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
