The Mud Life 4x4 Magazine - #37 - April 2022 by The Mud Life Magazine

THE MUD LIFE ISSUE 37 April 2022

4x4 Magazine

Nissan Juke Classic Car & Restoration Show Volvo XC60 Outdoor Expo Ford Ranger Camping Life Suzuki Vitara Hybrid Laning Life

To find out about advertising in the magazine, email : damian@themudlife.co.uk 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

6-13

NISSAN JUKE TEKNA+ 14-23 LANING LIFE 25-30 VOLVO XC60 32-41 CAMPING LIFE 42-46 GOODS & GEAR 39-42 FORD RANGER DAY 47-54 THE TALES OF LILLY 56-57 WOOF STUFF 59-64 SUZUKI VITARA 66-75 CLASSIC CAR & RESTORATION SHOW 77-84 BE OUR GUEST - CARLTON BOYCE 86-92 MOOCH - DALES DAY OUT 94-99 READER'S RIDES 100-101 OUTDOOR EXPO

103-105

BACK ISSUES 106-107 DIRECTORIES 108-111

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

112

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

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turner's torque

TAKE ACTION

TODAY!

Back in 2008 there was an inoffensive government paper on the environment that would eventually lead to a ridiculous amount of green lanes being wiped out. That was the NERC Act, and it appears it’s happening again, and the future of our hobby, its very existence is under threat. We all know that the anti-access organisations are seeking to end, or seriously reduce, our access rights by lobbying at local and national level. Their aim is to rally as many sympathetic antis as possible to submit responses, it is therefore VITAL that we all respond to protect our interests. I know some of our readers aren’t fans of GLASS, but on this occasion please head to Lauren’s pages, as she explains in good detail what we all need to do....NOW! It doesn’t matter if you’re a GLASS, ATUK, TRF or any 4x4 club member, frankly I don’t care where your allegiance lies, what I care about is our hobby.

Our opinions DO matter, so please use your voice to respond and protect our hobby before April 9th. 4

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In other news, it appears to be all doom and gloom at the moment, what with Putin being a dick’n’all. The loss of innocent lives and needless destruction in Ukraine is horrendous, atrocious and abhorrent. One of the consequences of this war here in the UK is that fuel prices are going through the roof. With that in mind, I certainly chose the wrong month to go without any press cars and the free fuel that comes with them! I had a few longish trips planned last month that included green lanes, camping and visiting a number of companies that have some very interesting 4x4s and campers, but fuel prices rocketed to record breaking levels, resulting in a full tank of diesel for Deux Smurf rising by an extra £40 at an average of around 27mpg. That proved too painful for the wallet, and in the end I decided the ever dwindling bank balance couldn't sustain all those trips, so I stayed at home, and sulked! That said, I did manage to head out to the NEC for both the Classic Restoration Show and Outdoor Expo, which were fortunately on the same day, which you can read about later in the mag. Finally I want to say a massive thank you to all our readers, and a big ‘hello’ to our new ones as monthly readership continues to grow. We've got a bit to go to rival the big print publications, but we’re getting there.

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New range of accessories for Isuzu's D-Max

The High-Line pack, designed with the best-selling top of the range V-Cross in mind, combines an Alpha Type E Air Gullwing Canopy with added water defence kit and a bed rug for the load area. The exterior is enhanced with a longitudinal roof rail set and dark grey over fender extension set, along with a towbar with 13-pin electrics. Lighting is enhanced with a Lazer Lamp roof bar and Lazer Linear 6 front grille lamp set. Finally, on the interior, a new rearview mirror camera kit, which has been specially designed for the Isuzu D-Max, provides a permanent high-quality rearview image. With a retail price of £5,250 plus Vat (excluding fitment), this pack represents a customer saving of over £250. For customers with a slightly more business focus, the new Mid-Line Pack, with the All-Purpose vehicles in mind, combines a colour-coded CMX Commercial Canopy, which benefits from solid sides and lift-up gullwing doors, with an under rail load liner and water defence kit for the load area. On the exterior, the pack adds the Lazer Linear 6 front-grille-mounted lamp set and dark grey over wing kit and is finished with a hardwearing 6

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3D mat set. The Mid-Line Pack is priced at £4,150 plus VAT (excluding fitment) and represents a customer saving of £100. Finally, the new Start-Line Pack, aimed at customers with the DL20, comprises a Keko Tonneau Cover & Sports Style Bar, along with an under-rail load liner for the load bed, whilst the pack also adds remote tailgate central locking and rubber floor mats. A towbar with 13-pin electrics is also included along with a quick hitch socket and the Lazer Linear 6 front-grille-mounted lamp set. With a customer saving of over £100, this pack has a retail price of just £1,375 plus VAT (excluding fitment). The parts and accessory division at Isuzu UK has also recently produced a new accessory brochure which details every genuine Isuzu D-Max accessory in one place and includes over 160 individual accessories that including everything you could imagine for your Isuzu D-Max. The new comprehensive accessory range can also be found on the updated website - https://www.isuzu.co.uk/accessories/

Hampshire couple support medical services affected by war

Classic car enthusiasts Richard and Gosia Myers, a husband and wife team of from the New Forest, are to donate two fully prepared vehicles to support Ukrainian medical services as part of a life-saving mission in Eastern Europe. They have enlisted the help of a number of local businesses to prepare the two vehicles - a Land Rover Freelander first response vehicle and a Fiat Ducato ambulance - but are still looking for support to raise funds for essential medical equipment, as well as any assistance possible in the preparation and maintenance of the vehicles, and help towards the cost of delivering them across Europe. Richard said “Having team members with direct family ties to Eastern Europe, we couldn't stand by and do nothing. We decided to donate two vehicles to the Ukrainian Medical Services.The first (Land Rover Freelander) has just undergone a conversion to a First Response car, and will be kitted out with medical supplies, spinal boards & trauma kits. The second (Fiat Ducato) is ready to be converted into a frontline Ambulance. Once it is is completed, we will drive them straight to the Poland-Ukraine border and hand them to a representative from the Ukrainian Medical Services.” The Ambulances4Ukraine team are working with the full support and guidance of the Ukraine Embassy in London, as well as receiving huge support from Thurston, Condor Ferries, Guernsey Transport Solutions (GTS) and A-Cute Medical. Kyiv resident and friend of Richard and Gosia, Inna Dashchenko said "Our medical defenders are waiting for these vehicles to evacuate wounded people from Bucha, Irpen and other hot points.To carry wounded soldiers from the battle fields to hospitals. The vehicles will do so many good things." They are still in urgent need of emergency roof bars and beacons for the vehicles, along with sterile medical equipment, and any donations can be made on their JustGiving page. (JustGiving charges a percentage fee, but Richard and Gosia have agreed to match it so anyone who donates can be guaranteed that 100% of their pledge goes directly to support frontline medics). If the fundraising campaign proves successful, Richard, Gosia and their team will be looking to prepare two more vehicles upon their return to the UK. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

Kingsley's brand new dry ice blasting service

If you need your vehicle stripping down Kingsley Cars, one of the UK’s most well known Range Rover classic specialists, is offering a new less damaging, environmentally friendly process. Kingsley Re-Engineered team has seen a plethora of rusty Range Rovers since they were founded in 2001. With a Range Rover Classic needing approximately 100 hours to strip its shell and chassis before embarking on a restoration or rebuild project, Kingsley have now moved from using traditional methods, such as sand-blasting and chemical stripping, to cryo dry ice cleaning. Research shows that up to 70% more panels could be saved using the cryo process compared to more abrasive stripping methods, and it’s better for the environment. Dry ice blasting is a particle spray procedure that uses CO2 granulate as a spray agent. Unlike most other blasting solutions, which keep their solid state during the entire work process, the frozen CO2 purifies immediately to CO2 gas when it touches the surface, meaning no spray agent residues are left behind. Available not just to Kingsley's vehicles, the Ice Blasting service will be taking bookings from 4th April 2022 at its Oxfordshire HQ. more at » www.iceblasting.co.uk Comparison between unrestored Range Rover Classic

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Land Rover Defender rally Nespecial to celebrate 60 years of 007 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise and Land Rover is celebrating by entering a rallyprepared, liveried Defender 90 into the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge, with Mark Higgins competing in the North Wales leg on 26th March. Higgins, a 3 time British Rally Champion, and Bond stunt driver, will make his return to rallying with co-driver Claire Williams on 26th March in North Wales. Higgins has been at the wheel in four James Bond films: Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die, and as the new Defender features in the latest Bond film it’s a fitting choice for Higgins. The Defender 90 features a trademark black and gold Bond livery. The stealthy looking vehicle also features a special 007 60th logo on its roof and sides. The competition-ready Bond Defender is based on a current Defender 90, powered by the P300 Ingenium powertrain. It features a host of safety modifications, including a full roll cage, enhanced cooling for the engine and transmission, a sports exhaust and new rear roof spoiler.

Other enhancements include strengthened 18-inch Bowler wheels with all-terrain tyres and a bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness. Regulated by the Motor Sports Association and operated by Bowler, the 12-team 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge is designed to act as a feeder series for global rally-raid competitions including the annual Dakar rally. Mark and Claire will compete on the gravel surfaces of Rally North Wales in Dolgellau on 26 March. Mark said: “The New Defender is a tough and capable vehicle when it leaves the production line, and I’ve seen it perform really challenging stunts while on the set of No Time To Die. With the race ready enhancements made by the Bowler team, and with Claire by my side, we are confident we can have a great result.”

