Northwest action for an offroad newB

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gR@HaM

Well-Known Member
Posts
1,095
Location
Cheshire
copied over from the disco section after being put in me place :)

Have been toying with the idea of some (legal) offroad during the last month since I finally got the disco on the road.
This place is pretty local to me:
http://www.hillnditch4x4.co.uk

does anyone on the forum know of it, or in fact any other places in the Cheshire area? Based on the fact that I've probably covered less than a thousand LR miles (in my life!!) not sure whether these places are suitable for novice numptys, plus I'm not equipped with wading plugs, snorkel etc.
Oh, and although I've done plently of chopping to get 12.5" wide tyres on it's had no lift so not sure how much articulation i'd get away with either!
Comments/advice appreciated
 
Its sandy because that's the local geology of Cheshire. NORT4x4 is good but its 80 miles away (about a 2 hour drive, each way). Closer ones are Bala 4x4 and Silverdale. Bala used to be quite mild except for one or two wooded sections, but the tracks are getting cut up now so are getting more challenging, just from the rocks and mud. Silverdale is much better, only because its much harsher conditions. Its pretty much all woodland, so you're more likely to do bodywork damage sliding into a tree or something. Also, if you have anything less than biggish mud terrain tyres, a lot of the areas are going to be tricky or completely inaccessible to you.
 
Cheers Paul, shall have a butchers at each location on the web and go for the closest. nows to find out whether the disco is capable of proper offroading without the wheels grabbing and pulling half the bodywork off!!
 
From the pics NORT4X4 looks a great site, with a bit of luck I'll be at the next event, only prob is the distance for me.

I don't know what part of cheshire you are but hawkstone is good, run by ASH4X4 , no deep mud or water but some good climbs and tricky bits. Also limited numbers and you don't seem to get the heroes there.

If you decide to go, give me a shout.
 
I have been to both Bala and Hill N ditch, Out of the two places my preference is for Bala.

Both places have Deep water (Especially Bala), check with the staff where is safe (depth) prior to giving it

With Hill n Ditch being Sandstone it can cause bearings to wear out quickly!!

Have fun!!!:)
 
From the pics NORT4X4 looks a great site, with a bit of luck I'll be at the next event, only prob is the distance for me.

I don't know what part of cheshire you are but hawkstone is good, run by ASH4X4 , no deep mud or water but some good climbs and tricky bits. Also limited numbers and you don't seem to get the heroes there.

If you decide to go, give me a shout.


Nice one Dent, about an hr from me so not too bad :D:D
 
Avoid Hill n Ditch graham, simply do not go.

i hate to bad mouth places or be negative, but that bastard sand gets into EVERYTHING and causes havoc.

i started by going there cos its my closest, not knowing its perils, but it presently killed my starter and alternator, and every bearing i have stripped down since going has had sand in the seal, it doesnt seem to wash out - wheares your average PnP site is plain clay/mud and it rinses away (smaller particles compared to sand i think)

im going to silverdale on the 21st november (next weekend)

feel free to hook up with me and i can show you the ropes.

i run 33x12.5 on 15x10 wheels and i have extended arches, so i can comprehensively explain to you whats going to catch and where.

the extended arches sort out the main issue, you will get a bit of front inner wing rub, and the rears will rub on the floor pan, and maybe bend the lip over. not a biggie.

i also go to tong, cowm and NORT4x4

not been to silverdale yet :D

im pretty good at assessing stuff though so will be able to show whats what.

let me know.

cheers!
 
Yeah Graham, if you come along to Silverdale then that's 3 of us, can meet up etc if you want. I posted a thread on Silverdale somewhere else on this forum, with a link and some details.
 
Arr man sounds good! I've been out the country loads recently for work get back Friday, shall try my best but might get me bits chopped off for spending the weekend away from the misses..
Failing this Sunday are there any other events coming up which you're going to?
 
I only plan about a week in advance LOL. Silverdale is regular every month though. There's other stuff which is further away for me, but no plans as yet.
 
Yo Graham,

Yeah as above I'm going this Sunday, I'm also planning on going to cowm on the 28th.

That's cowmleisure.co.uk

This place is HUGE, 150 acre quarry site, with good Peat bog sections too :D

Plenty of space to try stuff out without getting too stuck or broken. I recommend for a beginner cos there's a beginner route and an advanced route set out, and loads and loads of extra play space too. You can try different stuff throughout the day.

Into December I might go to tong Parkwood Off Road Centre

Cheers

Cheers.
 
there is briercliffe 4x4 as well which is burnley the website: off roading at briercliffe quarry with mads4x4 there is no set routes so you do as much or as little as you want, they tell you bits to avoid for novices and very challenging parts are cornered off for the more extreme 4x4 and experienced drivers, theres abit of everything there, and everyone is always happy to help with recovery/repairs
mike
 
Hi there. I'm planning to go to Cowm this sunday too!...
Just phoned them today to ask about the set up re;snow as we got loads of the stuff forecasted. I've been told it isn't gonna be a problem unless 12 feet deep lol!...It'll be my first day out with this blue RRC so looking forward to it.
Hopefully see some folks from here up there on sunday??
 
im going there on sunday Joe yeah, i reckon it's gonna be some interesting weather up there.

the forecast so far is apparently clear on sunday, but who knows.

im travelling from altrincham mate, can meet up for a convoy if you want. where you travelling from?

i also know a few lads from huddersfield in classics who are going on sunday too.

should be a good day :)
 
Great stuff!. I live just outside Manchester (North, Prestwich end), but will be picking up a mate in Middleton first. Not sure if he's also coming in his 3.2 V6 Frontera or if he'll be in passenger seat. Main thing is this blue RR is not my daily transport (got a nicer green one for that!).
I'm aiming at an early'ish start. Driving the motor in my avatar, so thumbs up if you see me!....I got mid band CB...what channel you on?
 
hi mate

ok well yeah i guessed you might be travelling a differnt route to me

i aim to get to cowm for 9.30, to give us time for a butty and to air down the tyres etc.

yeah i'll give you a thumbs up when i see you mate, me and a few mates will be on UK channel 10 at cowm mate.

cheers :)
 
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