business Instagram IRCRADOCKANDSONS/

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Who are you, where are you from and what do you do? We are Jessica and Eddie from Sevenoaks in Kent. We both work for a publishing company full time, and run our own small business making stickers on the side Little Foil Print Co. (@littlefoilco on Instagram & Facebook). History of cars leading up your present 4x4 • Clio Sport R27 F1 Team • Mini John Cooper Works • Audi S3 • BMW Z4 • BMW M2 which is still in the family Present 4x4(s) Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL Modifications done AEV conversions 2” spacer lift, Rugged Ridge front bumper with Warn winch, 17” Borah Alloys shod with 37” BF Goodrich Tyres and a Tazer with front camera. Favourite Modifications Has to be the front bumper with winch. The standard JL bumper is pretty offensive so it was one of the first things that had to go!

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Modifications to do Back bumper, but struggling to find a suitable one for the personalised plate as we want it all on one line. We’d also like a Front Runner roof rack. Favourite off-roading / adventure trip We got the car during lockdown so haven’t managed to use it properly yet! We have plans to drive to Lake Como one day for our Honeymoon though! Lottery win 4x4 I’d say I’ve already got it, but I wouldn’t mind a Gladiator! Favourite car related film Eddie’s is Ronin and mine is Grease, ha! Favourite biscuits M&S chocolate digestive (has to be M&S!) Where can we find more details? We’re on Instagram - wramblers

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We want to keep the mag free to read, though it costs quite a bit for the two of us to put it together each month. If you like what we do, we'd love it if you'd chip in for a hot chocolate every now and then, to help support us whilst we put together the next mag.Everyone who buys us a hot choc each month will get a name check in the mag. Buy us 2 hot chocs at one time, or become a regular monthly hot choc provider then you'll get a even bigger mention.

All these lovely people to the left bought us nutters a hot chocolate or 2 this month. Thank you all so much, every penny is really is appreciated.

big thanks from Lee Damian & Karen 104

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Lauren E. laf Scott B. Jim H. LRAsser Graeme L. Billy F. Chris J. Matt S. Edward P. Sniffer Chris C. 2 anonymous

Twoo G Tw Goo M Maad in

Straanr Str nrae aerr

In last month’s issue (How it all began) I talked about how Muddy Madam and I bought our first vehicle together, a 1974 2-door Range Rover, and we were learning quite quickly that old Range Rovers weren’t the cheapest 4x4s to own.

Anyhow, not long after we almost got ourselves stranded in deep snow up Wrynose Pass in the Lake District, we decided upon another short break to recover from that one. It was still 1995, and Stranraer in Scotland would be our destination of choice, and to this day I’m not sure why. Anyhow, Friday was booked off from work, necessities packed and we headed north. We stopped once for fuel, and the usual supplies of chocolate, crisps, more chocolate and cans of pop. The going was good until we reached Cumbria where the weather turned nasty - usual weather conditions for the Lake District that early on in the year, I suppose.

We turned left at Carlisle onto the A75 and headed towards Stranraer, and apart from the rain, that seemed to be getting heavier, and getting stuck behind dozens of lorries, the journey was pretty good and stress free. This was the furthest we’d taken in BVU, and we were very impressed with how quiet and composed she was for a 21 year old Rangie. Once in Stranraer it didn't take us long to find an reasonable guest house that accepted Rangies - but we had to leave her outside. " The rules" said the landlady. By this time it was late and dark, and we were tired and hungry. We found a little Italian restaurant almost next door to where we were staying, and promptly stuffed our faces with some excellent food and drank lots of wine. Satisfied, we retired to our small, but clean room. It was still raining, heavily.

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We awoke around 8.30am just in time for breakfast, and after filling our bellies and a good shower, we opened the O.S.Map that I’d bought the previous night, and for some peculiar reason we decided to to go castle hunting. The nearest one was Lochnaw Castle, and it was only about fifteen minutes away. Just off the main road, up a dirt track, through a farm yard and a section of forest and there it was......not exactly what we expected, it looked like a huge residential home built on the side of a Loch. Very picturesque, but no ruin.