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Prodrive reveals the Hunter allterrain adventure vehicle

Prodrive has revealed the Hunter, a 600 bhp, four-wheel drive all-terrain adventure vehicle with an unrivalled ability and performance across any landscape. Born out of the Bahrain Raid Xtreme competition car driven by nine-time World Champion, Sebastien Loeb, to compete on the toughest motorsport race in the world the Dakar, it thrives in desert sand, dunes and rough mountain tracks. Indeed, this Hunter is even more extreme than that driven by Loeb, with a 50% increase in power from the 3.5 litre V6 twin turbo engine and more suspension travel to absorb the harshest of terrain. But while the car is even faster and more capable than the race car, it is also more refined. Ian Callum, who styled the exterior of the original competition car, has returned to the project to create a new interior more in keeping with every day use than racing. A digital display gives the driver all the important information they need, while the centre console houses the more traditional controls found on a road car.

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Prodrive Chairman, David Richards, said: “There are numerous hypercars on the market, however they all need good roads or even race tracks to show their performance.We identified that in certain parts of the world, particularly the Middle East, there are vast expanses still to be explored that go way beyond the access provided by asphalt roads.Therefore why not create a vehicle that gives the opportunity to explore these regions with performance way beyond that offered by any off-road vehicle before.” The Hunter retains the Dakar competition car’s engine, drivetrain and suspension, but to improve driveability, the manual sequential gear box has been replaced by a six-speed paddle shift, giving a smooth gear change in just milliseconds. As the hypercar does not have to comply with strict competition regulations power has been increased by more than 50%. The 3.5 litre twin turbo V6 has been refined and retuned on Prodrive’s advanced transient dyno in Banbury, UK to produce over 600

bhp and 700 Nm of torque while making its power delivery smoother and easier to drive. Prodrive estimates that this would give it a 0-100 kph time in less than four seconds and a top speed of nearly 300 kph, however the vehicle is fitted with bespoke 35” off-road tyres designed to optimise grip over rough terrain and sand rather than on tarmac. Richards said: “We took the deliberate decision to keep the Hunter Hypercar as close to the original as possible. It’s about giving owners the opportunity to experience what it is like to drive Loeb’s Dakar car across the desert, but with all the comforts of a road car and the ability to drive it from your home, through a city, to any destination of your choice.” The whole car is built around a high tensile steel space frame chassis, giving both a rigid platform to optimise the suspension geometry and performance and an FIA standard safety cage to protect the occupants. The all-round double wishbone suspension with twin adjustable dampers on each corner has 400mm of travel – an increase from 350mm on the competition car – to give a smoother ride and even greater ability to cross the roughest terrain at speeds unimaginable in any other vehicle. Six pot racing brake calipers and vented discs all round give it plenty of stopping power both on and off-road. The whole vehicle has been designed to minimise overall weight and optimise the weight distribution and centre of gravity. All the bodywork is made from lightweight carbon composite, which includes recycled materials produced by Prodrive Composites. The first development vehicle is currently touring the Middle East where customers are being offered the opportunity of driving the Hunter and confirming their personal specification for production vehicles to be delivered later this year. price: an eye-watering £1.25m+ THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

Volvo launches free puncture & windscreen chip repair service

Rough and worn-out road surfaces are making punctured tyres and stone-chipped windscreens all too common hazards for motorists, so Volvo Car UK has launched a free puncture and windscreen chip repair service for Volvo cars of any age, so at the first sign of damage, drop into any Volvo retailer and get it sorted. The process is simple, convenient and comes with the peace of mind of work carried out by qualified Volvo technicians, helping to get owners safely back on the road again as soon as possible. Owners can take their car to any UK Volvo retailer, where the damage will be checked to determine whether a repair is safe and possible. In most instances, a repair can be made on the spot, while the customer waits, with no charge. If the damage is not repairable, the retailer will advise the customer and, if they wish, arrange for a new tyre or windscreen to be fitted. Kristian Elvefors,Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “As well as reducing the nuisance factor of minor damage, this new service helps keep cars in safe condition and, in the case of windscreens, can prevent chips leading to cracks and more costly replacements.We value all Volvo drivers, no matter how old their car might be, and this new service is the perfect way to help them stay safe, secure and mobile.” more at » www.volvocars.com

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Zero tolerance for phone use behind the wheel

A loophole allowing drivers to escape punishment for hand-held phone use if they are taking a photo or playing a game is now closed, and it’s is now illegal for motorists to use a handheld mobile phone under virtually any circumstance while driving. Anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving could face a fine of up to £1,000 as well as six points on their licence. New legislation means making phone calls and texting are not the only functions banned when behind the wheel as taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists and playing games is also prohibited.

at the side of the road, or in a designated parking bay with your engine off, or making a payment, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR MOBILE! Apparently, the only time you can use a mobile phone while driving is to call 999 or 112 in an emergency, and only if there is nowhere safe to stop, but I dare say you’ll still get ‘done’ if you’re caught driving erratically. more at » https://www.gov.uk/government/news/transportsecretary-declares-zero-tolerance-for-phone-use-behindthe-wheel-as-law-changes-today

On the flip side, drivers are still able to make contactless payments, for example, at drive-throughs, fuel stations and toll roads, so long as their vehicle is stationary. They can also use their mobile ‘hands-free’ while driving as well as using their sat-nav, just as long as it is secured in a cradle. The amended regulations will mean an offence is triggered as soon as a driver holds, touches, or fondles their mobile whilst on the move or even stuck in stationary traffic, regardless of why they are holding it. This law also applies if you’re a passenger who is looking after a learner driver, which is fair enough. Basically, other than being safely parked THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

Nissan Juke Tekna+ 16

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What is it? I drove one of the early Jukes, and being honest, I wasn’t that impressed. I seem to recall it was the seating and driving position that upset me the most, but that didn’t stop folk from buying them by the bucketload as the roads seem to be littered with them. Even the Juke’s distinctive look didn’t put people off. This second generation Juke is different on the outside, it looks more sleek, yet still retails its quirky style, whilst the interior is, well, I’ll get to that later.

On the road The 115bhp 3-cylinder 1.0ltr engine has a decent amount of poke, and mated to the slick 6-speed manual ‘box means that was also quite an enjoyable drive, whether you’re in stop start town centre traffic or having a little fun on country lanes. The Juke’s ride was on the whole comfy, but on certain pot-holed strewn town centre roads it felt a bit harsh with some of that harshness entering the cabin. That said, the Tekna+ is sat on 19” rims, so reducing those to 16” or 17” I suspect would make a bit of a difference. A friend commented on the wind and road noise, and to be fair there is a bit from the tyres, though wind noise is kept to a minimum, in my opinion. As you weave you’re way through tight and twisty turns you’ll be surprised at how much grip it has, and it doesn’t wallow much, despite it’s height. Its steering feels light, perhaps better suited to city driving than having fun on country lanes, and that’s fine as a sports car it is not. On the subject of sportiness, it’ll get you from 0-62mph in around 10.7 seconds. Fuel wise, after a week of all manner of driving styles and trips, after just under 300 miles it averaged 46mpg. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

Off road If you enjoy venturing off the beaten track the new Juke has quite decent clearance all ‘round, and despite being only available in 2wd, fitting decent tyres should get you further than you think. By the way, that’s not me giving you permission to go out and push the laws of physics, do be careful.

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Interior It’s much nicer than the last generation, and the quality looks and feels top notch. Up front the dash of the Tekna+ is a curious mix of Alcantara, soft trim and hard plastic. It isn’t unpleasant, just a little odd. The dash layout is clean and uncluttered, and there are rotary dials for main heater controls, which is a bonus. On the subject of the Juke’s heater, Muddy Madam has never been more impressed by a car's heater, in the history of car heaters! She told me, that it was blowing out heat before she hit the main road. The front seats seats are wonderfully comfortable, and the BOSE speakers built-in to the integrated head restraints offered a quality sound. Despite narrow windows and a high waist, visibility was quite decent, the only exceptions being the Juke’s chunky rear pillars and small rear windows, which I can live with due to its overall look. However, the only thing that annoyed me throughout the week was the rear view mirror that dominates forward vision, and on more than a few occasions both Muddy Madam and I had to duck to see oncoming traffic at junctions. Moving to the back, and with the drivers seat pushed back to accommodate my 6’2” frame I was pleasantly surprised to find more than enough legroom. There’s a decent amount of head and should room, too.

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In the boot there’s a false floor that makes loading and removing heavy objects a breeze as there’s zero lips at the boot entrance, and the 60/40 split folding rear seats fold almost flat.

With the rear seats upright there’s 422 litres of space, and when folded flat there’s 1305 litres.

As you would expect from a top model like the Tekna+, there are quite a number of add-ons like full 360º camera and high beam assist.

Engine ‘n’ transmission Nissan have ditched the diesel which means you only have one engine to choose from, and it’s gutsy enough. You do get the option of the 6-speed manual or 7-speed auto.

