The Mud Life - 31 - October 2021

THE MUD LIFE ISSUE 31 - October 2021

BOND CARS SPECIAL

V8 Bond Edition Defender Jeep Compass Fiesta Active Mwm Spartan EV Goods'n'Gear Laning Life

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

6-14

LANING LIFE 16-23 JEEP COMPASS 24-32 FIESTA ACTIVE 34-43 MWM SPARTAN EV 44-54 FLASH DRIVES 56-61 Citroën C4 Sense Jeep CJ-7 Toyota Yaris Cross Premier Edition

GOODS & GEAR 63-66 LILLY'S WOOF STUFF 68-73 BOND IS BACK 74-81 V8 BOND EDITION DEFENDER 82-85 MOOCH - ANDY & THE DEFENDER 86-93 READER'S RIDES 94-99 SIMON SAYS 100-101 BACK ISSUES 102-103

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

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

Creative Director, Editor, Reviewer

LILLY - THE MUD LIFE DOG Cuddle Monster, Model, Reviewer

F O L LOW U S

THE TEAM

DIRECTORIES 104-107

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

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

3

turner's torque Is it October already?

It’s been a weird year, not as bad as 2020, obviously, but weird nonetheless.

When we first started to publish the magazine back in December 2018, from a simple to maintain review website to this, I was constantly asked whether we’d have enough content to fill a few issues, never mind for a whole year.

31 issues later, I’m happy to confirm that not only are Muddy Madam and I kept busy (often too busy), but the whole 4x4 community is still thriving, despite the best efforts of Covid to kill it, and us, off over the last couple of years.

Shows are packed, green lanes are being used and companies are doing their upmost to supply us all with the products we want, but it's not easy.

Before everything hit the fan, getting products from foreign suppliers was relatively simple - buy the space you need in a container, and wait for it to arrive.

These days however, companies have bidding wars just to get their products into a container. Once a container would cost around £1,500, but these days they’re looking at around £20k!

Then there's the ongoing problem of not having enough HGV drivers to move the products once they arrive on these shore.

It's a double whammy! So if your favourite 4x4 or outdoor company is struggling to get stock - be patient, it's not their fault.

On the subject of companies, please support our advertisers, as without them, and of course our lovely Ko-Fi supporters, you wouldn’t be able to read The Mud Life for free.

Being truthful, we wouldn’t be able to afford to create the mag without our wonderful advertisers and businesses who send us products for us to review, so give them a click, and spend some of your hard-earned cash!

AND THEN.....

More panic buying, only this time it’s dino-juice instead of bog roll!

Trouble with this is that you can’t distinguish between the morons who are panic buying, and those who are actually running on fumes.

Who is to blame?

The media is most definitely to blame, all because of their sensational reports of a few petrol stations that couldn't get fuel because of a localised shortage of HGV drivers.

They then gleefully stirred everyone up into a frenzy (and as I am writing this I have the radio news on, and they still are!!) - that’s what they do, isn’t it?

Queues stopped traffic, the stations that got fuel hiked up prices, papers created more shocking headlines, TV companies fanned the flames seeing a chance to raise their ratings, and to hell with common sense and consequences.

Hey, we're running low on ad space in the mag, anyone fancy a bit of panic buying?

😉

'til next month…

4

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

muddy madam's moment Gadgets, guns & gorgeous blue eyes

As I'm writing this there is less than a week to go before the long awaited new Bond film No Time To Die arrives in the cinemas, and I'm excited!

I'm purely eager because it's Bond, as I have no idea what the story is or who is in it. I am probably one of the only people in Britain who has managed to avoid all of the trailers, which has involved a lot of fervent switching TV programmes at the first mention, not buying film mags just in case I glance something and sitting in the cinema with my jumper wrapped around my head whilst humming a deep tone to drown out the very loud Dolby surround sound previews.

I've done this with any film I really want to watch since 1986 - the year that the funniest bit of Crocodile Dundee was ruined for me, you know the bit,...

"That's not a knife, this is a knife!"

I'd seen it so many times before I got to see the film that it turned into a damp squib, therfore ever since I've avoided them like the plague. This meant I had a problem when it came to this month's mag, as I wanted to include a bit about the Bond cars.

I am glad to say that I managed to avoid any spoilers about the plot, but I do know what cars I'll be expecting to see, and honestly they're pretty much what I was expecting - Astons and Land Rovers - just more of them.

As you are reading this I will probably be sat in a darkened cinema, stuffing popcorn in my mouth, waiting to drool over Daniel Craig's immaculated dressed physique and beautiful blue eyes, whilst Damian will no doubt be drooling over the gleaming motors. Fingers crossed that it is worth the wait.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

5

ws

Ne

CUPRA has revealed its new Tavascan Extreme E Concept

Revealed at the IAA Munich International Motor Show, the all-electric off-road racing car is the next stage in the brand’s Extreme E adventure, which also hints at the design that may be used in the future series production CUPRA Tavascan.

The Tavascan will be the brand’s second 100% electric model that will be designed and developed in Barcelona, and will reach Europe and overseas markets in 2024.

The front and rear design has changed considerably from the vehicle that is racing in the first season of Extreme E. The headlights in groups of three triangles on either side provide a more imposing look.The LED lighting is set into a 3D-printed frame, a technology chosen to give it a competitive edge.

The 3D-printed parts can be manufactured in just 6 hours, meaning the team can adapt to changes very quickly; whether it’s because of an incident or changes to the light position, the components can be modified in a very short time without the need for cumbersome and expensive tooling.

6

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Head of Technical Development at CUPRA Racing, Xavi Serra said: “The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is the next evolution of our all-electric off-road racing car with even more CUPRA DNA and a design that hints at the brand’s future direction. But it also delivers technical advancement too.The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept uses flax fibres throughout the bodywork to improve sustainability and 3D-printed elements that can be quickly recreated to keep the race car out on the track.”

Constructing as much of the body structure as possible from flax fibres reduces the use of carbon fibre components and the vehicle’s impact on the environment. The material can be worked in the same way, achieving the same shapes and radii required by engineers, and is a technology that could easily be adapted for production vehicles.

Its livery is finished with CUPRA copper accents, parametric texturing and dynamized lines to help the exterior shimmer and move as the vehicle shifts through the landscape, and an

overlapping CUPRA logo to create a powerful 3D effect.

CUPRA driver Jutta Kleinschmidt said: “I cannot wait to compete with this newly designed version!”

The CUPRA Tavascan Extreme E Concept is equipped with a 54-kWh battery, placed behind the cockpit to optimise rear weight distribution, and can go from 0-62 mph in about 4 seconds to meet the race series’ regulations.

CUPRA has been part of Extreme E from the outset. It was the first automotive brand to announce its participation, joining forces with ABT Sportsline as the team’s main partner. The Extreme E series is enhancing CUPRA’s electrification research while promoting electrification, sustainability, and gender equality.

TheMudLifeMag

GET SOCIAL WITH US

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

7

ws

Ne

Subaru Outback acheives 5 star ENCAP rating

If you are going to have a crash, then Subaru's all-new Outback (European spec.) is the one to go for as it'll keep you out of harms way as it has achieved the maximum five-star overall rating in the 2021 European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP).

The all-new Outback attained the highest score ever achieved by a Subaru vehicle in both Safety Assist and Vulnerable Road Users, corresponding to the highest score across all vehicle classes according to the latest applicable test. It also registered the highest marks in the Child Occupant Protection test across its class of Large Family car, according to the latest test protocols.

These results reflect Subaru’s reputation for building vehicles engineered to deliver the highest levels of safety. The all-new Outback features the latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Subaru’s stereo camera prevention collision system, with an expanded, nearly doubled angle view range.

The new image recognition software is now available with 11 standard safety functions: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention (also recognizing dividing line such as grass and road edge) and Pre-Collision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at intersections.

Outback’s safety equipment suite includes Reverse Automatic braking, Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Rear Seat Reminder, and Multi View Monitors: Front View / Rear View / Side View Monitors, for a safer drive that reduces vehicle blind spots.

Outback also features Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System, Subaru’s face recognition technology that alerts the driver when feeling fatigued or distracted while driving.

The all-new Outback is built on the Subaru Global Platform; the amount of high-tensile steel panel materials was increased, allowing for a lighter body as well as improved protection in frontal, side and rear end collisions by + 40%, and offering enhanced energy absorption efficiency and impact load transmission. The body has been substantially strengthened with a new structural frame (full inner frame structure) and an addition of beams and sub frames, further enhancing the all-new Outback top level collision safety performance.

8

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

ws

Ne

Everrati creates an electric Land Rover Series IIA

Everrati Automotive Limited, a leading technology company specialising in the redefining and futureproofing of automotive icons through the integration of the very latest electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, has revealed its latest addition - an electric version of the Land Rover Series IIA, a zero-emission utilitarian vehicle for the 21st century.

Land Rovers are synonymous with ruggedness and dependability, therefore maintaining the structural integrity of the electrified Series IIA forms the foundation of Everrati’s restoration process.

The company’s team of specialists meticulously restored the Series IIA body and chassis, pairing the fully rebuilt vehicle with an advanced EV powertrain, designed and developed at Everrati’s base in Oxfordshire. CAD-designed and optimised to ensure seamless incorporation, the state-of-the-art 60kWh battery pack features advanced battery management and temperature control. The power output of 150bhp and 300Nm of torque reinvigorates the car’s original character.

Once each component has been carefully removed from the donor car, including all bodywork, powertrain and interior parts, the car’s chassis and bulkhead are galvanised and coated in a protective zinc process to prevent future corrosion.

Everrati’s Series IIA is available in both modern canvas or traditional canvas soft-tops, and safari hard top format. The wheels, available in a range of colours, have been upgraded, and are fitted with Michelin tyres for performance and durability.

Coupled with a true zero-emission range of up to 125 miles, the electric Series IIA offers both 2 and 4 wheel drive modes, as well as hi/low ranges for optimised traction and dynamic ability, ensuring the car’s original access all areas capacity endures.

Power steering and braking create a better driving experience, and the cabin has also been redefined and subtly upgraded to modern standards with a host of new additions to enhance driver comfort and convenience.

Heated front seats are trimmed in high quality leather supplied

by Scotland’s Bridge of Weir, noted for being the world’s lowest carbon intensity automotive leather further adding to Everrati’s overall sustainability mission. The leather continues through to the rear bench seats, featuring front and rear lap belts for all passengers that can even be heated if required.

And of course, no Series IIA is complete without a central Cubby Box for additional interior storage capacity.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

9

s w e

N

Introducing the Fering Pioneer Testing out the prototype

An all-new British company has launched an adventure vehicle which tears up the rule book with a sustainable electrified pickup which is designed to take on the toughest of terrains while treading lightly on the planet.

The Fering Pioneer is the brainchild of ex Ferrari and McLaren engineer Ben Scott-Geddes, who has repurposed supercar and racing technology to provide environmental responsibility and unrivalled off-grid capabilities for the most extreme adventures.

Despite its imposing appearance, the Pioneer is no larger in any direction than a typical delivery van, and is actually shorter than a Ford Mondeo Estate. It also weighs the same as a family hatchback.

Power to the axles is provided solely by two electric motors, unusual for an off-road vehicle, but they are perfectly suited to the task, providing instant torque, controllability and reliability.

They provide a total of 600Nm of torque; more than a comparable diesel 4x4.

A battery provides a zero local emission, electric-only range of around 50 miles. The Pioneer’s range extender generator is then available to give ability to keep going to the end of your adventure.

10

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

The Pioneer’s battery cells are not the same as you’d find in a conventional EV, as the usual Lithium-Ion chemistry is affected significantly by extremes of weather. Instead, Fering have used more sophisticated Lithium Titanate Oxide cells which are designed to survive extreme weather conditions.