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On our way back to the main road I spotted a deeply rutted track that disappeared off into the thick foliage of the forest, it looked very tempting, but not knowing if it was a legal Right of Way or not, we decided not to venture. This was back in 1995, three years before the birth of Google, and I didn’t own a computer, so information back then on green lanes was reliant on the 4x4 magazines of the day, and therefore a bit sketchy at best!

Back on the main road we decided that Port Patrick looked ideal for our next overnight stay, and even better it had a castle! As we were cruising along the B738, Muddy Madam spotted a sign for a lighthouse, Killantringan Lighthouse in fact. You don't see many of those in Bolton, so we turned right onto a single track road that took us 1¼ miles down the steepest road I have ever driven. Once there, we checked it out, took a few photos and carried on towards our next ‘port’ of call. See what I did there? Port Patrick? Port of call? Oh’ never mind. Port Patrick is a lovely little place, from what I can remember. It had a few shops, a few pubs, a large hotel and quite a few guest houses. After parking up on the front, we set off on foot to find our second castle. Dunskey Castle is a ruined, 12th century tower house/castle that’s perched on cliffs with the Irish sea crashing below, it was an eerie place to be. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like many hundreds of years ago to live in such a place, give me double glazing and central heating any day!

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Back to BVU, and after we had found dwellings for the night in a Guest House on North Cres, overlooking the harbour, we figured we had at least three hours of daylight left, so out came the O.S. map, and exploring we went. Muddy Madam was getting better at map reading and navigating, and BVU and I got used to sudden braking and sharp turns as she shouted out directions like, ”Stop! Turn left! I mean right. Sorry, straight on.” (I dispute Damian's recollections of this - love Muddy Madam)

Many tracks and farm yards were driven on, and BVU was looking like we had just been on a hill rally. It was beginning to get dark, so we parked on the beach at Ardwell and munched on some chocolate bars. True romance! We found a petrol station 200 yards further down the road that had an almost identical white Range Rover with black vinyl roof parked outside. The owner had done over 200,000 miles in it using two V8s, and told me that he’d recently fitted a big Nissan diesel. Goodbye 15mpg, hello 42mpg. I wasn't jealous.... much. We headed back to Port Patrick via a visit to the Kirkmadrine Stones (ancient stone pillars housed in glassfronted porch at the west end of Kirkmadrine Church in the Rhins of Galloway)W. Once there we freshened up, got changed and went out for food and plenty of Guinness. Unfortunately I don't remember much of that evening..... must’ve been the food.

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I woke up suddenly at 8.55am with an elbow in the ribs as Muddy Madam was shouting that we were late for breakfast, so after throwing on some clothes, we ran downstairs to be fed. We needn't of worried because five minutes later another couple wandered down looking in a similar state to us...rough! After another hearty breakfast and refreshing shower, we studied the map searching for more interesting places to visit. We decided to visit the Mull of Galloway, which is the southern most point of Stranraer. The sky was dark as we loaded BVU, there was a thick blanket of cloud that threatened rain, but the strong wind soon cleared it and we were treated to a beautiful clear blue sky, and Muddy Madam's advance warnings of things like turnings, junctions and cliff edges were also getting clearer. We reached the Mull which consisted of a car park, a light house and a spectacular view, so we left BVU and went for a short walk to take some photographs. From there we headed for Port Logan which is a bit smaller than Port Patrick, but just as pretty. Then to the A75, M6, and the mundane drive home. I worked out than we drove 500 miles and spent around £65 on petrol (1995 don’t forget), and although at the time BVU was 21 years old, she was an utter joy to drive.

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RETRO SNAPS

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The Mud Life - 25 - April 2021

Articles inside

TWO GO MAD IN STRANRAER

LANING LIFE

NEWS

SIMON SAYS

TURNER'S TORQUE