Conclusion The new Juke was one of those rare cars at Muddy Towers that Muddy Madam wanted to, and did, drive more than me, which is a high compliment if ever there was one. There maybe other vehicles in its class that are a bit better at certain things than the Juke, but overall I enjoyed my week with it, and it looks great, especially in Fuji Sunset Red with a Pearl Black roof. price: £24,360, with options, £24,530 more at » https://www.nissan.co.uk THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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!

Don’t be busy, be productive! Being busy means doing stuff, being productive means getting stuff done! And that is exactly what we have been doing here at GLASS recently. This means that this month’s column is going to be a brief one, because time is short. It will also cover some of the same ground I spoke about last month, but that is because we are in the midst of a very important matter, and we really do need your input… Never a day goes by when we are not busy, or productive, but 2022 has seen GLASS productivity explode into new levels. This has happened for several reasons – we’ve now got two full time staff members and three flexible part timers for the first time ever, and we’ve begun those roles by being handed a potentially huge challenge we could not ignore The Landscapes Review, not to mention a number of legal cases. At the moment we are at a point where a lot of what we’ve been working on isn’t out there in the public realm yet, but that will soon change as we pass deadlines and legal cases are decided upon. In the meantime, we can share some information on what we have been doing in the wake of the Landscapes Review (LSR), accompanied by some photos of the most awesome landscapes my 4x4s have taken me to as a reminder of what we’re fighting for, the rest you’ll just have to wait for!

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Our last column was all about the LSR, if you have not read it you can catch up here. Please do as we really need you to respond to the current public consultation, the deadline is only days away on April 9th. While the LSR itself is not a bad thing, it talks about inclusive access for all, championing equality of opportunity, and the benefits that increased access brings to countryside users. Great! Until you click the public consultation link and discover that a whole section of questions appears to have been designed to encourage a negative response about the future of motorised access. Quelle surprise! It’s one of those 'surprising but also not surprising' situations. While the questions appear to be incongruous

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with the core message of the LSR, which reads like a utopian, all-inclusive, countryside paradise, where all user-groups frolic with gay abandon through our green and pleasant land without any hinderance to their chosen method of propulsion. Being motorised users we always expect a but, and although we had to wait right until the end of the utopian ride of the Review content, we got one - there was a sting in the tail of that pretty sweettalking document. The Review and consultation are not a straightforward matters to get to grips with. The Review is a weighty tome of a document, followed by a not-so-short and simple questionnaire, so we have been beavering away creating advice guides on how to approach your response.

We are used to ploughing through the most tedious documents ever created so you don’t have to, but we do need you to pick up the last piece of the puzzle and follow the guides we’ve put together to submit your response. » If you are a laner or trail rider, we’re doing our best to represent you! - you can find advice tailored just for you here. » If you’re not a laner, but believe that access to the countryside should be for ALL, and not just the 'all' that includes everyone except motorists, or are concerned about the repercussions that potentially not being able to use a vehicle to access your nonmotorised pastimes may have on your hobby, advice specifically for you can be found here. » If you’re a motoring club that is looking for guidance on how to respond, we’ve got you and your members covered here.

» If you are a response organisation who uses your vehicle and your time to help your community when it really matters, firstly we salute you! Second, we’re doing our bit to support you through this here. » If you’re a business in the motoring world who are concerned about how reducing motorised access to lanes will affect your customer base and turnover, we’ve got your back here. In total we have directly communicated with 35,000 decision makers, authorities, organisations, clubs, businesses and individual people in the course of the last few weeks, and that doesn’t include social media and mag reach. I’ve written in excess of 70,000 words during the process, so, if anyone asks, “What’s GLASS doing about this?” there’s an answer for you to pass on.

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You can also add the following: - We have written a brief open letter that is available online so please share the link in any way you feel appropriate. This letter explains what laning is and what GLASS does, and most importantly explains what some anti-access organisations do (and don’t do) when it comes to the rights of way network. It is an attempt to bring some equality of information onto the unequal playing field we operate on against anti-access types. - Being a disability positive organisation who is proud to support hundreds of people with additional challenges to outdoor recreation (myself included), we have written a letter to public functionaries (councillors, authorities, officers) who we believe are peddling a discriminatory message about our hobby that could have a negative effect for those with protected characteristics. Discrimination is not big, it’s not clever, and it’s not legal in the UK, but it is still happening despite all the current 'inclusivity' posturing going on at the moment.

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- We have written a technical response to the LSR, so you don’t have to! What matters when it comes to your response is YOUR experience and what matters to YOU. This is your chance to have your say on your recreation time, we have you covered on the rest. - We are working closely with all sorts of other motoring, rights of way, and access organisations to forge a new era in collaborative working for the benefit of all users. - We are working on new videos. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel for new content! - And last, but by no means least, we are working on a suite of papers that comprehensively cover the work GLASS and its members do, the benefits of our hobby, the threats and opportunities to inclusive countryside access, while championing real people, real stories, and real evidenced information in the face of quite a lot of hot air coming from more biased sources.

While all this is going on we are forging ahead with a considerable amount of legal challenges to some of the most notorious lane cases across England and Wales, and creating new resources that will educate, inform, and support our work while championing genuine inclusivity when it comes to outdoor recreation.

cobwebs off with a Range Rover, a dog, and a lovely bloke in a kilt.

Phew! I’m exhausted just listing all that! Although after months of working crazy hours a week I probably should be, and so I’m taking my first week off since I began working for GLASS (I’ll be back by the time you read this). It might seem an unusual time to pick, but this has been planned for good reason, the next few months are going to get even busier, sorry productive, than ever.

I’ll be back in time to polish our response with fresh eyes before the deadline, whip up a response to the Traffic Regulation Order Review consultation (don’t fret, that’s nothing to worry about and may actually bring us some benefits) before cracking on with the next steps in our legal cases, starting another, and finishing the mammoth paper I’ve been working on for some time…then starting the next one.

Even a workaholic like me needs some downtime, especially in the face of some of the most important stuff we’ve faced for a very long time. So, I’m off to blow the

We’ve done all we can towards the LSR at this point and there’s a short lull in the work required for our current legal cases.

Maybe I should have taken two weeks off!

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If you would like to help you can! Your stories, experiences, and the benefits you get from laning are just as important as the technical legal arguments. Recreation and access to green spaces is vital when it comes to good physical and mental health, it improves opportunities for social engagement, and is undeniably a factor in quality of life. If you would like to use your experiences to further the cause, please send your stories and photographs in. If you are a GLASS member, we’ll use some in the Green Lanes mag and/or here at The Mud Life. You don’t have to be a GLASS member; personal insights are really useful when compiling papers about our hobby based on user experiences and evidence. Your stories really do matter and have an influence where it counts.

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We will soon be sending out some questionnaires for people to fill in to gather data on specific subjects, but we’d also like to know anything you’d like to tell us about why laning is beneficial to you. Our lovely Sue is going to collect them all for me, her email is admin@glass-uk. org While we have been through some trying times over the last couple of years, rest assured that when it comes to the threats to our hobby your interests are being fought for. In the meantime, go forth and explore! That’s all from me this month folks! Happy laning! Lauren x

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

Volvo XC60

AWD Momentum

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What is it?

Having been around since 2008, the XC60 is now in its third incarnation, and not only has it been Volvo’s best selling car, it was also the best selling vehicle of its type in Europe. Despite its stance, and AWD, the XC60 doesn’t pretend to be a rough ’n’ tough ‘off-roader’, but it’s certainly capable. This latest XC60 in based on it’s bigger sibling, the XC90, and by shortening its wheelbase you lose the XC90's third row of seats but it remains agile and easier to live with, especially on narrow roads and multistorey carparks.

On the road

Whilst everyone seems to be clambering for hybrids these days, when the Volvo PR team gave me the option of which XC60 I wanted to borrow, I opted for the B4 diesel as I believe it’s still relevant to today’s motorist, besides, I do like a good old-fashioned diesel. Not that the 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder engine is old, far from it, it has 197bhp, will get you from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and produces between 166-188g/km CO2 emissions. Once behind the wheel it’s like every other Volvo I’ve driven of late, comfortable yet with a distinct solid feel about it. Not harsh, but secure, if that makes sense. Using the XC90’s suspension means that isn’t necessarily sporty, neither does it feel dead on the twisty bits, it was enough to put a smile on my face, yet respect it enough not to push it too hard. The standard 8-speed auto is smooth, and if you want extra control you can make manual changes using the gear stick

There was a bit of road noice on certain surfaces, but that’s normal, and the optional premium Harman Kardon with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound did an exceptional job of drowning it out. My time with the XC60 was during storms Eunice, Franklin and the other one, we had rain, hail, snow and everything else in between, and whenever I ventured out, the Denim Blue XC60 gave me a huge amount of confidence with its ability to grip the road no matter what the weather. It was quite inspiring. Fuel wise, no matter how I drove it I got between 39-41mpg, which is pretty much what official figures suggest. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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Off road

Despite being pitched against the Discovery Sport,Volvo told me when they agreed to loan me it that it wasn’t a ‘4x4 that I should take laning’ - fair enough. I visited the 4x4 Expo show in Stafford, and this year parking was in the huge field on the opposite side of the road to the venue, and on arrival there were 3 other vehicles. When it was time to leave there were hundreds, and because of the wet weather the field had turned into a quagmire. I have to admit that I was a tad anxious, as to reach the exit I had to drive up an incline layered with wet grass and mud - the nemesis for every 4x4, and already I could see 2wd saloons being pushed to safer ground. There was even a Discovery 4 being towed out, so what chance did I have in a Volvo? A very good chance, as it happened. I didn’t even have to switch on ‘off-road’ mode (I forgot!), and the XC60 simply found traction from somewhere, and I passed other 4x4s that were struggling with comparative ease. On the subject of ‘off-road’ mode, this is found by prodding the centre infotainment screen a couple of times and sliding an icon, then magic happens. Though to be fair I didn’t take it that far off the beaten track to really warrant it.