For longer adventures, the battery is supported by an 800cc 3-cylinder range extender combustion engine powered by biodiesel. By operating consistently at its most efficient level, the engine generates power to run the motors and charge the battery in normal driving. This means the battery can cover

Concept design

peak demands for power – such as hill climbing – using energy reserves which are then replenished while the vehicle is cruising, stationary or braking.

Using advanced materials and techniques from the circuit and supercar has allowed the Pioneer to rewrite the rules on strength and lightness too. The dry kerb weight is around 1,500kg – the same as a medium-sized hatchback.

This has been made possible by using an aluminium spaceframe with composite elements, while the exterior panels are made of tough fabric. This material, which is similar to the canvas found in high-end hiking boots, can shrug off damage, is easily replaced and has better insulation properties than metal skins.

Despite this, the Pioneer is capable of carrying its own weight as a payload, with a 1,500kg capacity.

The combination of light weight and an efficient powertrain results in exceptional fuel economy. Even with the batteries discharged, the Pioneer is expected to deliver around 50mpg – half the consumption of other 4x4s, and comparable to a diesel hatchback.

The efficiency also means the Pioneer can have an incredible ability to live ‘off-grid’ and survive expeditions to remote areas without having to worry about refuelling. With long-range tanks fitted, the Fering will be capable of driving for 7,000km without needing a fuel stop or recharging from the grid. If such extreme range isn’t needed for the mission, the tanks can be swapped for water to provide fresh supplies on a mission.

As the Fering is a vehicle is designed with adaptability in mind, it can easily be modified or upgraded to suit the customer’s needs and intended purpose. Bigger batteries, and different range extenders can be used, such as alcohol-fuelled engines in Brazil or a fuel cell in Asia. The combination of a battery and generator also makes the Pioneer ideal for emergency service use, where electrically operated rescue equipment and lighting can be used in remote locations.

This adaptability means the Pioneer is not expected to have an ‘end of life’ which will require it to be disposed of and recycled.

It is easy to repair and upgrade giving it an indefinite life span.

Should it ever need to be recycled, there is far less material to recover than a comparable 4x4 vehicle or even a similar sized van.

Further examples of the ingenious thinking which has gone into making the Pioneer ‘extreme adventure ready’ include the choice of tyre. The 22.5-inch rims aren’t just bling which is designed for the boulevard – they accept standard size truck tyres to ensure easy availability in the remotest areas of the globe.

The Union Jack symbol moulded into the tailgate isn’t just to proudly signify the Fering’s British heritage either. The bars of the flag act as strengthening ribs to ensure rigidity in the panel.

The first prototype Pioneer is already going through a rigorous testing process and being assessed by early customers and organisations. Series production will start in the UK during the first half of 2022. For more information, visit www.fering.co.uk

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

11

s w e

N

All-New Jeep Grand Cherokee

As Jeep celebrates its 80th year, they have unveiled an all-new Grand Cherokee, which they say its the most technologically advanced, luxurious and 4x4-capable Grand Cherokee ever.

This 5th Grand Cherokee brings all-new architecture, new plug-in hybrid powertrain, all-new exterior design, and all-new interior with world-class craftsmanship and first-to-market technologies to the global full-size SUV segment.

More powertrains - with 4xe (PHEV) technology targeting to deliver an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range, 57 miles per gallon equivalent (mpge) and a combined driving range of more than 440 miles (708 km).

More legendary capability – the new Trailhawk 4xe has conquered the Rubicon Trail in full-electric operation. New class-exclusive sway bar disconnect allows for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain More technology - Uconnect 5 with a segment-first front passenger screen, new high-definition rear-seat entertainment system and Active Driving Assist More space and versatility - with 144.6 ft3 of total interior passenger volume and 37.7 ft3 of cargo space, the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers enhanced levels of comfort and spaciousness, including accommodating a set of golf clubs transversely in the cargo hold, if that’s your thing.

More innovative features - with an all-new architecture, exterior design, and interior, with front passenger screen and Amazon Fire TV, independent front and rear suspensions and class-exclusive Quadra-Lift air suspension with electronic semi-active damping 12

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

More world-class craftsmanship - resulting in the most luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, including the Summit Reserve trim with Palermo leather interior and 950-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

More safety - with more than 110 advanced safety and security features, including Active Driving Assist with hands-on automated driving, plus 360º surround view and night vision cameras.

While the Grand Cherokee unveiled this week is the US specification and will arrive in Jeep retailers in North America later in 2021, Jeep UK have confirmed that it will be coming to the UK in 2022. The UK line-up, specification, pricing and further details will be available closer to its arrival.

Ne

ws

Truckman introduces the new electric Mountain Top EVOe cover Providing secure storage and protection from the elements for luggage and equipment, the Mountain Top EVOe utilises advanced technology for its convenient and safe operation. Operated via a remote key fob which activitivates a dual-speed belt drive and a softclose mechanism, offering users the ability to stop the roll cover in any position, allowing for versatile cargo storage.

An integrated automatic LED light activates when the cover is opened to help illuminate the truck bed and remains lit until the EVOe is closed. In addition, the EVOe has a one-click auto calibration facility and a manual mode in case of power failure. The light also activates a blinking mode during the calibration process.

As an advanced safety feature, the EVOe has an emergency stop and reverse ‘anti-pinch’ function, which activates if it detects equipment or someone’s hand between the profiles or the tailgate.

Sharing the stylish design, robust manufacture and many of the features of the recently launched Mountain Top EVOm, also stocked by Truckman, the retractable roll cover is available for the Double Cab versions of the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, Ford Ranger,VW Amarok and the Double and Extra Cab models of the Isuzu D-Max.

Manufactured from lightweight aluminium, the EVOe has strength and durability required for a long life, and, with a smooth powdered coated finish and infinity design, its sleek and sporty styling matches the lines of modern pick-ups. It is also highly secure with knife-proof aluminium slats and no external handle which helps prevent any unauthorised access to the truck bed.

The design also helps maximises truck bed storage. The cover sits on top of the bed, which increases clearance height and features the smallest storage canister on the market which provides more space for storing cargo.

The EVOe has been rigorously tested to withstand the wettest conditions, boasting a 6-point clever water management system that can drain up to 40 litres per minute. With its unique ClickTech system and built-in accessory tracks, the EVOe is easy to install and can be adapted with accessories such as bike carriers, cross bars, roll bars and other off-road accessories.

The Mountain Top EVOe is available from £1,778.38 exc.

VAT and can be ordered from www.truckman.co.uk.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

13

s w e

N

Toyota RAV4 Adventure

Toyota is widening the SUV appeal of the RAV4 with the introduction of the new RAV4 Adventure, an addition to the range that reinforces the model’s “go anywhere” spirit with stand-out rugged styling that’s ready for life in the great outdoors.

This new version will broaden the model’s market reach to people who want a vehicle that matches their love of life off the beaten track, while preserving the performance and efficiency benefits of Toyota’s hybrid electric technology.

The RAV4 Adventure includes an all-black grille with front fog lights in new black surrounds along with wider wheel arches and new 19” alloy wheels with a matt grey finish.

In the cabin there’s a dedicated upholstery design for the seats, combining smooth, black synthetic leather with deeply quilted back and cushion sections, with contrasting orange stitching. RAV4 Adventure scuff plates are also fitted.

The RAV4 Adventure is powered by Toyota’s fourth generation hybrid electric technology and is equipped as standard with intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i), provided by an additional compact electric motor on the rear axle.

The efficient yet powerful hybrid powertrain, combines electric motors and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – a unit with one of the world’s highest thermal efficiencies for a production engine – delivers 219bhp. AWD-i allows for (braked) loads of up to 1,650 kg to be towed.

The new model also adopts detail changes that are being introduced across the RAV4 range for 2022, including new projector-type LED headlights and LED front fog lights. A new 10-spoke alloy wheel design will be introduced in bright silver or gloss black according to equipment grade.

In the cabin the focus is on added comfort and convenience with new LED lighting, power adjustment for the front passenger seat, illuminated window control switches and new, USB-C ports suitable for charging phones and devices while on the move.

The latest changes maintain the momentum of the world’s best-selling SUV. In 1994, the original RAV4 created a new market for recreational SUVs with car-like agility, a breakthrough that has since earned it more than 10 million global sales. Its spirit of innovation has been maintained as the first model in its segment to offer hybrid electric power.

UK deliveries for the new Toyota RAV4 Adventure and the refreshed RAV4 model range will begin in first quarter of 2022. Prices and further details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

14

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

T-Shirts, Hoodies, Stickers, Badges & Bags

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!

We won’t make you drink the Kool Aid…promise!

If I mention the word policy, most people switch off. People think policy is boring, dry, even dictatorial. But policy isn't about telling people what to do, it tells people what we do, how we do it, and often why.

All members get access to every policy, we send it out to answer questions that come through official channels (Facebook drama does not apply), there is nothing secretive about it, no 'cult initiation ceremony' to go through to get access. So in the interest of transparency, this month we're going to look at our 'Negotiating Lane Cases' policy word for word.

There is no such thing as a simple project. Many stakeholders may be involved from the local council, Natural England or Natural Resources Wales, landowners, police, reps, and many others depending on what the physical work entails, and the legal, social, environmental, and financial elements that invariably must be addressed by all parties too.

So yes we do have a project policy, but we are not in control of the whole process. What may happen isn't always what we would like to see happen. So, let's walk through each step of our policy and lay the process bare for all to see.

16

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

1.

“When engaging with Local Authorities in negotiations relating to cases where public motorised access rights are at risk,The Green Lane Association (GLASS) representatives should make every attempt to preserve access for all where possible.”

This is fairly self-explanatory. We identify where our rights are at risk, a proposed Traffic Regulation Order for example, and step in to attempt to protect access for ALL. This includes 4x4s, motorcycles, members, and non-members 'where possible', because sadly it isn’t always possible! More on that later…

2.

“If closure is being considered as a potential management strategy by a Local Authority, GLASS representatives should provide evidence that closure is not management and that more proactive methods can be used to deter inconsiderate usage and illegal activities (often unconnected to green laning) without impacting public access rights in such a blunt fashion. Noting that Authorities should not use a power to negate fulfilling a duty.”

Another standard clause. While closure is often seen as the go-to 'solution' we know that is not acceptable, and is also often not a solution, at best it only moves the problem elsewhere.

If a lane is under threat due to illegal driving, closing a lane won’t stop the culprits continuing. If these mud-forbrains types cared about breaking the law they wouldn’t have driven off-piste in the first place, so the likelihood they will stop, because the lane they drove off onto private land is no longer legally accessible, is highly unlikely.

We do not believe that public rights should be reduced because a tiny minority break the law, if we did that in all aspects of life we’d have to ban most daily activities, and driving (both on and off tarmac) full stop!

3.

“Every effort should be made by GLASS representatives to discuss alternatives to closures.This may involve signage, maintenance work, education, installation of cameras, and/or temporary restrictions (Restrictions should always only be discussed as a last resort) such as seasonal closures. Refer to historic cases for more details.”

Solutions that actually work, or have the potential to work, without impacting everyone’s rights are many and varied. So varied, and also often quite specific depending on the unique circumstances of a specific project, local authority, and other considerations, that we can’t detail them in their entirety in a policy.

But we do have numerous historic cases that can be used both as guides and examples of what has worked in the past. We also have numerous resources, and a very healthy fighting fund to help us.

4.

“Where negotiations single out one motorised user type, such as 4x4s or motorcycles, GLASS should maintain the viewpoint that access should be for all where practicably possible.”

Another way of saying that we work to preserve access for all motorised users irrespective of what they drive or ride 'where practicably possible'.

Some lanes simply are not wide enough for a 4x4, this would obviously mean that we would then have to fight for the rights of other smaller motorised vehicles in some cases, which brings us on to...

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

17

• 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 •

5.

“In cases where highways are believed to be too narrow for 4x4s, the GLASS response should be based on evidence and judged on a case by case basis. Where this is true GLASS should support width restrictions for the safety of all.

Note: The fact a lane appears narrow is often down to lack of maintenance with regard to cutting back vegetation and overhanging trees. GLASS would not consider this a legitimate reason in those cases.The true highway width will be apparent on historic maps and attempts should be made to increase the width where this is possible.”

We of course would only support width restrictions or motorcycle only rights if this was legitimately the only possible outcome. If, through cut backs, clearances, or other maintenance work, lanes could accommodate a 4x4 then we will of course make every attempt to ensure that access for all is fought for, and that remedial works take place to reinstate the full width of a carriageway where possible.

6.

“Where permit systems of any kind are being considered by a Local Authority, GLASS representatives should make every attempt to avoid reducing public access rights. This includes making attempts, where possible, to avoid a 'members only' permit strategy.”

In basic terms - we want to avoid permit only access wherever possible. If we didn’t we’d be breaching point 1. It doesn’t mean we will always be successful, after all it is the local authority who has the final say, but we will make every attempt to negotiate access for all.

7.

“Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) should be negotiated with caution, and used with preference to the surrounding land and not the public highway where at all possible.”

PSPOs are a complex entity. On the surface they sound great because they allow for a more flexible approach to management than Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) do. They’re also not permanent (although can be extended) and can be reviewed and changed during their term unlike permanent TROs. But, because they can be reviewed and amended this can mean that local authorities can change things after we’ve negotiated terms, and depending on the motives of the authority this can be risky. In other cases they may be an appropriate solution, or at least one where motorised users are represented throughout the review process, and in these cases there is far less risk involved.

Generally speaking, we would much prefer to see PSPOs used to manage the land adjacent to a lane, for example during off-piste cases. This also allows for further prosecution if people do not behave themselves; illegal drivers can be served under Section 59 of the Highways Act, and for breach of the PSPO. Win-win, or lose-lose depending on how you look at it.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

19

8.

“In complex cases where closure cannot be avoided without a reduction in access rights, GLASS may have to agree to measures that go against our core beliefs.

This action should only be taken as a last resort in cases where access rights for motorised vehicles would otherwise be lost in their entirety.”

9.

“When there is no other option than to agree restricted access to preserve some form of motorised access rights, GLASS representatives should act on behalf of our membership. It is their financial contributions that allow us to fight cases, often five figure sums, therefore we cannot support organisations or people who have failed to represent themselves or to contribute towards the case.”

When things get really tricky sometimes we face an ultimatum: closure or restricted access. There are no further negotiations to enter into, and the local authority gives us a black and white choice, option 1: some people can drive the lane, or option 2: no one at all can drive the lane ever again. In these cases, while we would very much prefer not to, option 1: restricted access to some, is the best outcome from a less than ideal situation. Then things can get even trickier…

At this point in the process GLASS will have spent some serious money and time fighting the case, every option will have been exhausted. We may have been joined in the battle by other organisations, others may have failed to represent themselves.

In all cases where other organisations are involved we will have been negotiating together, and liaising with each other, while spending our members’ money to help us to do so. Therefore, at the point where the ultimatum changes to 'members only or closure', we simply have to accept the members only path or lose all rights completely. This luckily is yet to happen though, but we have come close!

We cannot represent those who have not contributed, this would mean not only spending our time and our members’ money on those who have not assisted at all throughout the process, but it would also mean any negotiations on our part would directly impact other organisations and their members. That just isn’t acceptable, neither for us to believe we have that right, and not acceptable for the members of other organisations either they joined up because they believed their organisation would represent their views, uphold their organisation’s policy and rules, and spend their money fighting for them, so we cannot step in without their consent and input simply because they failed to represent themselves.

Anyone who is not a member of an organisation may well feel left out at this point, but where there is no alternative - lose all rights or only some - we must agree to losing some rather than all. Other people have paid a premium to protect their rights through an opportunity to join organisations that anyone could have taken advantage of, and this must be respected.

It should not be forgotten that those who are not members benefit all the time from those who pay into active organisations.

In the VAST majority of cases we only reach points 1-5 and in every case ALL laners and trail riders benefit from closures being fought against, maintenance work being carried out, reps improving relationships with stakeholders, and more.

That benefit is only made possible because others pay into the organisations who fight for our rights, without that point I would have never begun and every risk to laning would have resulted in another lane lost.

20

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

WEB WHINGEING Invariably something will get some negative attention online during the course of a month, although more often than not the negativity is not deserved. I’m not on many Facebook groups, and don’t have the time or inclination to keep up with many of those I am on, so I thought I’d include a new section to address the gripes that get passed on to me.

‘Revive the Woods’ in Essex The latest thing to have grabbed the attention of the serial complainers is an off-piste activity project in Essex.

To summarise: Some illegal motorised users have been veering off the legal route and into adjacent privately owned woodland causing a god-awful mess. The landowner runs a community interest company called Let’s Get Out C.I.C. Their remit is to provide outdoor education, they are an official Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme provider, and they also sponsor those whose financial position would normally prevent them from accessing outdoor activities.

Because the company is a community interest, they don’t have vast amounts of cash to splash on securing the byway and fixing the damage in the woodland, so they started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds www.crowdfunder. co.uk/revive-the-woods.

Our local Rep, Rob Tongue, got in contact to see how we could help, as we would do in any case where there has been illegal activity and criminal damage on and around a lane. Any illegal activity and damage risks our rights being reduced or extinguished, we simply cannot ignore it.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

21

Phase one of the project focuses on securing the byway and the woodland from illegal activity such as off-piste driving and trespass.

We are funding that phase and in doing so will benefit far more than the average offpiste solution we get involved in.

Every item (gate, fence section, etc) GLASS money funds will have our signage on it, information boards will be placed around the site, our literature will be made available to all who use the area, and anyone who attends the woodland outdoor education facility will now have access to information about what green laning is, and shown that we’re not all irresponsible countryside wreckers!

We will also have the opportunity to meet with other outdoor educators at events held at the venue, and the lane is no longer under threat of being singled out for restriction/ closure due to the nuisances who have been trashing the place.

22

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

This is EXACTLY what GLASS is all about, what we do month in and out, and what people expect of us - fixing/ protecting lanes and our rights to drive them, and stopping those who put that at risk (off-piste drivers), while fostering positive relationships with local landowners and residents.

Understandably this comes at a cost, and the money GLASS has invested here is substantial, £10,000. Although that seems a large sum, it is a drop in the ocean compared to several cases we are fighting through the courts to preserve our rights. What’s more, cases like this bring the local community on our side. In the this case the previously anti-4x4 landowners, users, and local residents now love us and want us involved in everything!

I personally don’t understand the negative comments on the internet. These people come across as very sad and bitter when they attack worthy projects that benefit us all. I guess some people are clearly determined to attack GLASS whatever we do. If only they put as much energy into saving the lanes, then we would have a much stronger community to fight off closures. Sadly a minority seem determined to wreck the only 4x4 focused organisation fighting to keep the lanes they profess to love so much open!

That’s almost all from me folks…just a quick announcement that we have changed our media/comms setup because we are so unbelievably busy!

We now have a new Social Media Officer in addition to the existing media team, so I will no longer be involved online. I will continue to manage the astronomical and ever-growing workload that comes with the Comms role though!

As always if you have any questions or topics you’d like me to discuss, get in touch at lauren.eaton@glass-uk.org Happy laning!

Lauren x

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

23

Jeep Compass 1.4ltr What is it

The Jeep Compass has been with us for quite a while now, and whilst it’s focussed on the family car buyer, it’s still a Jeep at heart.

On the road

To be fair, our week with the Compass involved mainly motorway work, from Lancashire down to Bedford, down to Wokingham, and so on - well over 600 miles in total.

Jumping in and driving the Compass for the first time reminded me of driving the Volvo XC range in that it’s firm to the point of being stiff, not uncomfortably stiff, just firm. This translated well on smooth country lanes, but along rough road surfaces it became a little noisy and unsettled. The firmness didn’t affect its cruising ability mind, and the turbo equipped 170bhp petrol engine had a nice amount of poke, and the 9-speed auto box proved a nice match.

After a week of long distance driving and the odd foray green laning, the 1.4ltr petrol achieved on average 28mpg, which isn’t that far from the official WLTP figure of 30.4mpg.

26

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Off road

This particular Compass came fitted with Jeep’s Active Drive 4wd system, so it didn’t matter what obstacles I aimed it at.

Granted, there wasn’t much flex, but the Compass made light work of pretty much everything, though on occasions it was the lack of aggressive tyres that let us down. As we all know, tyres make’th the off-roader, and a good set of all terrains is all you would need to make the Compass better.

The Active Drive system, by the way, is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of 4WD, and at any speed.

The dial just in front of the gear-lever allows you to set it for snow, sand and mud. And if things get too gnarly, there’s a 4WD Lock button.

The only thing that did concern me slightly was the low approach angle, though it does include a rubber bib that bends and flexes quite a bit - which was handy!

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

27

Interior

Sat in the drivers seat, the large dials on the dash are easy to read and everything important is to hand.

I was slightly disappointed to only find one USB up front, but for longer journeys we normally carry a separate charger. Most things are controlled through the touchscreen infotainment system that’s nicely integrated into the dash, and there’s also lots of buttons to play with. Oh, and the UConnect system works well and is simple to navigate through the menus.

28

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

For a compact 4x4 there’s plenty of head and shoulder room, especially for two big ‘uns like us.Though, if I have one complaint it’s that the seats are a tad too firm. Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t uncomfortable, just firm. Muddy Madam did quite a lot of gripeing about the passenger seat headrest protruding too far forward, making her incredibly uncomfortable. She declared that it was so bad that it would actually stop her buying one!

Rear passenger legroom is adequate for tall people and there’s a large fold down armrest with two cupholders. In the boot you’ll find an adjustable floor that, at the deepest of its three settings, provides 438ltrs of space, although it does leave a large lip at the boot's entrance.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

29

Engines ’n’ transmission

There’s good selection to choose from, five in total; three diesels and two petrols and two transmissions, including a segment-first ninespeed automatic for 4x4 models or a six-speed manual transmission for both 4x2 and 4x4 drive.

Conclusion

With its iconic seven-slot grille, commanding front end and stylish presence, the Compass is a nicely packaged and compact SUV. As I mentioned, as it was pretty much all motorway work, but on the short technical lanes that I did manage to drive the Compass proved itself more that capable.

Despite not doing much in the way of exploring and muddy adventures, it didn’t stop me from enjoying my week with it,

32

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

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 THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

33

F iesta Acti ve What is it?

All manufacturers seem to be doing it these days, adding extra cladding here and there to make a normal 2wd hatchback look chunky and purposeful - you can probably blame Rover for this when they created their Rover 25 Streetwise. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, of course, it’s becoming a popular niche.

The Fiesta Active comes with the aforementioned extra cladding and rides 18mm higher than normal. Don’t get excited, mind, that’s less than the diameter of a 1 pence piece! Of course the suspension is modified and the tracks are 10mm wider to accept slightly taller tyres.

36

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

On the road

If there’s any difference between the Active and a standard Fiesta I’m going to say that the former is a little bit softer over undulating roads, though the steering remains sharp, as does corning.

The 1.0ltr 98bhp will take you from 0-62mph in 12.7 seconds, and you can enjoy a cheeky rasp from the engine whilst getting there.

The 6-speed manual box is lovely and slick, but sticking to a steady 30mph and I often found myself swapping between 3rd and 4th

gear as 3rd was a little too low and 4th was a little too high.

Whilst I’m being critical, the brakes felt a tad snatchy, which can be normal for cars that regenerate battery power through braking, though other cars are more seamless. That said, it didn’t detract from me having a lot of fun in the Active, and with an average of 49mpg over the week, it proved to be quite frugal, too. I should add that that’s with a lot of short journeys, as well as motorway blasts.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

37

Off road

As I mentioned earlier, it’s a 2wd car with only the slightest of suspension mods to help it deal with life off the beaten track.