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Interior

When it arrived at Muddy Towers I took one inside and thought that there was no way this was going back clean! The colour scheme was certainly distinctive whilst the whole layout was minimalistic and sleek, or as someone commented, it has a very Scandinavian atmosphere about it. Once you’re settled into the high and incredibly supportive seats, visibility all ‘round is very good and everything feels well screwed together with nice surfaces, except for the transmission tunnel that appears to be made from flimsy plastic - it’s the only part of the interior that lets the side down. The 9” centre touchscreen is integrated well into the dash and was easy to figure out, though it also controls the heating, which was a nuisance as you constantly prod a small section of the screen for both temperature and fan speed. Dials in future please Volvo, they’re much easier to use. Lanky passenger who are relegated to the back will find plenty of leg, shoulder and head room, and if the owner has ticked the right options, heated seats, too. When it comes safety spec and other features there are too many to mention here, just know that if you’re ever have an accident, it’ll look after you.

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Engine ’n’ transmission

Volvo currently offer the XC60 with 4 engines; B4 diesel 197bhp, B5 petrol 250bhp T6 Plug-in 350bhp, T8 Plug-in 455bhp … all with the 8 speed automatic gearbox.

Conclusion

The XC60 was a lovely car to spend a week with, especially as the UK was battered by storms of biblical proportions, whilst inside the XC60 was a haven of calmness, and even the white leather seats and trim grew on me! The XC60 plug-in hybrids are currently outselling XC60 diesels by more than two to one, therefore I can’t imagine Volvo will be selling many B4s, especially in the UK. Overall it's no surprise that the XC60 has been, and continues to be so popular, it’s a car that fulfils so many roles and it is good at all of them. price of car shown - £43,370 (£48,205 with options) more at » https://www.volvocars.com/uk

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Robens Strider Chair Well, I think I’ve found my new favourite chair! Measuring 110 x 12 x 13 cm and weighing in at just 2610g, the Strider is perfect for throwing on the back of your 4x4 ready for lounging around the campfire. Made from hardwearing and durable 100% 600D Oxford polyester that’s attached to a robust steel frame, it has a max load of 120kg, which is almost 19 stone in old money, and can therefore withstand carrying heavy loads! Its simple design means that assembly is quick and easy, just remove the Strider from its heavy duty bag, unfold and insert the two top poles into the frame and there you go. The two top poles are attached by elastic and are designed to make the packed size even smaller. It also features built in mesh panels improve breathability and comfort whilst seated for extended periods of time, and there’s a side attachment point for a Robens bottle holder. As well as being wide enough for my fat arse, it has a high back support for extra comfort and if you have dodgy knees, its seat height is 40cm, so it’s easy to stand up from. Overall it’s a fantastic light-ish compact chair that’s perfect for camping, beach days, picnics etc, and it’s small enough to be kept in your 4x4 for those spur of the moment days out. price: £40.99 more at » www.robens.de

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Robens Fire Tick Stove

Weighing in at just 115g, this tiny stove is designed to fit the Robens Cookery King, as well as most other storm cooker systems instead of using the liquid fuel burner. Made from Stainless Steel, aluminium and copper, the Fire Tick has an output of 1500W, 109 g/h, and although I’m not actually sure what that means, the large burner top really does distributed heat equally and powerfully. Once your storm cooker is assembled, the Fire Tick is designed to be small enough to slot through one of the air holes whilst sitting securely inside the stove. The Fire Tick stove uses any EN 417 gas cartridges, comes with its own mesh bag, and is compact enough to fit onto a small pan. One thing to be aware of is that it doesn’t come with its own ignition switch, so make sure you have a lighter or ferro rod to hand. Although I’m trying to move my dependancy away from gas, I have to say that cooking on the Robens Cookery King is much easier with the Fire Tick as the flame, and therefore heat is far more controllable, especially in windy conditions. price: £46.99 more at » www.robens.de

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Discovered, not yet tested Rockfish Walkabout Wellies These wellington boots are aptly named to provide comfort and durability. The walkabout is designed and constructed specially for all day wear, incorporating hiking technology in the outsole and with a supported arch, the walkabout is an anti-fatigue wellington. Built on a 4mm thick neoprene sock, the walkabout provides thermal protection in the coldest of temperatures (tested & certified to -25º centigrade). Moisture management is provided by 2mm wicking air mesh lining for breathability in warmer weather. Handcrafted from 100% natural rubber from sustainable rubber plantations, Rockfish offers a 12 month guarantee against material and manufacturing defects. sizes - UK 5-13 price: £114.99 more at » rockfishfootwear.co.uk

Ecoflow RIVER Portable Power Station This 288Wh portable power station has just arrived at Muddy Towers, too soon for a full review, so here's a brief introduction. In the box you’ll find the power station alongside a variety of cables and plugs for solar panels, car charging as well and the usual manual and warranty card. Weighing in at 5kg the Ecoflow RIVER has a built-in sturdy handle on the top and overall feels fairly rugged. The screen is easy to read and it’s very simple to use - even for this luddite. Fully charged in a record-breaking 96 minutes via your home socket, or 3 hours by plugging it into your car using the car adapter, it can also be charged using solar panels. It can power up to 9 devices at once with all the ports, and there's enough power to charge your phone 21 times. Switch to X-Boost technology and you’re able to power high-wattage appliances up to 1800W (which is enough to power a hairdryer, or even a lawnmower, apparently!). I’m really looking forward to using the RIVER on day trips as well as camping weekends.There will be a full review coming in a month or two once I’ve given it a thorough going over. price: £379 more at » uk.ecoflow.com 44

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Discovered, not yet tested Trace Ultimate Hammock Set

The Trace Ultimate Hammock Set is a complete package for offgrid overnight adventures and can be quickly slung between trees to keep you comfortably off the cold, damp ground away from crawling insects and rain. It packs into an integral carrybag that doubles as a handy pocket when the hammock is in use. Unusually, the hammock comes with daisy chain slings, cord and carabiners crucial for use suspended from an apex cord to keep it away from the sleeper. The cord also acts as a ridge ‘pole’ to support the tarp for protection against the weather.

Packing down to just 22cm x 31cm and weighing in at 1.84kg, the set includes: • Hammock with integrated mosquito net • Tarp - ripstop nylon • Slings and cord • Carabiners price: £103.99 more at » www.robens.de

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Discovered, not yet tested Brandecosse Capriolo Walking Boots In an age when almost everything is mass produced, it’s nice to come across a range of boots that are hand made. When I was looking for a pair of dual purpose boots that would be suitable for both driving in and walking I came across the Capriolo from Scottish manufacturer Brandecosse. The Capriolo is a lightweight, waterproof and highly breathable walking boot, and despite the lightweight construction, it is more than fit for purpose. The full Sympatex lining will keep your feet dry in that dew sodden grass, and being combined with super breathable suede, will keep your feet comfortable whatever the temperature. The new Vibram Friction sole offers all-round grip and high wear resistance, combined with a tough rubber toecap cover, ventilated leather footbed and secure toe to ankle lacing system, to get you set for a perfect day in the country. sizes: 4 - 12 (UK) price £179 more at » www.brandecosse.com

Outwell Penguin Cool Bag The new Outwell Penguin range is designed for days out and camping trips that demand tough, easy stacking cool bags. Made from rugged polyester outer with an easy care PVA lining with welded seams to provide a waterproof finish. Two sturdy, comfortable handles wrap around the cool bag body for the added strength needed when pulling a full cool bag in and out of a vehicle. Convenient external mesh pockets are standard to the range and the soft sides ensure the cool bags take up little storage space when empty. A sturdy twin-zip lid provides wide U-shaped access to the main compartment and all Penguin cool bags are well insulated using 20mm EVA foam - the range insulation is independently tested and is rated to keep contents cool for 13 hours using an 800ml ice block, ideal for days out and overnight trips. prices: 6 litre (S) - £22.99 15 litre (M) - £34.99 25 litre (L) - £40.99 more at » www.outwell.com

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Time To P lay A few months ago in our news section, we included details of the brand new Ford Ranger pickup that had been released in Australia. We also mentioned that the new model isn’t going to reach our shores until sometime in 2023.

With this in mind, Ford wanted to remind us all of how good, relevant and versatile the current model is, and invited a bunch load of motoring writers to the Brecon Beacons for a few days in the mud. In our February issue I took you through the first part of the day when we were lead through some lovely Welsh green lanes, and at the end of our excursion we arrived at the Hub where Ford’s PR team had set up, amongst other things, a huge tent and organised free unlimited pizza and warm drinks. That’s right, free pizza! It wasn’t all about free pizza though, there was an offroad course and motocross track for us journos to play on - sorry, to professionally evaluate the Ranger’s capabilities.