That said, on a particular cobbled lane not far from Muddy Towers it was bloomin’ uncomfortable, being fair it’s more at home on dirt tracks and country lanes.

Surprisingly, the Active has quite good approach and departure angles, and when it came to traction I was quite surprised. It handled driving up steep tracks with lose stones and the odd wheel lift with relative ease.

It does have 3 Drive Modes that help; Normal, Eco and Slippery.

The latter worked really well.

40

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Interior

It’s still a small car and therefore I felt a little claustrophobic. The steering wheel’s too big for me and I wasn’t keen on how the the roof up front is too close to my head.

That said, it has good visibility all ‘round and tick the right boxes and you can have more hard-wearing interior fabric - excellent if you have a more active lifestyle.

All the switches and dials sensibly laid out and everything’s pretty easy to use.You get a 6.5” touchscreen infotainment system as standard which sits annoyingly in the middle of the dash (you know how much I dislike these things). Opt for the range-topping Active X and it grows to 8”.

The heating and ventilation controls are intuitive to use and the built-in temperature readout is clear and easy to read.

There isn’t much room for back seat passengers, so young children only I’d say.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

41

Engines ’n’ transmission The Active comes with a choice of 4 engine options, from the 100hp, 125hp and 155hp 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol hybrid, all available with the lovely 6-speed manual ‘box. Checking the Ford website just before going to press, only the 125hp version is available with a 7-speed DCT auto and there was no diesel option

42

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Conclusion

It certainly looks the part, but personally I found the EcoSport Active to be better, but as the Fiesta is the UK’s best selling car, what do I know!

Why would you buy an Active over a normal version?

Maybe you want the extra protection it offers when venturing off tarmac onto uneven and muddy carparks when dogging, I mean dog walking! Maybe you want the extra cladding for supermarket carpark incidents, or maybe you just like the look of it. For whatever reason, the Active is stylish and you get a lot of gear thrown in, like LED Projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, Quickclear heated windscreen and Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter, the list goes on. The Active models start at around £18,000, and around my neck of the woods especially is proving to be quite a popular buy.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

43

MWM Spartan EV

T

here are only a few cars these days that make me grin like a Cheshire cat - a full fat Range Rover, Suzuki Jimny, the Lady Niva, and of course a V8 Mustang. However, since last month there’s a new 4x4 that’s just been added to the list - the MW Motors all electric Spartan.

You may look at the photos and think, “Hang on, isn’t that one of those cold-war era Russian UAZ 469s that were thrashed by Soviet armed forces on some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world?” And the answer would be yes, kinda.

You see, using the old philosophy, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, UAZ still produce the 469, but these days it’s called the Hunter.

46

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

So what is the MWM Spartan EV all about?

MW Motors decided that there was a need for an all electric workhorse, and the UAZ Hunter fitted the bill perfectly. So, cutting a long story short, they made a deal with UAZ for them to manufacture the base vehicle in Russia, with the right hand conversion completed at factory. Once ready full electrification of the vehicle is completed by MWM in Czech Republic ready for UK, and this is how the Spartan came to be.

Spartan by name, spartan by nature.

Just as you would expect for a 4x4 that’s been designed and built for hard work, it’s quite minimalist.

There are no fancy interiors or accessories - imagine a Series Land Rover but far comfier and more spacious.

The whole point of the Spartan EV is to be a simple and rugged 4x4 that’s ready and willing to access the most remote places, yet with the ultimate ecofriendly credentials.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

47

Is it any good?

Oh yes!

I met up with Rosh down at Tixover quarry near Stamford, where I had the site all to myself for the whole afternoon, and the and the best thing was, Rosh wasn’t precious about where I drove it.

This particular vehicle is a testing mule that was still being used for development purposes, so you can excuse any rough edges.

After jumping behind the steering wheel, my first thoughts were how comfortable the seats were, despite how basic they looked.

Then, after setting off around the quarry, I was taken aback by how subtle the ride was, which was hardly surprising as the Spartan has front independent coil springs with an anti-roll bar and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear.

As you sit quite high, visibility is not dissimilar to an old style Ninety as you look down on everything around you, none of those sloping bonnets that make you wonder how far you are away from rocks and trees.

The more I drove the Spartan around Tixover, the more confident I became with its capability, to the point I wasn’t just driving up steeper inclines, but I was choosing more

50

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

challenging ascents with both loose surfaces and deep undulating ruts.

On one particular daunting hill, as I was driving as slow as I possibly could, we reached the top and as one front wheel fell into a hole, the opposite grabbed around a foot of air, and traction was lost. Reversing back down I could have tried it again but with a bit more momentum, but this Spartan had a rear locker, which will be an optional extra, so why not put it to good use?

Again, I drove up the hill, and again as we reached the top the off-side wheel took to the air, but this time, with minimal effort, the Spartan carried on as if it had just mounted a kerb!

Further on the rear locking diff did its job superbly when the Spartan was faced with an even steeper hill covered with a loose stones. Rosh told me that before I had arrived he’d attempted it without success, but he hadn’t used the locker. This time, with locker engaged, we both managed to conquer it, many times in fact, once for photos, another time for a cheeky video, and again for fun!

The 120kW motor has an enormous 600Nm of torque and it’ll pretty much idle up the steepest of terrain, and on the road the 63kW battery is good enough for around 125 miles. But it’s off road where it comes into its own, as after 3 hours of intense and technical off-roading it was only down by 15%. In fact, Rosh told me that when a potential customer in the mining industry borrowed it, after three days of hard work, it still had 20% of battery life left.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

51

52

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

With an energy recovery system as standard that is able to recover up to 60kW through kinetic energy, the 63kW battery pack also has a fast charging capability and can be charged up to 80% during a typical lunch break.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon with Rosh and the Spartan, let there be no doubt that it’s a very capable 4x4.

MW Motors have designed the Spartan for customers such as real 4×4 enthusiasts, the agricultural community, forestry workers and underground mining companies who believe they’ve been abandoned by large car manufacturers.

Prices for the Spartan EV start at £35,395 + VAT and the final price depends on the colour of the body and optional equipment: Towing Hitch - £195 + VAT Anticorrosive Treatment - £420 + VAT Colours - Green & White

Metallic Black & Metallic Dark Grey - £429 + VAT Delivery - POA, DVLA Registration Fee - £55,VED - Zero Warranty - 2 years A 90kWh battery pack will become available in the future, possibly later in 2022.

All vehicles come with 2 years warranty, and currently the lead time is 26 weeks with a plan to reduce to 20-22 weeks in the future.

more at » https://spartan.mwmotors.cz Email - rosh.mendis@mwmotors.cz Tel: +44 (0)1784 465 681 & Mob: +44 (0) 7395 245 210

As if the Spartan couldn’t get any better, not only can it tow up to 2.5 tonnes, but it has a strong rigid ladder style chassis, selectable 2 and 4-wheel drive, five doors and five seats with a fully opening rear tailgate.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

53

54

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

H S A L F IVE DR

What is a Flash Drive? On media days we get to drive cars for around an hour, which is great when you want to get a feel for it, but not necessarily enough for a full review, so these are our mini reviews.

Citroën C4 Sense PureTech 100 With an on-the-road price of just £21,860, the pretty much base spec C4 Sense first wowed me with its quirky and typical Citroën looks. Granted, it won’t be to everyone's taste, but sometimes it’s good to be different.

Available with three different power outputs (100PS, 130PS and 155PS), the former still had some umph, and the manual 6-speed gearbox was slick.

What Citroën do well is comfort, and whilst the C4 didn’t waft me along in Range Rover like comfort, with their 'Advanced Comfort' seats and clever Progressive Hydraulic Cushion Suspension, it was certainly one of the comfiest cars of the day.

All this comfort did mean that it wallowed a bit around

56

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

corners, and at 50mph it was the only car that went ever-soslightly air-borne over a humpback bridge on my test route.

Don’t tell Citroën that.

Because it’s a Citroën the interior is just as funky, and all the C4 models are well-equipped, even this affordable Sense trim features LED headlights, a 10” media display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a whole host of driverassistance tech, including a city braking.

It did amuse me when I jumped in and tossed the key fob into the cubby hole and searched for the start button - it doesn’t have one, the entry-level Sense actually has a proper key that you actually put into an ignition and have to actually turn - how retro!

Inside there are plenty of open cubby areas to store things and two USB sockets on either of the centre console, which is a nice touch. The air vents on the dash are massive and allowed plenty of air-conditioned air to cool the cabin during this warm day.

I also appreciated that the heater controls are dials, which was a pleasant surprise, and the whole dash and steering wheel are quite high or I was sitting low, whichever, it was a nice driving position.

Despite having adequate leg room for rear seat passengers, because of the sloping roof they’ll probably end up banging their heads whilst getting in and out until they get used to it.

It doesn’t matter which C4 model you opt for, with prices starting from £21,000 to £29,000, they represent excellent value for money, and hopefully I’ll get one for a proper review sometime soon.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

57

H S A L F IVE DR

Jeep CJ-7 Earlier on in the year Muddy Madam and I visited Millbrook for the annual SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) day - basically it’s like speed dating for cars, and amongst the many vehicles that we looked forward to driving was Jeep’s beautifully restored CJ-7.

Despite my eagerness to get it out on the hill route, there was also a slight trepidation as I knew that the 2.5ltr in-line 4 cylinder engine, producing a mere 87bhp and mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox, wasn’t going to be the quickest vehicle out there! Also, I was warned that due to the size of the tyres there would be a bit of ‘wallowing’ that I needed to be aware of.

Once strapped in we headed off, and so far so good, it felt great. We pulled over into the photo area, and I was able to have a thorough look around it. It really was immaculate, a museum piece in fact, which made me even more nervous about taking it on the hill route with must faster cars, tight bends, steep accents and descents, the odd adverse camber with a rumble strips thrown in for good measure - this may have been a bad decision.

58

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Back on the hill route and the wallowing that I was warned about transpired to be something else - there was a good couple of inches play in the steering, and when I braked it was anyones guess in which direction I was going!

On one of the hills we barely managed to reach the top in second gear, in fact we had one of the many marshals that are scattered around the course egging us on, and just as I was about to slip the Borg Warner SR-4 ‘box into first, we made it to the top, much to everyones delight, and my relief.

On arrival back to the Jeep stand I have to admit I was relieved that my first ever CJ-7 experience was over, though it was still enjoyable, and given the chance I’d still love to buy one.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

59

H S A L F IVE DR

Toyota Yaris Cross Premier Edition I’ve been looking forward to driving a Yaris Cross since I first set eyes on the media images many months ago.

At last month’s SMMT media day, over at Wetherby racecourse, I finally achieved my goal, albeit only for 20 minute drive, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

On road the 3-cylinder 1.5ltr hybrid engine may not be the quickest in its sector, but was nippy enough for me, and if you're gentle with the accelerator the Yaris Cross will run solely on electric power around town.

60

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Along a twisty and very undulating country lane it handled itself better than some of the larger cars I drove during the event, even on 18” wheels. It was firm without being uncomfortable, and even being 2wd there was good grip and the sense of connection through its accurate steering.

Despite all the interior surfaces being plastic, the Yaris Cross is well appointed, and just like the Toyota Highlander and RAV4 that I’ve recently had on loan, there are plenty of places for your odds ’n’ sods - typical Toyota.

My only moan is that the steering wheel doesn’t rise high enough for my long legs, so during any tight manoeuvres I had to feed the steering wheel through my hands, like I did during my driving test.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but in the back you’re limited to small children and Oompa Loompas.