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Although the off-road course was fairly basic, getting to it wasn’t. It began up the side of hill with a track that had been forged through ferns, and it was wet, very wet. Our group leader struggled a bit at the top just managing to keep traction, but was sliding all over the place. This didn’t bode well for me, who was second in line, and the rest of the convoy. Selecting drive, low box and engaging the rear locker I had no option except to just go for it. The Wildtrac kicked up mud from every wheel as I focused on not easing off the throttle whilst frantically turning the steering wheel from side to side in the

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hope of finding as much extra grip as I could. As I reached the top the track took a sharp U-turn and headed back downwards. Next was Theo in the Raptor, and it didn’t go well for him. By this time the track was properly chewed up (it's private land don’t forget), and the wide all-terrains kept getting clogged up, so after four attempts it was decided that him and the rest of the group would go the easy way to the quarry. Everything else from here on was quite tame, but we still got to drive up and down some fairly steep gradients that again proved just how capable the Ranger is.

After returning to the tent for more pizza (Do I like free pizza? Hell yeah!), I was asked if I’d like to drive around the motocross track - in a Raptor. For this frolic Bob from All Terrain Services was my guide and tried his best to point me in the right direction. Oh wow was it slippy! Imagine driving on ice with an extra layer of grease on top for good measure. In fairness the Raptor did a sterling job as I constantly flung the steering wheel in every direction whilst performing impressive power slides. Honestly, the photos don’t do it any justice.

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Back to the tent for, you guessed it, more pizza, and I decided to have a gander at the fleet of Rangers that Ford had organised, from the local fire service, police, RAC and utility vehicles. There was one with a rooftop tent that looked impressive, sadly it wasn’t on the press fleet - I asked.

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Part of the day was also to remind us that last year Ford brought out a couple of limited edition models, namely the Ranger Stormtrak and Ranger Wolftrak. The Ranger Stormtrak, it’s based on the premium Ranger Wildtrak series and delivers even higher specification with further enhanced comfort features and unique finishes. A limited run of vehicles will be built to ensure exclusivity and available as a Double Cab for UK customers. All Ranger Stormtrak models are equipped with Ford’s rangetopping Bi-turbo 213PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine that develops a whopping 500Nm of torque along with the usual selectable four-wheel drive system and 10-speed automatic gearbox. The striking Rapid Red paint job is unique to Ranger Stormtrak, though it’s also available in Frozen White and Blue Lightning paint options. You also get a black rear bumper, sports hoop, rugged underbody protection, a bedliner, load divider and Ford’s new Power Roller Shutter feature as standard.

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The Ranger Wolftrak is built for customers who desire dependable off-road capability and a bold, no-nonsense exterior. Based on the Ranger XLT series, Wolftrak is powered by Ford’s 170PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with the choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. A selectable four-wheel drive system with shift-on-the-fly function, electronically-locking rear diff and all-terrain tyres are standard. Ford reckon the Ranger Wolftrak will appeal strongly to customers in farming, forestry and outdoor pursuit industries as well as private buyers. A 1.0-tonne payload and 3,500kg maximum towing weight offer significant load-moving ability, supported by a standard protective bed liner. An optional manual load bed cover or Aeroklas full load canopy are uniquely available in matte black to match Ranger Wolftrak’s blacked-out exterior detailing. A long-leg tubular sports bar exclusive to Ranger Wolftrak creates a rugged look and supports accessory fitment and easy load restraint. Imposing Conquer Grey paint accentuates the pickup’s haunches and complements the matte black grille, underbody protection and 17” black alloy wheels. The truck’s distinctive style is completed by darkened Wolftrak badges and plastic moulded side steps. After stuffing more pizza down my neck, I chatted to the PR team, who did a sterling job, and a few colleagues before setting off… in a Wildtrak, of course!

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The Tales of Lilly, The Mud Life Dog

Alien Dog !

by Karen Lee Turner

ell this month Lilly threw us a bit of a scary wobbler. Damian had got up early and was presented with a very strange looking dog, definitely not the same dog that went to sleep the night before. Our smooth cute faced pup looked like she had been stung by a gazillion tiny bees, and she had developed a very weird alien looking head!

reaked out, and as it was way too early for the vets to be open, Damian began searching the internet for the cause of the bumps, By the time I got up, he had discovered the cause - HIVES! Now the only thing I knew about hives is that teenagers in American movies always seem to break out in them, but I had no idea what they were and how she had developed them, so more internet delving occurred. Once I was properly convinced Damian was correct, I had a look on the other place on the internet that I refer to when it comes to Lilly, the Lurcher Appreciation Facebook group. There were a number of posts about other people's lurchers getting hives, and lots of helpful 'cures'. I take most internet advice under advisement until I can get corroborating science based advice, so armed with ideas my next step was to WhatsApp my friend Pam, who used to be a vet nurse, and is now a trainer of vet nurses, for more solid advice. To be fair the Facebook posters had their advice about right. Hives in dogs is sort of the same as in humans, it is an allergic reaction to some outside influence - an ant bite, insect sting, pollen, something picked up in the grass or even a reaction to sun, and the remedy is similar - take an anti-histamine.

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My friend said hives usually disappear after a day or so, though not always, and I had to keep a eye on Lilly to check that the swellings didn't interfere with her breathing, and to give her Piriton as it would help lessen the itchy and uncomfortable symptoms. By this time the lumps were on the move and were spreading steadily around her body, and I can honestly say I was getting anxious, so I jumped in the car and headed to the chemist to grab some Piriton. On my return Lilly was looking pitiful, with lumps and bumps everywhere, and she just wasn't herself. Pam erred on the side of caution, and told me to start her off with half a tablet (even though with Lilly's weight it said that she could have had up to 3 tablets in 24 hours), and see how things went, and that she could have the other half 12 hours later if she needed it, which would be around 11.30pm.

Things slightly improved, but not enough for me to go to bed. I was eagerly watching her for any ill effects, so sleep definitely wasn't on the cards, which proved a judicious course of action an hour later when she decided to return up everything she had eaten that day, including a ton of grass, onto the carpet. A quick clean up, and back to being a hovering dog mother. At 3.45am, and with my eyes screaming to be closed, I decided to give her another half pill, as I figured the other one wouldn't have had much time to work after ending up ejected on to the carpet, and beneficially one of the effects is that it would make her drowsy and hopefully more settled. At around 4.45am I went to bed, assured that the little madam was happily asleep, her breathing was fine, and knowing that Damian would be up in just over an hour to keep an eye on her. When I arose, after a restless 5 hour sleep, the bumps and lumps were gone off her head, but had again moved around different bits of her body. Though I could see that she was feeling a bit better, and a bit more herself, I decided to give her a full pill after her lunch time walk, with fingers crossed that this would blitz the rest of the lumps. Slowly during the day the lumps started to subside, and by around 8pm there was hardly any signs that they had been there, and she was almost back to being her lively playful self. I don't think I have ever been so relieved, and I could see Damian visibly relax. We still have no idea what set it off as there was no visible sign of a bite anywhere, but a few days later we were speaking to her previous mum and mentioned about the hives, and she said that Lilly had had them once before, and that she had no clue either.

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Pam, who is now going to use Lilly's photos when teaching her vet nurses about hives (so some good has come from Lilly's suffering) did tell me that if dogs have had hives before potentially the next time the reaction could be more severe, so from now on, along with the antiseptic spray and spray on plasters, my doggie first aid kit will definitely contain a box of Piriton! Owning a dog is fun, but having your dog feeling poorly is awful; I think we both aged a few years in a couple of days. Let's hope that's enough drama for a while, as I don't think I can cope with any more.

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Keep your dogs safe in the car The Highway Code, Rule 57, states:

'When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.” In the event of a collision, a small dog could be hurled at the head of someone sitting in the front of the car like a canine cannonball, and a large breed, such as a Labrador, would hurtle towards you with the force of a baby elephant. In both cases it is unlikely that the dog, or the human occupants, would survive such a violent impact. Also, how many times have you seen a news story about a dog who has got lost or injured after a car accident, because they ran from the scene, often right into traffic, and dogs who are free to roam in the car can even be the cause of the crash in the first place, so invest in a pet carrier, dog guard, pet seatbelt or travel crate. A crate is the safest option, especially for larger dogs, but it does depend on the type and size of your car. Remember a crate should be fixed down, not be left unrestrained on the rear seat.

A dog guard works best in hatchbacks, but must be securely fitted in order to protect your pets and passengers. Pet seatbelts can be used in any car, but it may take your dog a bit of time to get used to. Make sure to use it in the back seat, as passenger air bags present the same risk to dogs as they do to small children.If your dog hates car journeys, get them used to short trips that concludes with a tasty treat or a fun walk as a reward, then they'll start to associate the car with something good and anxiety levels should recede. It’s important to do your best to ignore any barking while you’re driving. Shouting at them to "be quiet" or "calm down" may actually be rewarding the behaviour as it tells the dog they've got your attention. While it may require the patience of a saint to keep the dog in the car do not let them out of the car if they’re barking, wait until the barking has ended, so that you are rewarding silence. This is so important, and absolutely worth the ear-splitting effort on your part. If you are consistent with this rule you will get amazing results. Finally, I know I just said leave your dog in the car if they are barking, but leaving dogs alone in a car in warm temperatures is a definite no no. Dogs standard body temperature is about 101.5º F, but when exposed to a hot environment, their temperature can quickly rise; even a short period in a hot car can make your dog seriously ill or prove fatal. Even during winter days any sun on your car can heat up the inside like a greenhouse, so always remember, if you really have to leave your pet in your car for a couple of minutes, make sure to park in the shade and crack open windows.

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Lilly's On The Lookout for...

Car Safety Products Dry Dogs Seat Belt Clip Restraint

For dogs that wear a harness this is the really simple, and rather inexpensive way of keeping your dog under control in the car, and it was one of the first few things we bought for Lilly.

It has an elastic extension section, together with a slide-buckle to adjust the length of the product, so a livelier dog will still have a certain amount of freedom to turn around and get comfy.

Using a universal connector that clips into any car seat belt buckle and a quality metal tigger clip to attached to the harness, this strap will ensure that your pet will not run around the car or jump all over you, and make sure that where you put them is where they will stay.

Although we have the Quiltie hammock in the back seat attching Lilly to the seat belt buckle with this strap has been brilliant as she can easily reach both windows to stick her nose out, but stops her being able to jump through to the front. The other safety benefit we've found with Lilly is that with this attached she can't jump straight out of the car whenever we open the back door, giving us time to attach her lead. For very obvious neck breaking reasons this clip should only be used with dogs that wear a harness not a collar. price: £6 more at » drydogs.co.uk

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Dog Box UK cages Cages, boxes or crates - whatever you call them they are the best solution for providing a safe and secure environment for your dog to travel in. Obviously they are the more expensive option, but there is no doubt they are definitely the most secure form, but they have other benefits than just saftey. One of the good things about a dog transport box is that it protects the interior of your vehicle, and if, like Lilly, your dog attracts mud like a farmer's welly then you'll find these Dog Box UK cages, with their hard wearing powder coating and rubber matting, very easy to clean. You only have to clean the box and not the whole car. No more will you have to find a towel or blanket to save your seats from muddy paws, or worry whether your interior panels will be nibbled by an anxious furry passenger.

One of the other benefits is that if you have more than one dog you can choose different configurations so you can separate your pets to stop any distracting squabbles. Unsurprisingly with the name of the company, Dog Box UK cages are made in the United Kingdom, and they have a huge variety of shapes and sizes to fit most cars, 4x4s and pick-ups. prices: vary to make, model and configuration more at » www.dogboxuk.co.uk

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CarSafe Crash Tested Harness This CarSafe harness provides a dog seat belt for your pet, and is crash test certified up to 32kg in tests done at Michigan Transportation Research Institute This unique design took two years to develop and combines safety and strength, while keeping the harness lightweight., and converts to a comfortable walking harness. It has side clips for easy fitting and connects directly to your car seat belt system, and has a cushioned, breathable chest panel to ensure your dog travels in comfort. When out of the car the harness becomes a great walking harness which has front and back lead connection points which is useful if you want to connect a 2 clip lead with a dog that pulls, and it has reflective fabric ensuring visibility at any time. sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large prices: £18.99 to £23.49 (dependent on size) more at » pdsapetstore.org.uk

Knuffelwuff Cargo The Cargo front seat system from Knuffelwuff is available in three sizes and provides your dog with a comfy, safe place to travel and protects your vehicle from fur, dirt and odours. The high foam walls protect your dog even during an emergency stop and prevent your pooch from slipping into the footwell or potentially crashing into the dashboard. The orthopaedic memory foam lying surface is also gentle on the spine and joints. Cleaning the extremely robust and water-repellent laser-quilted synthetic leather is an absolute doddle – all you have to do is wipe it with a damp cloth. The covers are removable. The fold-out protective cover stops the paint from being scratched when your dog’s getting in and out. The Cargo belt system, which you can use to strap your dog in the Cargo to stop them jumping out, for example, is available as an option. prices from £82.89 to £165.24 more at » www.knuffelwuff.co.uk

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Britpart Dog Guards There are plenty of dog guards on the market, good and bad, but the important if you want a secure guards that fits well you are best geting one specifically for the make and model of your vehicle. In the world of the green oval brands Britpart has a lot of choices to pick from. You can get full height versions that will keep your dog in the back even with the seats down or there are half height variations that fit across the top of the back seats, and they come in mesh, bar or combined styles. If you have a Range Rover, Discovery, Freelander or Defender you are bound to find a guard that fits. prices: vary to make & model more at » www.britpart.com/parts/interior-protection/dog-guards

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

EB Dog Bag

Since getting Lilly we have been looking about for versatile dog products and this EB Dog Bag pet carrier seems to fit the bill. It is a different concept in dog transport in that it is effectively a flexible pop up tent for your pet that offers advantages over the traditional steel cage. It's lightweight, but strong, and comes in a handy rucksack that has pockets to keep some treats and a water bottle. The base is square rather than rectangular so it takes up less space in the boot of the car, allowing you to pack in a few more essentials, and the top of it squashes down in lower ceiling cars. The mesh upper section means that your dog can see out whilst staying secure. Take the Dog Bag out of the car, and it becomes a portable kennel - a great idea if you are camping. sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium & Large prices: from £44.95 to £94.95 more at » www.travellingwithpets.co.uk

Petego EB Kar 9 soft mesh barrier If you don't have a back seat hammock the Kar 9 Soft Barrier is a useful tool. It does exactly what the name implies, it creates a barrier in between the front seats and the back to stop your hound from sneaking into the front to distract you from the road helping to keep both you and your pet safe while travelling. Made of durable nylon canvas and mesh, the Kar 9 Soft Barrier fastens securely to the headrest stems with adjustable nylon belts. price: £19.95 more at » www.travellingwithpets.co.uk

Storm Jeeps have a number of modified Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon's for sale. More details on available stock via our website or call 01482 666491

Suzuki Vitara Press launch

I can recall quite vividly back in 2015 when I heard the news that the Grand Vitara was about to be discontinued and be replaced with something that wouldn’t even have a low box. I lowered my head in dismay. Then I drove it, and although I still lamented the passing of a competent and fun 4x4, I immediately had a soft spot for the new Vitara. Since then I’ve lost count of the number of them I’ve driven, from the 1.6 litre petrol to the 1.0 litre 2wd and 1.4 litre Boosterjet petrol engine with ALLGRIP, Suzuki’s 4wd system.

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A couple of years ago the Vitara had a bit of a styling upgrade as well as a 48v self-charging hybrid system that cut emissions of greenhouse gasses by an impressive 20%. Okay, it was down from 138bhp to 127bhp, but with a 0-60mph time 10.2 seconds it was still fun to drive, achieved over 50mpg and only churned out 127g/km of Co2.

With today’s climate challenges, Suzuki have been hard at work revising the Vitara again, and for 2022 they’re giving us a new ‘full hybrid’ Vitara that they say offers better economy, less Co2 and is overall better for the environment.

Swapping the 1.4-litre turbocharged Boosterjet petrol engine for a normally aspirated 1.5ltr petrol engine (a modified version of what you’ll find in the Jimny), the new Vitara is also now equipped with a fully hybrid powertrain and an automated manual gearbox. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

What does that mean? Well, the new 1.5-litre engine is paired with the following; a 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, a Motor Generator Unit (electric motor), and a 12V lithium-ion battery. The MGU behaves primarily as a generator and starter motor while supplementing the engine with a bit of power when needed. During acceleration, the ECU will gently apply some extra torque from the MGU. Meanwhile, regenerative braking and deceleration will recuperate lost energy to charge up the battery pack.

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It’s goodbye to the 6-speed automatic gearbox of old and in with 6-speed automated manual gearbox, or as Suzuki call it, the AGS (or Auto Gear Shift). This was chosen for how seamlessly it’s made to work with the Vitara’s hybrid system as well as being lighter when compared to a conventional torque converter auto. Flappy paddles are mounted on the steering wheel for that extra bit of control. Suzuki’s figures for the combined economy range from 48.4 to 53mpg, with CO2 emissions from 121 to 132g/km, an improvement over the mild hybrid outgoing model, but not by much. Suzuki estimated that the average driver will save around £10 a month.

What’s it like to drive? Driven sedately with Eco mode selected, refinement is fine, the gearbox is fine and in all, everything is hunky-dory. Tootle around town and the engine cuts out, allowing the Vitara to run on battery power for ultimate smugness. However, our test route involved exploring the fantastic Welsh roads that passed Ruthin and took us to the Tynycornel Hotel on the shore of Llyn Mwyngil. When it comes to enjoying the twists and turns, or even a quick overtake, the lack of a turbocharger is noticeable as the 1.5-litre petrol engine isn’t the most powerful unit, even with the help from the electric motor 0-62mph takes 13.5 seconds. The automated manual gearbox doesn’t help matters either, go for an overtake and the revs fly up to around 5,500rpm then pauses momentarily, as if it’s missed a gear, then changes up. Not the smoothest and a little disconcerting if I’m being honest. For anything other than tootling around town, I would definitely recommend using the flappy paddles for better control. It’s not all negative, the ride comfort is good and handling always feels safe and secure, especially with ALLGRIP doing its magic underneath. There’s always just enough over and understeer to bring a smile to your face! When it comes to safety equipment Suzuki always go the extra mile and include goodies such as adaptive cruise control, satellite navigation, individual tyres pressure warning and lane assist which is why the Vitara scores a full five stars by Euro NCAP.