The majority of models in the Yaris Cross range are two-wheel drive, but the higher trims, like Dynamic and Premiere Editions offer four-wheel drive, which is rare in the small SUV world, and hopefully very soon I’ll have one delivered to Muddy Towers for a proper test.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

61

become a mega Mud Life Supporter 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 a little support whilst we put together the next mag. Buys us a 'hot choc', and you'll 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.

laf Lauren E. Chris Jim H. LRAsser Sniffer

do eople really p rs e k n o b wo the same Yes, these t g, whilst at a m e ir t n e domination. create this d rl o w f o it g a b time plottin !

Mwa-ha-ha

Matt_ske Chris J. Edward P. Billy F. 1 anonymous person 62

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

All these lovely people chose to support us this month.

Thank you all so much, every penny is really is appreciated. aren Lee Damian & K

R A E G & GOODS

E C O G RILL BBQ Advertised as the world's best natural BBQ, the EcoGrill is 100% biodegradable, and is made from the highest quality alder wood and alder charcoal, unlike normal disposable barbecues that are made from cheap materials, including aluminium, and impregnated with fossil-fuel-based accelerants.

It has a natural resin block that you place in the centre which requires only a single match to light, so no nasty chemicals or lighter fluid taste. By using only natural products, the Ecogrill will makes your meal taste like you have cooked it on an open fire!

Once lit, and the flames start to show, you'll find this is the perfect time for cooking using pans and for boiling kettles, and when the flames die down and the charcoal is hot, which takes approximately 20 minutes, it's ready to cook your food directly over it the heat barbeque-style.

The whole block will eventually burn itself down to ash, which is great for camp cooking as you won't leave remains behind.

The EcoGrill comes in 3 sizes - M, L, XL M - size:16-20cm & Burn time: 1.5 - 2 hrs L - size: 22-24cm & Burn time: 2 - 3 hrs XL - size: 24-30cm & Burn time: 4 hrs+ price: from £8.99 (dependent on size) watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/fuPQ35LpwSQ more at » ecogrill-uk.com also available at amazon.co.uk

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

63

R A E G & GOODS

CAMEL TROPHY THE DEFINITIVE STORY

by Nick Dimbleby

If you’ve been around Land Rovers for long enough, there are two names that will stand out, the first is the Camel Trophy, and the second is Nick Dimbleby.

From 1980 to 2000, Camel Trophy took more than 500 amateur competitors from 35 countries on extraordinary and challenging adventures.

On most of these events, teams drove speciallyprepared Land Rovers to the limit and beyond in locations as varied as Borneo, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Tanzania.

Nick’s new book contains chapters on selections, the infrastructure and pre-scouts, and provides a fascinating insight into how the Camel Trophy events were put together. There’s also technical specifications and insights into the design and build of the Land Rovers, Jeeps and RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) used.

THE PEOPLE

As one of the official photographers on the last four events you can not only expect incredible photography, but you can read his first-hand account and shared experiences of competitors, along with reports and extensive new interviews of key event leaders as well as behind the scenes material from staff members.

CHAPTER 1

The people

B

efore you set off on a long and adventurous journey, it’s important to know the people you’re travelling with. In the 20 years that Camel Trophy existed, it was inevitable that some of the world’s most interesting people would be attracted to the Legend in Adventure and want to be part of it. Every year, a new set of competitors would enter the Camel Trophy hall of fame (see Appendix), but the ultimate accolade was being asked to come back the next year as a support driver or competition marshal. That way you really made your mark on the event, and – to be fair – the event made its mark on you.

As well as the competitors who earned their coveted invitation back by impressing CT Management, there were many logistics, film/photo, communication and adventure specialists who were hired for their professional skills. Working on Camel Trophy not only meant that you were one of the best in your field, it also showed you were someone who was able to adapt to difficult circumstances quickly and with a sense of humour. Being comfortable in an environment that was about as far away from the corporate office world as it is possible to get was a prerequisite for Camel Trophy.

Published in hardback and containing 336 pages with over 930 quality images, Nick’s book is a must-have buy for every Land Rover and Camel Trophy enthusiast.

RRP: £60 currently £55.80 (at time of publishing) at Amazon.co.uk

Above: fun and games outside Eastnor Castle in 1995. UK Team Manager Fiona Harbottle in the middle. Right: just a few of the faces you’ll meet in this book.

16

17

SELECTIONS INTRODUCTION

SELECTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Main image: the mud was relentless on Camel Trophy Amazon ’89. Inset left: early morning on Tanzania-Burundi ’91. Inset right: pre-scout for Borneo ’85, and an opportunity to take one of the Ninetys for a helicopter ride.

Clockwise from top left: Event Leader Andreas Bender gets to work with the shovel during the recce for Brazil ’84; day breaks on the Camel Trophy camp, Borneo ’85; vehicle recovery on Zaire ’83.

described as the ultimate off-roaders: no fewer than 60 6.5-metre Ribtec RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) powering through the South Pacific on a three-week odyssey around the island nations of Tonga and Samoa.

But it is the film and photography of expedition-equipped Sandglow yellow Land Rovers – more often than not submerged up to their windscreens in water – that will remain the most enduring of all Camel Trophy images. With roof lights blazing each side of that famous Camel Trophy plaque, six different models of Land Rover have featured in 17 editions of the event, driving in conditions ranging from

10

glutinous mud to virgin snow, with every other conceivable surface in between. No wonder that marque enthusiasts the world over still consider Camel Trophy to be biggest and best showcase of Land Rovers off-road ever.

Over time, the event evolved and adapted for a variety of reasons: to counter tobacco legislation, to meet the changing priorities of the parent company paying the bills, to address the concerns of environmentalists who didn’t appreciate the sight of 4x4s driving through the natural environment, and also to appeal to a different audience as national tastes and expectations developed.

But throughout its 20 years of existence, Camel Trophy remained popular. In the later years of the event, it was estimated that over a million men and women from all around the world applied to take part. Camel Trophy was neither a race nor a rally, but a combination of adventure, expedition, competition and a unique display of personal courage, resilience and driving ability. For the most part it stuck to a well-tested formula: using Land Rovers to explore and drive through some of the world’s most exotic, rugged and treacherous terrain, always – despite what critics may have said – using existing tracks to minimise the environmental impact.

Along the way, the international teams took part in a number of set tasks, some of which were competitive (completing a navigational test, a time/speed/distance run, or a task requiring vehicle knowledge, for example), while others were designed to leave a lasting legacy: the building of a remote research station, taking part in an activity that would benefit the local population, or maybe repairing a bridge over a river. Repairing a bridge not only allowed the convoy to move forward, it also left something tangible behind for the locals to enjoy and use.

For most people, however, it was the drive from start to finish that was the heart and soul of Camel Trophy. The challenging route was a trip into the unknown, where every decision made a difference. The wrong choice might mean that the convoy would move only a few hundred metres that day, which in turn meant little sleep and everyone having to

There was a lot of getting stuck during competitors’ training at Eastnor. Inevitably this included a lot of winching practice.

Teams also got a chance to try out the Camel Trophy raft unit – albeit on dry land…

11

256

64

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Trophy Land Rovers available. This was especially the case when markets only had access to their own country’s vehicle from the previous year’s event. If that vehicle had been rolled or seriously damaged, then it was up to that market to get it repaired and ready to use for the next year’s selection process.

For International Training and Selections, (held at Eastnor Castle from 1981 to 1988, then at various other locations internationally), a little more effort was made to ensure that the vehicles being used were suitably ‘Camelised’, with winches, snorkels and Camel Trophy stickers and plaques fitted. However, it was costly to build vehicles specifically for the selections event, so most of the time the vehicles used were ex-press launch vehicles from recent media drives that had been modified to suit.

In 1984, for example, the One Tens used were the CWK …Y series, as used for the media drive at Solihull a few months earlier.

In 1987, meanwhile, the assortment of Range Rover Turbo Ds used at Eastnor for the selections in February were the C… WWK and C… JOA series, previously used on the media drive in Italy, but now fitted with Warn 8274 winches and snorkels.

Not many of them were as immaculate at the end of the three-week selection process as they were on the press launch a few months earlier, so when the vehicles were later sold at auction, they came with a full set of brand-new

(unpainted) body panels in the boot. If the roof had been damaged, a new one was simply strapped onto the top!

For driver training in 1990, which was held at Eastnor Castle in February, Land Rover’s Roger Crathorne was concerned that he wouldn’t have enough new Discoverys to use for vehicle familiarisation. The first 19 Camel Trophy Discoverys for the event were in build and would soon be on their way to Russia, and because the vehicle was newly launched and in high demand by customers, there were precious few Discoverys that could be used for selections.

As the whole process was as hard on the vehicles as it was on the competitors, Roger knew that he needed to have vehicles that weren’t too precious, and to this end he managed to liberate a couple of preproduction Discoverys from the engineering scrapyard that could be used for the really damaging stuff, but the team still needed more vehicles for training. Roger and Land Rover Vehicle Operations Manager John o’Donnell then came up with the brilliant idea of using some of the G-WAC launch Discoverys that had already been damaged on the press launch to fill in the gaps.

Between the two of them, they managed to pool together six Discoverys that had suffered panel damage during the Plymouth press launch in September 1989, and rather than repairing the damage, they were simply

From top left: the One Tens used for 1984 training were the CWK ...Y series used for the press launch; the Turbo D Range Rovers were also former press launch vehicles, as were the G-WAC Discoverys, which were eventually painted Sandglow.

257

R A E G & GOODS

BOOT R EPA IR C O .

T A K E THE SLOW RO AD- FRA N C E I N S PI RA T I O NA L JOUR NEY S R OU ND F RA N C E B Y CA M PER V A N A N D M OT OR H OM E

SUEDE & FABRIC

SHA M P OO & PROTE CT O R SP RA Y

I’ve only driven to France once, and during the hours drive from Calais to Marquenterre I found it pleasant and relaxing, and I figure it is a country I need to see more of.

This is the fourth book in the Take the Slow Road series, and it shows you the best driving routes around France for campervans and motorhomes.

Whether you’re a surfer, wildlife watcher, beach lover or walker, France is full of incredible roads, picturesque countryside spots, vineyards, and breathtaking coastal locations, and this book is full of inspirational journeys for you to take in your camper van, motorhome or SUV with a rooftop tent. It’s all about taking life slowly - stopping to take a picture, make a brew or simply because you want to.

Don’t worry if you don’t own a campervan, this guide shows you where to look to rent one, along with advice and guidance for campervan users, whether you’re a first timer or not.

If you've ever dreamt of touring around France, grab a copy of this book, it’s a brilliant mix of comprehensive, practical info, and descriptions of 26 inspirational routes, with illustrated maps and photos to whet your appetite.

RRP: £20.00 currently £13.99 (at time of publishing) at Amazon.co.uk

I have two pairs of suede boots, the Blundstone 1306 boots I reviewed last month, and a pair of Clarks’ Desert boots that I’ve had for almost an eternity.

Suede is less water repellent and requires much more attention than a leather shoe, so whilst chatting to Tom Forbes from the Boot Repair Company about the naff soles on my Desert boots, and my concerns about looking after suede boots, a colleague of his offered me some Military Suede & Fabric Shampoo and waterproof Protector.

Sold in a 200ml can, the Protector invisibly protects leather, suede, fabric and wool against the penetration of water and stains, and it doesn’t affect the boots breathing ability, either.

Once you’ve sprayed your boots, they’ll be ready to wear after 15 minutes, but for maximum protection you’re better off leaving them to dry naturally overnight.

Both my boots were clean at the time of writing, so I haven’t tried the shampoo yet, but the Protector works an absolute treat! I sprayed my Blundstone boots, left them overnight, and in the morning wore them whilst taking Lilly (the Mud Life dog) out for a very wet walk around the park.

The result - water and muck rolled off them like water off a duck’s back. Brilliant! price: £3.99 (each) more at » bootrepaircompany.co.uk THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

65

THULE LEVELLERS

Weighing in at just 3.6kg, this pair of levellers from Thule can take a maximum weight of 5 tonnes and slot seamlessly together in their own handy carrying bag.