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Conclusion Sadly the Vitara has lost its fun element in favour of saving the planet, and your bank balance, which is a shame. But all is not lost, the Vitara is still comfy, practical and very capable off the beaten track. You get more safety spec and goodies as standard than other vehicles in its band, and of course it’s a Suzuki, so it’s well bolted together will a good reputation for reliability. Prices start at £25,499 for a two-wheel drive SZ-T model, rising to £29,299 for an SZ5 equipped with ALLGRIP.

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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. Buy 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.

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All these lovely people chose to support us this month, and every penny is really is appreciated.

Thank you all so much, Damian & Karen Lee

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This isn’t an ordinary car show where your senses are overwhelmed with the heady aroma of wax and polish, instead the Practical Classic’s Classic Car & Restoration Show is exactly that, a show that focuses on classic cars, and their inevitable restoration. There were 1000+ cars on display, 150+ car clubs, 250+ exhibitors and autojumblers including restoration companies, services providers and product suppliers.

Then there was the Classic Car Auctions, celebrities, and practical workshops on restoration skills that would make any restorer’s knees tremble with excitement. These included the detailed examination of a Fiat Topolino cutaway rear axle and comparisons between steering mechanisms, from straight worm and rack and pinion. Told ya.

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The schedule for this event was massive with speakers and celebs from Ant Anstead, Fuzz Townshend and Richard Hammond to various classic car magazine editors, all giving interviews and Q&A sessions over the 3 day event. I missed all of them. Most of the 150 car clubs in attendance had a selection of vehicles in different stages of repair, some had dirt and leafs thrown on them to make them look unwanted, whilst others looked beyond economical repair. On the subject of BER, wandering around the Classic Car Auctions area there were at least a dozen 2-door Classic Range Rovers in such disrepair that around 20 years ago they would have only been fit for the scrap man, but not any more. I have no idea how much they went for, I don’t particularly want to either as I get depressed at their prices these days.

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A few cars aways from the rust and aluminium, hiding between some Series 1, 2 and 3 Land Rovers, was a very intriguing Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. An ex-Japanese Military Police vehicle, it was RHD and powered by a 2.4ltr 4-cylinder diesel. Oh, and you’ll need to find your own doors, roof and windscreen as well registering it for UK roads. It had an estimate of between £22 - £26,000!

I learnt something new, and that’s the CVC Register was initially called the Land Rover Company Vehicles Collection. Basically it was set up with the mission to find and rescue the last remaining P38a Range Rover press launch and preproduction vehicles. From 2015 the group opened up the range to include all former factory Land Rovers from Discoverys to Freelanders. I feel a separate article coming soon.

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There was the ‘Carol Nash Barn Find’ display which visitors could vote for their favourite. I’m not certain which won, but my vote would have gone to the Mini estate.

As always there are so many different stands that it’s impossible to mention them all, but one in particular that I was interested in was the Beach Buggy Info group where I had a great chat with Chad, who along with a friend created Doon Buggies. Why was a interested Doon Buggies? Because I have chassis number L025/08, that’s why, and hopefully by the time you’re reading this, our Bugster will be back on the road after a few years of being poorly.

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As ever, the Sporting Bears Dream Rides Garage were on hand offering a huge variety of vehicles to go for a passenger ride in, with all proceeds going to charity. There were two Cobra replicas that looked absolutely stunning.

The problem with being a car enthusiast and publishing a car magazine is that often I’m too involved with taking photos of the vehicles at shows like this and I don’t get to enjoy the atmosphere.

fter an hour or so I made the managerial decision to put my camera away and wander around the show like any normal enthusiast, and what a good time I had. more at » www.necrestorationshow.com/

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Make your walls a little more fun! Great designs in A3, A4 & A5 sizes

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Be Our Guest Damian's mutterings are good, but we have decided that you wouldn't mind reading the compositions from other people every now and then, so to kick us off we have a man who has been a prison governor, lumberjack, police officer, retail manager, breakfast chef and smallholder, and is now is a freelance motoring and travel journalist, who travels the world driving, photographing and writing about cars.

Let's welcome Carlton Boyce to the pages of The Mud Life.

I’ve owned 54 vehicles in my life, of which 24 have had some degree of four-wheel drive capability – mind you, that’s probably less of a surprise than you might think given I learned to drive in a Land Rover Forward Control and a Range Rover Classic when I was eight years old. My father worked in agriculture you see, which gave him access to all sorts of interesting machinery, most of which had the green oval on the front. This, combined to an almost limitless supply of fields and tracks nearby, meant I was an accomplished driver before I hit double-digits, even if my cockiness meant I failed my driving test three times… Constantly searching for *the* one, I’ve dodged and weaved my way through far too many cars over the years, losing money on most but managing to break even on more than you might imagine. It still hasn’t been a cheap hobby but being a motoring journalist for a decade meant I had a ready supply of sensible cars to fulfil my everyday motoring needs, leaving me free to buy stuff that was, er, not your average mainstream model.

I’ve also been lucky enough to drive many more at someone else’s expense and these journeys have taken me from the mountains of Iceland in the middle of winter to the Sahara Desert in summer. Throw in a few weeks exploring the Canadian Rockies in a hired Ford F150 and a 5,000-mile drive from the UK to Morocco in a Jeep Rubicon just before COVID and you’ll start to understand my obsession with having all four wheels powered. Damian thought readers of The Mud Life might enjoy hearing about some of the highs and lows of my off-road motoring career. I remain unconvinced but shall we take a quick look and see if I can draw you in?

Photograph © Carlton Boyce

My last nine vehicles have included a Suzuki Jimny, a new Jeep Rubicon, and a Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT37 by way of a

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution and a Ford Transit AWD. Expand the range to the past ten years and you’ll see a Honda NSX in there too, plus a Citroen Xantia Activa. Only interested in the 4x4s that have had my name on the V5? Well, there was an Isuzu D-Max AT35 too plus a Mitsubishi Evolution I, a Subaru Legacy Spec B and a couple of Foresters, three Suzuki Grand Vitaras, a VW Transporter 4Motion and more Range Rover Classics than any sane man should ever buy.

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Suzuki engineering meant it was 100% reliable, while decent ground clearance and minimal weight allowed it to get into places that left my friends almost speechless with its ability – and my stupidity. With a set of Cooper Discoverer Sport tyres on it was equally brilliant in snow. That said I took it along the M62 in a gale once, which was easily the most terrifying drive of my life. Still, swings and roundabouts, eh? Of course, the world has gone mad for the new Jimny now, which has lifted the price of the old model along with it. This makes them far less of a bargain than they used to be but if you ever get the chance to buy a decent older model for less than a couple of grand you should do so. I promise you that no similarly priced car will ever give you more fun.

Photographs © Karl Evans

Suzuki Jimny

My all-time favourite mud-plugger was a 2001 Suzuki Jimny. Finished in a fetching shade of metallic blue, it set me back £1,000, which made it cheap enough that I didn’t have to worry about scratching it, which gave me the confidence to thrash it into places it had no right going.

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I still took it to Anglesey Circuit though, where it acquitted itself surprisingly well, earning grins and thumbs-up from the marshals and a queue of folk keen to sample a piece of thoroughbred Paris-Dakar engineering driven inexpertly around a race track. It cost me about £15,00 all-in and being a Japanese import was free of rust and absolutely immaculate inside and out. I got that all back when I sold it a few months later, a state of affairs that eased the stupidity of selling it in the first place. They’re still available for that sort of money, so if you’ve got £15k kicking around and earning sod all interest there are dafter things to do with your money.

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Photographs © Angus Taylor

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution 88

Billed by many – including me at some point I’m sure – as the world’s toughest production car, the Paj Evo is every bit as brilliant as you imagine. Tall and short, it seems to pivot under your hips, which makes for an interesting experience given its 280bhp and mud-biased tyres.

The engine was left standard, which made it slow off the line and embarrassingly languid when overtaking but it looks brilliant and had the benefit of being ultra-rare, which isn’t surprising given the cost of conversion.

Photographs © Carlton Boyce

Toyota Hilux AT37

Speaking of daft, my three-year-old Toyota Hilux AT37 was easily the most ridiculous vehicle I’ve ever owned. Reengineered by Arctic Trucks to accommodate 37-inch tyres under cartoonish wheelarches, it is also the most impressive all-round vehicle I’ve ever driven. I took one of the Arctic Trucks fleet down to the French Alps once and was amazed at how well it sat at 80mph on the motorway, while still having enough off-road ability to conquer the tough 4x4 course the French had laid out for club members without breaking sweat.

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An unforeseen change in my circumstances forced its sale after a year, which meant I lost a bundle but I remember it with great affection, not least because it opened the door to many adventures with the lads and lasses of Arctic Trucks both here and in Iceland.