They’re ideal for caravans, motorhomes and of course 4x4s fitted with roof top tents, as attested by a few friends who swear by them.

The levellers have three steps at different heights that make it easier to get the vehicle level, from 44mm, 78mm and 112mm, and are made from a UV proof, stable HD PE material.

Size-wise, they’re 560mm long and 202mm wide, Thule say that they have a larger surface area for increased stability, and for wider tyres prices vary £30 - £40

more at » www.thule.com

New Stuff we've discovered this month BARBOUR PENRITH WOOL JACKET I do like a warm and practical jacket, and the Barbour Penrith Wool Jacket looks like it fits the bill perfectly.

Obviously being a winter jacket it’s waterproof, and features spandex inner wind cuffs, an inner zip fastening pocket for extra protection against harsh winters, and a throat tab with stud detailing.

There are two side handwarmer pockets edged with the same soft brown leather that edges the sleeves, along with lower patch pockets that are box pleated for more room.

The outer is made from 100% wool, with a 100% polyamide inner.

It’s a classic fitted men's woollen jacket that’s great for country (and town) affairs! price £399 more at » www.barbour.com

66

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

GET SOCIAL WITH US

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

67

The Look of Love starring

Lilly, The Mud Life Dog

By Muddy MAdam (AKA - Karen Lee Turner)

As I am writing this it has been almost a month by since the lovely Lilly graced Muddy Towers with her presence, and what a learning curve those days have been.

I haven't owned (or should that be, been owned by) a dog for almost 30 years. My last dog was a German Shepherd, or Alsation as she was then, and since then I have been mum to numerous rescued and rehomed cats. The nearest I've gotten to possessing a dog was when we had our neighbour's dog, Giz, a big Labrador, for a week when she went on holiday. He had a lackadaisical style, but he could also wolf down his food in about 0.01 seconds. It's partly his fault we now have Lilly, as he'd lulled us into a doggy way of life, and when our neighbour moved, and took Giz with her (how dare she!), we had a little animal shaped hole.

I was hankering after another cat, and perused the rescues frequently, but I would also have a sneaky peek at the dogs too. Although I looked, I was adamant that a dog wouldn't fit our laissez-faire, self employed lifestyle, so never took the jump. Then on the 17th of July I announced on Facebook that we were ready for a new cat, but fate intervened, and by the 12th of August Lilly, the non-cat, had arrived.

She is a weird one, unlike any other dog I've come across.

She doesn't gobble down her food, she'll eat a bit, then wander away for a snooze, then a few hours later she'll have another bite.Very odd.

She is also an absolute tart for Damian. You should see how she greets him, even if he's only left the house for half an hour, it's like she wants to re-enact the lift scene from Dirty Dancing the way she launches at him. I do get a bit of loving, but nothing on the scale of the adoration Damian gets.

He is rather happy about this, as all the cats we've had have preferred my squishy thighs to snuggle up on.

She's pretty much perfect in every way, but she has one inbuilt flaw - she is a typical sighthound, which means when she locks onto her preferred prey - SQUIRRELS - nothing will break her will to chase those bushy tailed creatures. As we live next to the biggest park in Bolton, which also happens to have plenty of 68

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

trees, wild areas, and those pesky aforementioned squirrels (who also like to taunt dogs by just sitting in the middle of the paths playing with their conkers), it means that she cannot be trusted off the lead in the park, EVER. We learned this during her second off-the-lead play when she decided that the ball chasing wasn't enough, and that a fast run past her 2 unfit humans was the way to go, and she kept on going!!

So now the plan is to go to enclosed fields to play, and whilst there start whistle training to get some kind of recall instilled into her squirrel obsessed brain.

Wish us luck, I think we're going to need it.

Mud Daddy

Mud Daddy is a totally mobile, compact, environmentally friendly solution for cleaning, washing and rinsing.

We first came across the Mud Daddy at a show a few years ago, and thought it would be a cracking device to keep in the back of a 4x4 - great for cleaning headlights after a day out at Pay & Play sites, as well as your boots before driving home.

The unique design uses water pressure rather than any type of motor, so it’s completely silent, perfect for dogs and horses, and equally good for cleaning tyres after a good day off-roading, or for cleaning kids' wellies after a muddy session of puddle jumping.

Being a sighthound, Lilly is both inquisitive and adventurous, and if there’s mud she’ll find it, so on returning to the car or home, we can give her a thorough wash. Filled with lukewarm water, the 5 litre Mud Daddy is plenty enough to give her a good clean and have loads left over, and not only does it come with a 2 metre hose, but it keeps the water warm for up to 2½ hours.

To use, simply use the pump on the cap to build up pressure, press the lever on the brush's handle and clean away, simple as that.

The only thing to note is that the brush that comes with it is perfect for harder surfaces, but there is a softer brush available that I would recommend for pets, and they also do a handle that has a combined shampoo dispenser too.

Overall, Mud Daddy is the perfect solution for cleaning, washing and rinsing for dogs, boots, bikes… in fact pretty much anything that's dirty! prices: 5 litre - £49.99

8 litre - £59.99

12 litre - £74.99 more at » www.muddaddy.co.uk also available at amazon.co.uk THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

69

Although Lilly is a short haired dog, her coat is pretty dense, and seems to retain loads of water. This makes for a rather stinky wet dog smell, even with just a light smattering of rain, and we found that even after a nice sweet smelling dog shampoo it took ages for her to dry off, which in the cooler months will probably mean a very shivery dog, so I took to the keyboard to find a solution other that just using up our own bath towels.

I wanted something that was easy to put on, as faffing around with snaps, buckles and velcro (which some dogs really hate the sound of) whilst trying to stop your wet dog from escaping and making your entire house wet, is not recommended.

Dogrobes seemed to fit the bill as it slots easily over your pooch's head and spreads out over the body, and then you just pass the long offset ties under the tummy and simply tie them on the top of your dogs back, and it drapes down over the hindquarters to dry the back legs too.

70

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Dogrobes

The good thing is you can just let go and let you dog wander around freely, happy in the knowledge that they aren't going to soak your furshings or your car seats. There is also a handy gap in the back so you still have easy access to their collar or harness loop which is perfect for those walks back from the beach.

The special cotton fibres aid absorption, so there’s no need to rub down. Washing is pretty simple too as you can just chuck it in a normal 40º wash, and as it's just a single layer of fabric means it dries super quickly.

The style we tested is available in 9 great colours, and there are also patterned and knitted versions, so you are certain to find one that suits your dog, price from: £21.95 upwards (dependent on size) more at » dogrobes.co.uk/all-dogrobes

Dogrobes Gauntlets

When Dogrobes sent the robe they also sent us a pair of their Gauntlets to review, oh and am I glad they did! They are one of those products you never knew you needed, but once you've tried them you'll never be without.

They look like big towelling oven gloves, made with a double layer of their super-absorbent exclusive cotton towelling, that are so simple, yet so incredibly useful.

Dogrobes say they are ideal to use after outdoor adventures, swimming or bathing, and I agree they are, but they are simply brilliant for everyday use too. They have become invaluable in our house after wet and muddy walks in the park, as Lilly's belly seems to attract dirt like the backside of a cyclist without mud guards! We simply put them on and rub her down, that's it! No more mud or water, and doing her legs is a breeze.

I'd definitely recommend getting yourself a pair, or probably a couple of pairs, with our typical British wet weather, so you can wash one set and have another ready to go. These are my favourite, and most used product so far. price: £20.95 (available in the same 9 colours to match the Dogrobes)

more at » dogrobes.co.uk/all-gauntlets

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 Barbour Jacket Dog Toy Who knew Barbour made dog toys?

Not me, but really I shouldn't have been surprised as The Mud Life has covered many a Game Fair, and the abundance of Barbour dressed mutts (OK mutts is the wrong description, more like pedigree hounds) is overwhelming, so I should have realised that Barbour would also create stylish toys for them to play with.

Styled after one of Barbour's classic waxed jackets (without the waxing), this subtle dog toy is a nice alternative to those brightly coloured squashed squirrel or dead duck style toys.

Other than that there isn't much I can add about whether it's good to play with, as unfortunately I have yet to get Lilly to speak, but I can say that she does like making it squeak....a lot! price: £14.95 more at » www.barbour.com/uk/barbour-jacket-dog-toy THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

71

Barbour Wax Dog Coat Despite being short haired, Lilly’s coat is quite dense, and once wet takes an age to dry, which inevitably leaves that wonderful ‘wet dog’ aroma lingering around Muddy Towers. To stop her getting wet in the first place, and to keep her warm, and a bit more snuggly now that winter is approaching, we figured she needed a coat, and what does every stylish sighthound need?

A Barbour of course!

Damian headed over to the Barbour website to have a look at their selection of dog coats, and opted for their waxed cotton version with cotton tartan lining and lightweight wadding.

A classic country look, and one that Damian wouldn't be embarrassed with her wearing. Unfortunately Damian got the measurements a little off and ordered her a medium instead of a large. He had already taken her out in it before I noticed so we kept it. It does sort of fit, it just misses her bum.

72

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Features include a cord collar, and velcro fastening straps, one at the front for the neck and another underbody strap that has a traditional belt style buckle on one side that you use initially to get the correct size, and the easy velcro. fastening on the other side for quick on and release. There’s a keyhole opening on the top of the shoulders so that you can use a harness.

Being a sighthound, Lilly is very inquisitive and forever rummaging in undergrowth searching for small furry animals, and so far her coat has stood up to these rigours. Not only does it fit well and keeps Lilly dry and warm, but she looks pretty stylish, too.

price - £39.95 more at » https://www.barbour.com

Woof Stuff we've seen, but Lilly hasn't tested (yet) WEENECT GPS FOR DOGS AND CATS Normally, Lilly has a good recall, but introduce squirrels into the mix and she’s off, and being new to the Muddy Towers household, I don’t mind admitting that that worries me a little!

Weenect offer GPS trackers for both cats and dogs, that connect to a mobile app (iOS and Android) for real-time tracking, so you always know where they are, no matter how far they’ve wandered.

The pet tracking device also allows you to be alerted if your furry friend leaves a defined geofence, and you’ll receive a notification sent directly to your phone.

It can also be used as a training aid. No need to stand in the back garden rattling food and waiting for your four-legged friend to come home.

By vibrating or ringing its tracker at each meal time, it will end up associating the two events; you can then call it for dinner with a single click in your app. This works with both cat and dog units. price: by subscription Monthly: £9.99 per month (min. 3 months) Yearly: £69.99 prepaid (£5.83 per month) Tri-annual: £134.99 prepaid (£3.75 per month) more at » www.weenect.com/en

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 LAND ROVER ABOVE AND BEYOND PORTABLE PET BOWL They say it's a lightweight foldaway solution for dogs on the move, with a 1.5 litre capacity which is ideal for holding food and drink.

I like the look of this portable pet bowl as it looks better constructed than many fabric ones I've seen, and therefore more likely to stay in shpe when full.

With the 2 straps I think it would probably be much easier to fill the bowl on your tailgate to stop your hungry/thirsty hound getting their nose in the way, and then move it to the floor.

When you add in its handy pack away bag I think this would be a convenient way to feed and water your dog whilst on-the-go. price: £15 more at » shop.landrover.co.uk

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

73

BOND IS BACK

AND SO ARE THE CARS!

No Time To Die starring Daniel Craig, who returns for his fifth and final film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007, also features four iconic Aston Martin models from past, present and future. James Bond’s highly-anticipated return to cinema marks the first time four different models have appeared in a 007 film: the DB5, the classic Aston Martin V8, the brand’s super GT - DBS and the exceptional Aston Martin Valhalla - the forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

76

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

77

Defenders are also at the heart of the action alongside two Range Rover Sport SVRs, a Range Rover Classic and Land Rover Series III.

78

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

79

D

N BO

s w e

N

Beaulieu announces new Bond exhibition for No Time To Die

Beaulieu is set to launch Bond in Motion - No Time To Die, a new exhibition featuring the iconic cars, gadgets and costumes from the latest 007 film that hit the cinemas on September 30th.

The exhibition will be unveiled in the National Motor Museum on October 15th, and Beaulieu MD Russell Bowman said “This entirely new exhibition will offer visitors an exclusive chance to see cars, gadgets and costumes from the highly anticipated No Time To Die, the 25th James Bond film. It follows in the footsteps of our acclaimed Bond In Motion exhibition, which opened ten years ago showing 50 original vehicles from 50 years of Bond - and we know this will be just as popular.”

The exhibition will be the first opportunity for the public to see the folding-wing glider from the film. The full-size model will be suspended above Bond’s iconic silver birch Aston Martin DB5, complete with new LED number plate and machine guns.

Also on display will be the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, driven in the film by new agent Nomi, the No Time To Die Aston Martin V8, last seen in The Living Daylights (1987), and the Chevy Bel Air. Fans of four-wheel drives will enjoy Bond’s Land Rover Series III and the Land Rover Defender 110. A Triumph Scrambler motorcycle and Royal Alloy Scooter will be crowd-pleasers for fans of two-wheelers.

80

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Visitors will also be able to get a first look at new gadgets from the Secret Intelligence Service Q Branch, including Bond’s Q-enhanced Omega Seamaster Diver 300M watch, alongside technical plans for vehicle designs and DB5 weapons. Backdrop screens will show action clips from the movie.

A range of Bond merchandise will also be on display in the exhibition and available to buy in the gift shop as well as the 007store.com. Tickets - www.beaulieu.co.uk

D

N BO

s w e

N

Corgi helps showcase the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation car

To celebrate the return of 007’s iconic Aston Martin DB5 to the big screen, Aston Martin and Corgi unveiled a full-size replica of the original 1965 Corgi DB5 model on the jetty outside Battersea Power Station. The grand unveil was carried out by Marek Reichman, EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda. Reichman was joined by Chris Corbould OBE, Special Effects Co-Ordinator, who is not only responsible for some of the most iconic James Bond action scenes from the past 14 films but was also heavily involved in the engineering of the eight DB5 stunt replicas produced for the movie and the working gadgets on the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars.

The life size model which measures 5.66 metres long, 2.7 metres tall and 2.7 metres deep, replicates the original Corgi design and houses an Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation car. The DB5 is complete with a broad selection of working gadgets that fans will recognise from the classic James Bond film: rotating number plates, a retractable bullet proof rear shield, extending front overriders and of course pop out machine guns.

Just 25 DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars are being produced, more than 55 years after the last DB5 rolled off the line at Aston Martin’s then global manufacturing base in Newport Pagnell. All new cars are authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, available in one exterior colour specification - Silver Birch (just like the original) - with only some sympathetic modifications and enhancements to ensure the highest levels of quality and reliability.

Corgi is the original home of diecast scale modelling. What were once simply toys are now highly sought after in the expanding collectables market and the most famous Corgi release of all time is indisputably James Bond's Aston Martin DB5, first released in 1965. Replicating the action features of the vehicle seen on screen in Goldfinger, it was an instant success earning the UK ‘Toy of the Year’ and ‘Best Boys Toy’ titles at the National Association of Toy Retailers Awards in the same year. Priced originally at around 10 shillings (50p), the model has proven so popular over the years it has had to be retooled numerous times, allowing it to sell over 20 million units worldwide. It is still being produced to this day.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

81

V8 BOND EDITION

Land Rover SV Bespoke has created a new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition to celebrate the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die. Available to order as a Defender 90 or 110 and inspired by the specification of the Defenders that appear in No Time To Die, the stealthy Defender V8 Bond Edition features an Extended Black Pack with 22-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels, signature Xenon Blue front brake calipers and a ‘Defender 007’ rear badge.

The bespoke touches extend to the practical interior, with illuminated ‘Defender 007’ treadplates and a specially developed start-up animation for the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system touchscreen that honours Land Rover’s long partnership with the James Bond franchise.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

83

At night, customers will also spot unique ‘007’ puddle lamp graphics.

Exclusively available to just 300 buyers around the world, the Defender V8 Bond Edition’s interior features laser etching detailing that it is ‘one of 300’, and the SV Bespoke logo.

The UK will receive just 15 Bond V8 Edition vehicles; five Defender 90 and 10 Defender 110 bodystyles. Each vehicle is commissioned by the vehicle personalisation experts at SV Bespoke in the UK.

84

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director, said: “The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in No Time To Die. It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond.”

Based on the recently launched Defender V8, the Bond Edition is powered by a 5.0-litre 525PS supercharged petrol engine, which produces 525PS, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 149mph.

It delivers new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining the V8 with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

85

h c o o M Andy & The Defender Usually, when Andy gets a 4x4 to review I nip up the M6 towards Yorkshire and we explore some Cumbrian lanes, but this time I knew of a few lanes not far from Muddy HQ that would be suitably challenging, not just for Andy, but the new Defender 90 he had on loan.

Despite driving a few Defenders myself recently, after meeting up with Andy in a small village called Denshaw, I suddenly remembered just how wide the new Defender is - and how narrow the first lane I’d pencilled in actually was!

Lanes 1+2 SD9809-11 & SD9810-03 SD9809-11 is a cracking lane that offers some spectacular views over both Castleshaw reservoirs and beyond. The last time I drove was a few years back with Luke and his then partner in their Wrangler Rubicon, it was tight in a few places, especially where the stone wall had collapsed and was leaning inwards, but we managed it.

Being from the 90s, Deux Smurf isn’t full of airbags and side protection bars, so she’s quite slim and was able to get through the narrow bits with ease, and despite Andy’s girth, well, the Defender’s girth, he also managed squeeze through.

Upon reaching the end we turned right onto lane 2, SD9810-03 that heads downwards towards the reservoirs.

It’s quite steep, which wasn’t a problem as the ground is solid and well drained, though I’d imagine it would be fun driving when it's icy as I suspect it could be a bit treacherous, especially heading downwards. Anyone for a spot of Tobogganing?

86

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Lane 3 SD9807-03 Just a few miles we found our next lane, Lark Hill.

With a mild rocky climb it’s quite fun, and around a 1/2 of the way along there’s a diagonal channel that spans across the lane, nothing too challenging.

Having said that, I was crawling up slowly and as I crossed the channel immediately lost traction. My own fault really as I hadn’t engaged Deux Smurf’s centre diff-lock, or used any momentum.

A few photos later, and centre diff-lock engaged, Deux Smurf drove onwards. Time to jump out and see how Andy in the Defender faired. Pretty boring really, the Defender’s electrics kept it going, despite a slight wheel lift.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

87

Lane 4 SD9907-06 Reaching the top we turned left and followed SD9907-06 which is a long, straight wide dirt lane, and suitable for a 2wd car, with care.

Lane 5 SE0008-04 Our next lane was Harrop Edge, quite a gnarly lane with a few deep ruts and a couple of bumper grinding steps to contend with.

Andy didn’t look overly convinced about this lane, and after we’d walked the route, even less so, but he agreed to give it a go in the name of good journalism, and certainly no peer pressure from me!

For Andy and I, negotiating the deep ruts wasn’t a problem, mainly because we were driving downwards, which could be argued is the easiest way to drive Harrop Edge, and you’ll receive no arguments from me, in fact I’ve driven Deux Smurf down this lane 3 times so far, but never once up it!

Once past the ruts it becomes quite narrow with a bit of a lean into some scratchy bushes, fortunately it had been dry of late so traction was good.

After the narrow bit you’re faced with a tight left hand turn, that for Deux Smurf requires around 3 shunts, and then it’s the rock steps.

The first one is quite steep, and when Muddy Madam took a video of me first taking Deux Smurf down it, the rear bumper was millimetres away from getting damaged. No such drama this time ‘round, except for some impressive wheel lifts.

When it was Andy’s turn it looked more dramatic than actually was - being a 90, the wheel lift looked higher, but with a shorter overhang, the Defender walked it.

Our next lane should have been SE0109-01, but I noticed a new gate had been erected, unsurprising really as the damage that’s been caused over the last two years makes it unrecognisable, so for the next 30 minutes or so it all main roads until we reached Holmfirth and the infamous Ramsden Road.

88

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

89

Lane 6 SE1105-05 If you are tackling Ramsden Road from west to east you’ll probably start off by driving along SE1005-06, Rake Head Road and KilnBent Road, they’re dirt tracks with wide puddles in places that can be driven easily enough in a ’normal’ 2wd car.

Ramsden Road begins as a narrow track with a stone wall and trees either side, and once you reach the right hand bend it opens up to become wide and rocky.

For the morons amongst us, there’s the temptation to take it wide and drive offpiste, but we’re made of sterner stuff.

If you keep to the centre there’s quite a large step, and after a bit of track maintenance by building a secondary step with some hefty rocks, I edged Deux Smurf upwards and without much drama climbed up and out.

Andy’s turn, and after widening the rocks due to the Defender’s extra girth, Andy edged forward and without even a hint of wheel spin conquered step. Again boring, but Defender was proving itself not only to be capable, but with a first-class 4wd system, there was no doubt of any damage to both vehicle or ground.

Within a matter of yards, just before the deeply rutted left hand turn that makes Ramsden Road so well known, I again managed to get Deux Smurf properly cross-axled with both opposing wheels off the ground.

It wasn’t a problem of course, I simply reversed a little and took a different line.

Andy simply drove over the obstacle as though it was flattened hedgehog in a carpark.

On our way to the next lane we popped into somewhere I’ve been meaning to visit for quite a while - The Carding Shed, http:// thecardingshed.co.uk and browsed around their superb classic car collection, some of which were for sale via I.K. Sport Classic who offer bespoke car restoration facilities within the factory. It’s good job I have no money otherwise I would have bought a couple!

90

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

91

Lane 7 SE1607-02 Next was Cheese Gate Nab Side, a bit of a mouthful, and quite a challenge, but when we drove it there was a one-way order in place east to west (downwards), and now it’s been completely TRO’d to allow for some repairs and much needed maintenance.

I know a lot of you will bemoan that it’s another challenging lane lost, but I’m confident that most of you will prefer maintenance to it being lost completely, and to be honest, it was getting quite bad.

Not having driven it for a while, it seems to have gotten worse over the last twelve months, with large ruts and holes forming at the top.

Despite it’s worsening condition, both Deux Smurf and the Defender handled it with ease, though Deux Smurf managed to make it look more dramatic than it was, as she lurched from side to side with wheel lifts aplenty!

As you near the bottom there’s an ’S’ bend, and it’s the second bend that’s more severe, as you not only have a deep rut that’s formed into the rocky base, but quite a big step just after it. This section in particular has been affected by all the adverse weather we’ve had and has washed all the dirt away. Still, great for photos.

92

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Lane 8 SE1705-02 Our penultimate lane was quite short, but what it lacked in length it made up for a deep ruts and scratchy bushes! The last time I drove it was a few years ago and the grass and shrubbery surrounding the track was only a few inches tall, now you could lose a small child in it for a week!

If you have a smaller 4x4 I wouldn’t with this lane as you’ll easily find yourself grounded. On Trailwise2 someone has written that even a new Toyota Hilux became stranded.

Lane 9 SE1608-01 And so to our final lane Scar End Lane.

Again, it isn’t the most challenging, and in wet conditions I’ve driven up in a Subaru Outback. It’s quite narrow when you start climbing but it has a solid dirt base and the occasion rock to negotiate, but the main reason I like this lane are the views over New Mill, Holmfirth and beyond, they’re stunning.

Apart from the odd scratch here and there, the day had gone without a hitch. The new Defender in all sense and purposes had walked it and Deux Smurf didn’t do too badly, either.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

93

es d i R s ' r e Read

Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?

My name is Rich Hudson and I am 28 years old. I am an Engineer from Bristol, although right now I am currently travelling Europe with my partner Emily!

History of cars leading up your present 4x4 Mk1 Mazda MX5, 200SX S13, R34 Skyline, Lexus Gs430, and a BMW E30. The only previous 4x4s I have owned are a Land Rover Discovery 3, a Jeep Cherokee and a Suzuki Vitara.

Present 4x4(s) 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf Gen 3 (Import) - Started its time with me as my tow vehicle, but has served many purposes since owning it. As we got more into off-roading and camping the truck was retired from daily duties and was gradually kitted out solely for Overlanding.

Modifications done I’ll start from the front. Pretty much all fabrication work I have carried out myself, there’s a custom home made front bumper with a Winch Max winch, thick aluminium top mount intercooler with all custom pipework, custom stainless airbox

94

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

with pod filter and stainless snorkel with pre filter. There’s an ARB air compressor, raised breather kit, Pedders 40mm suspension kit (Air lift bags in rear coils), and an unknown brand 16x8 alloys with 31” Cooper STT PRO tyres. There are digital water and EGT gauges fitted and custom rock sliders.

Up top we have a Direct 4x4 Roof tent, 270 awning, shower tent and LED light bar all fixed to a custom roof rack. I performed a LandCruiser 90 rear axle swap with E locker and disk brakes, both front and rear diffs rebuilt by Ken at Hilux Toys with Nitro 4.56 gears and an Eaton True Trac LSD thrown in the front for good measure!

Inside we have removed the rear bench seat and made a dog bed/storage box on one side and on the other side have a 30ltr water tank with heat exchanger and water pump for washing up and showers as well as more storage space. In the rear we have Titan Drawers stacked up on the left with the fridge slide acting as a slide out worktop. On the right a custom fridge/cooker slide made to fit our Coleman gladiator and 50ltr Outwell fridge with a custom made aluminium

fridge cage to allow things to be stacked on top and around the fridge. I’ve also fitted camp lights in the rear, on the boot lid and on the awning. To power everything we have a 68ah Lifos Lithium Battery with Redarc bcdc1240 charger, 500w Inverter, 12v accessory fuse panel with several outlets (power ran up to tent). There’s a 150w Solar panel fixed to the roof tent and a 100w portable flexi panel with extension lead to Anderson plug on the roof rack.

I’ve modified the swing away wheel carrier to hold gas bottle and added a bracket to hold 10ltr jerry can, Trasharoo bag, American style 2” receiver tow hitch with D shackle recovery block. After all that, the truck was fully resprayed with raptor paint, thinned down and tinted the standard colours by my very talented partner Emily who happens to be a car paint sprayer!

Favourite Modifications I think my favourite mod really has to be the 12v system with the solar which works so well keeping the beers cool!

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

95

Modifications to do I think I could do with some better suspension to handle the extra weight. Also, with help from Ken at Hilux Toys I am looking to convert my rear e-locker to air operated after the electronic motor gave up on me a couple weeks into our trip Favourite off-roading / adventure trip Back at home we loved heading over to Wales for long weekends exploring green lanes and camping, but so far our Europe trip has smashed those out the park!

Lottery win 4x4 Probably a fully kitted out 79 Series Land Cruiser with all the bells and whistles.

Favourite car related film Talladega Nights Favourite biscuits I’m all for a dark chocolate digestive Where can we find more details?

Instagram...

- our travel account - luxacrossborders - the buildup of the truck - _richhudson_

LESS THAN

£1

PER WEEK

The ultimate green lane route planning tool • Laptop, Tablet & Smartphone friendly • Up to date information on restrictions & closures • User evidence GPX route upload • Extensive UK coverage • Search by county, track name or number

Find out more at www.allterrainuk.com “Getting involved has never been

downloadable documents for

mud life mugs themudlife.co.uk/mugs

4x4 writer extraordinaire, Frank Elson, mentioned this Range Rover Classic mug in his latest blog:

"My latest coffee-mug. I got it from The Mud Life magazine -

it's the best Range Rover Classic mug I have ever seen... (and I paid for it by the way, no favour for a favour)"

es d i R s ' r e Read

Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?

I'm Antony Couch, and I live in the Ribble Valley area. I'm semi-retired but still have some interest in telecoms related businesses.

History of cars leading up your present 4x4 It was frightening when I sat down and thought about this. I've had a Caterham Supersprint and CSR 260.

Noble M12 GT0 3R which I took to Le Mans one year. I never buy new but I try to buy smart. I’ve had exotic cars that have been cheaper to buy than a brand new Ford or Vauxhall. I've usually got at least my money back when I've had my fun which is the smart bit. Buy either real quality or rarity is my mantra.

Present 4x4(s) My current rig is aToyota 200 series V8 diesel that came with winch, snorkel and roof tent.

Modifications done Had a Unichip remap system x kit installed by the Toyota experts, West Coast Southport. Torque increased from a healthy 650nm to over 900nm when required!! Could embarrass lots of cars at the traffic lights if I was acting very immature. 3 ton 0-60 in around 7 seconds!

Favourite Modifications Unichip system x.

98

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Modifications to do Probably a straight through exhaust.

Might as well get the best sound from the V8. I'm also looking at removing rearest seats and having fridge and cooking gear installed.

Favourite green-laning trip Did a great trip the other week around the Lake District hosted by Matt from Northwest Overlanders.

No idea exactly where we went but we started around Coniston and ended up near Tebay. Mines a tad wide sometimes and probably suited to more Overlanding and deserts, which are both scarce in the Northwest of England!

Lottery win 4x4 Mercedes G500 4x42 (squared) Favourite car related film Bullitt and Two-Lane Blacktop. Also love the car chases in the Bourne movies.

Favourite biscuits Anything with chocolate

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

99

wri t es Simon says

by Simon Hastelow

Old Git Moaning

This month's moan from this 'old git' was originally going to be about me hating fully loaded off road trucks that never go anywhere, with a particular focus on roof tents which are mounted on a truck all year round.

Then we had the fuel-supply fiasco, so I decided to link the two together.

There’s a very neatly tricked-out Discovery II that I see regularly in my town, usually during the morning or evening commute, sitting in the same urban traffic as me, miles away from the nearest off-road routes, and a whole world away from the toughterrain wilderness this particular truck is built for.

As much as I love looking at modified trucks - and appreciate the work and preparation that goes into them - there’s something a bit daft about lugging around a roof tent, heavy duty roof rack, externally mounted sand-ladders, rear door mounted 5-litre jerrycan, hi-lift jack, a couple of Zarges aluminium storage boxes

100

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

and a Brai bbq rack. Particularly when this particular D2 sits on 33” Cooper tyres and has lifted suspension.

It seems all the more ridiculous when you consider that it is used as a daily driver.

Now, I know I can’t complain, each to their own. We are all free to do what we want with the vehicles we own, but, just looking at the economics of it all, this guy must be increasing his travel costs exponentially, for little reason. He might as well drive an old army tank!

This particular D2 isn't on its own, there are a few others nearby too. Where I live in Essex there are a higher than average number of imported US pickups with their 5, 6 or even 7 litre engines burbling along the A-roads. None of them are decorated to blend in, Dayglo Orange seemingly the favourite paint colour of choice, possibly to match their girlfriend’s fake tan.

How does this link in to the fuel supply crisis?

Importing European drivers allowed the haulage industry to keep the wages of HGV drivers artificially low, and now that they are not available, rather than improve the pay and conditions for drivers they bleat on about needing cheap foreign labour.

So it is possibly not too far fetched to imagine that this was all part of the plan when BP contacted the BBC to tell them they were closing 50 forecourts due to driver shortages. This fed into the BBC’s eager and blinkered desire to create another ‘Brexit Doom’ story, and they just ran with it.

This surely gave us all a massive reality check that we are over-dependent on refined oil for transport. There was and is no shortage of fuel. There was no looming disaster that was threatening to shut off the pumps, all that happened is that one company, BP, announced it was closing some forecourts due to a shortage of HGV delivery drivers.

Forecourts have closed before, and it is not an unfamiliar site to see a garage coned off or the pumps covered. The 50 sites that BP closed represents half of one percent of the total. The remaining 8,400 forecourts were unaffected.

I’ll get into the specifics of all this shortly, but my immediate thought was that the guy with the tricked up D2 might struggle to get to work for more than a week, even if his tank, and the additional 5-litre jerrycan were full at the start of it.

The media stoked the panic buying scenario, and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy, all designed to force the government to address the HGV shortage.

How often would he normally fill up?

So why the panic?

I’m not usually a conspiracy theorist but this one just sounds a bit off to me. (Tin-foil hats optional!)

Weekly, twice-weekly? It has got to cross his mind that he would burn less derv if he wasn’t lugging around half a ton of extra dead weight on 33” MTs, and if he had access to a more frugal vehicle, why wasn’t he using it already?

For me, I can’t imagine the thrill of sitting in a Discovery in nose-to-tail traffic on a daily basis would ever overcome the thought of covering the cost to power it. A few years ago I bought a Fiat Panda as a runabout after I worked out that the car was essentially free to use, after calculating how much it would save instead of me driving my Discovery or Defender - £99 per month, no deposit and 50mpg was too much of a bargain to turn down! I was spending roughly £300 per month on diesel at the time, and the Panda saved me way more than it cost to buy.

But back to the fuel ‘crisis’...

The cynic in me would suggest that the Haulage Industry is feeling the pinch after a small army of foreign drivers quit the UK post-Brexit. The industry has been campaigning for HGV drivers to be given exemption or special visas to fill the estimated 100,000 driver vacancies in the UK. I’m not going to spout off about ‘another Brexit foul up’ simply because there are currently 600,000 registered HGV drivers in the UK, but only half of them are working in haulage. So there are plenty of drivers available, they’re just not interested.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

101

BACK ISSUES

Click on the covers to read any of our past issues.

2021

#30 - SEPTEMBER

102

#29 -AUGUST

#28 -JULY

#27 -JUNE

#26 - MAY

#24 - MARCH

#23 - FEBRUARY

#SPECIAL ISSUE - FEBRUARY

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

#25 - APRIL

#22 - JANUARY

2020

#21 - DECEMBER

#20 - NOVEMBER

#19 - OCTOBER

#18 - SEPTEMBER

#17 - AUGUST

#16 - JULY

#15 - JUNE

#14 - MAY

#13 - APRIL

#12 - MARCH

#11 - FEBRUARY

#10 - JANUARY

#6 - SEPTEMBER

#5 - JULY/AUGUST

2019

#4 - MAY/JUNE

#9 - DECEMBER

#8 - NOVEMBER

#7 - OCTOBER

2018 #3 - MARCH/ APRIL

#2 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

#1 - DECEMBER

Click on the covers to read any of our past issues.

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

103

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!

104

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

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

105

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

106

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

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

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 All Terrain Services

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

NORTH Graythwaite Adventure

Activities: Off-Road Driving & Training, Clay Pigeon

Shooting, Watersports, Archery,

Axe Throwing, Bushcraft, Glamping https://www.graythwaiteadventure.co.uk 07498 574659 & 07779 162710

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

Explore Off Road

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

WALES 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

SOUTH John Morgan 4x4 Driving

Activities: Pay & Play

Off Road Driver Training http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 01903 812195

Wild Tracks

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences https://www.wildtracksltd.co.uk 01638 751918

True Grip off Road

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences http://www.truegripoffroad.co.uk 01233 662251

Protrax

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

THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

107

Take the first step to get The Mud Life delivered straight to your inbox for free every month, just click to subscribe.

Advertise with us Email us - ads@themudlife.co.uk