Photographs © Carlton Boyce

Isuzu D-Max AT35

My AT35 was a better day-to-day vehicle than the AT37; two inches might not sound like much but the tyres are significantly lighter, which makes for a nicer drive. It didn’t yield too much in the way of prowess in the rough either, something a day exploring the mountains of north Wales showed when I was demonstrating it to the local countryside service.

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But, it’s off the beaten track where it really shines. The suspension height and travel aren’t extraordinary but a set of underbody guards help mitigate that.Yokohama Geolander G015 give massive grip and the selectable four-wheel-drive system and low-ratio gearbox are wonderfully effective, especially when the traction control kicks in, allowing you to wave a couple of wheels in the air while maintaining forward momentum. Yes, it’s a bit thirsty but £8,000 for a seven-year-old car with a full Suzuki history and two careful previous owners make for very cheap and reliable motoring.

Photographs © Carlton Boyce

Suzuki Grand Vitara

I reckon Suzuki is the most underrated brand in the United Kingdom, and the last generation Grand Vitara JT is a great example of why you should consider one. It handles beautifully, for a start, and with a decent engine in it – mine is the 150bhp, 2.4-litre petrol – it fairly flies. I’ve had a couple of Subaru Foresters over the years but their CVT automatic gearboxes are dreadful, which makes the Suzuki a far, far better bet as a surefooted family car.

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Photograph © Carlton Boyce

Honda Pioneer

My current garage comprises a 2021 Honda Pioneer for agricultural duties and shifting bricks of peat off saturated moorland, a 2013 Ford Transit AWD for carrying building and agricultural supplies, and the aforementioned eight-year-old 2.4-litre Suzuki Grand Vitara for civilised high-speed runs – not that I make many of those these days as I’ve settled in one of the northernmost Shetland islands, a place where four-wheel-drive is a necessity and ease of repair is more highly prized than a low PCP payment.

Yes, I'm talking to you!

Thanks Carlton, now it's your turn.

If you are a budding Frank Elson or Ginny Buckley, or just a person who would just love to tell a tale and have thousands of people read it, then here's your chance to write something for the mag. - It doesn't have to be about your extensive car history....but it can be. - It could be about something you love, or hate, about the motoring industry. - It could be a tale of finding love over a hot exhaust pipe. - Maybe tell us about the one that got away. - we are talking cars here, no agony aunt submissions please (both of us are only just qualified to tie our own shoelaces, so we'd be no help). Obviously we can't promise that every story will make it into the magazine, but if it amuses, entertains or informs we'd love to read it. Send submissions to:

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guest@themudlife.co.uk

MUD LIFE STICKERS ARE BACK! We decided that with our little name change we should redesign our stickers too, and so we have these 2 fun new designs to pick from. Get them now to adorn your 4x4, toolbox, laptop or wherever else you happen to stick things. • Size - approx. 10cm • Printed on high quality vinyl • Suitable for exterior use. If you want to order any of these glossy vinyl stickers, they are only £1.75 each (plus P&P which is just 66p no matter how many stickers you buy).

Get them in our Ko-Fi shop:

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h c o o M

Dales Day out

The other week when I had the all-new Subaru Outback on loan, good friend and frequent contributor, Andy Harris had the equally new Suzuki S-Cross on loan, so what better way to test their off-road prowess than by traversing the odd green lane around the North Yorkshire Dales. Our rendezvous point was Lupton, a small linear village on the A65, just a few minutes away from junction 36 on the M6, and within Lupton there’s a short, yet interesting, green lane that descends quite sharply towards a brook.

Lane 1 The last time I was down there I was in the Jeep Renegade 4xe (4-by-e), and the brook was a raging torrent, so figured it wasn’t worth the risk and turned round. Today however, the water level was around a foot and a half and easily manageable in both our cars.

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Photos taken and satisfied of our steeds wading capabilities, we made our way past Kirby Lonsdale, left at Ingleton and onto the B6255 towards Hawes, and our second green lane. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

Lane 2 By now it had turned into a glorious and unseasonably warm morning with an almost clear blue sky and a very low sun that made taking photos a tad difficult - at least that’s my excuse. Upon reaching High Cam Road we headed down towards Bainbridge. Offering spectacular views, High Cam Road has a surface of compact gravel with a few limestone steps to negotiate. With decent ground clearance I wasn’t concerned about catching the Outback’s undercarriage, but Andy had to be a little less nonchalant, and bit more wary when it came to wheel placement in the S-Cross.

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Arriving unscathed at the bottom, we made our way towards Semerwater which is the second largest lake in North Yorkshire, known for water sports, walks and peaceful scenery. It doesn’t matter what your carriage is, you simply can’t drive past Semerwater without pulling over onto the shoreline and taking a photo or two - it’s the law. More photos taken, we headed towards our next ancient byway, High Lane. Much like High Cam Road, it’s mainly made up of compact gravel and therefore suitable for most vehicles with all-wheel drive.

Lane 3 There is only one obstacle to be aware of, and that’s a deep rain channel that cuts across the lane. To be fair, in a proper 4x4 it would be deemed insignificant, but in the Outback, and in particular the S-Cross, it was obstacle that required respect. Positioning the Outback at a 45º angle, I slowly eased the front, off-side wheel into the channel. Amongst other things, this method limits the damage you can cause to the front bumper of vehicles if you drive straight on. The Outback cleared it with plenty of room to spare, and next it was Andy’s turn, and taking the same line, the S-Cross proved that it’s a capable machine with abilities above its station. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

From here on High Lane continues to climb, offering more amazing views across the Dales. After a short plateau we made our way back down to tarmac and our lunch stop at The Buck Inn in Buckden. Although the three green lanes aren’t particularly gnarly, nor damaging, over our fish and mushy pea sandwiches, we both gave the Outback and S-Cross a Wnod of respect.

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🇦🇺

es d i R s ' r e Read a i l a r t s u A

Who are you, where are you from and what do you do? Ben Cook, UK expat living in Melbourne, Australia. I moved to Australia 9 years ago and brought my LJ70 LandCruiser out with me. I’ve spent most of those 9 years working in the 4wd industry as a welder/ fabricator/designer and auto electrician. I currently work for a company that specialises in Suzuki 4x4’s designing and manufacturing aftermarket parts for them, from winch bumpers to bash plates to switch panels and custom interior parts. History of cars leading up your present 4x4 20 years ago while still living in the UK I had a Vauxhall Astra and I was a bit of a boy racer and I got caught speeding. After going to court and getting banned for a month I decided to get a 4x4 and have my fun off road instead.

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What followed was 5 x Suzuki Vitaras (1 of which was in Australia), before I finally decided I’d had enough of IFS and wanted something with a live axle and I researched what was the strongest and most reliable 4x4 on the planet and that made me discover Toyotas and in particular Land Cruisers. Present 4x4(s) and modifications done I currently own my original UK 1993 LJ70 Land Cruiser which now has a rare soft top body, a 1UZ Lexus 4 litre V8, ARB air lockers, Superwinch winch, +2” Dobinsons suspension, 33” mud tyres, custom rear bumper, front winch bumper, rock sliders and door cards. This is a fun weekend car that gets used for 4wd day drives. 1990 LJ78 LandCruiser which is a JDM import. It now has a 1KZ engine, TJM Pro Lockers, 9.5” 100 series rear diff and fully floating axles, Warn 8274 winch, bullbar,

custom rock sliders and rear bumper, custom jerry can holder, rear table, cargo barrier, drawers, Engel fridge, 12v oven, 55 litre water tank, awnings, roof rack, +2” Dobinsons suspension lift and 33” mud tyres. This is my touring/overland vehicle. 1994 LN106 Hilux. 1KZ engine conversion, TJM Pro Lockers, TJM bullbar, side bars, scrub bars and rear bumper, Warn winch, +2” BlueMax suspension lift, 31” tyres (soon to be changed to 33’s) This vehicle was purchased to carry firewood and building materials which it does very well, but I’ve since realised how good it is off road and the lack of bodywork at the rear compared to a wagon, makes it ideal for tough trips and hard tracks. So I’m now building this up as a rock crawler. I’ve just bought a set of 33” Simex style tyres that I can use on all 3 vehicles.

And also a 1994 Celica. All of my cars have to be over 25 years old to qualify for cheaper historic registration (road tax) and classic insurance. Favourite Modifications My favourite modifications would be the engine conversions (2x 1KZ-T’s and a 1UZ) followed by the selectable diff locks.

Favourite car related film My favourite car related film is James Bond No Time To Die because I loved the chase seen and the fact that bond is in a 25 year old Land Cruiser 90 series and beats all the brand new Defenders!

Favourite biscuits My favourite biscuits are some German milk chocolate ones we get from Aldi here in Australia, they dunk really well. I’ve tried buying similar ones from Aldi in the UK but they’re not as good unfortunately.

Modifications to do All 3 of my 4wd’s are almost finished now and are in daily use. The major modification I still have to do is to fit twin transfer cases into my Hilux to give me super low low range for rock crawling. Favourite green-laning trip My favourite green lane trip used to be to start south of Strata Florida and to drive all of Strata, followed by the Bastard lane and then Happy Valley with some wild camping along the route. I used to do a lot of green Laning in the UK and Wales, the Peak District and the Lake District were my favourite areas. Lottery win 4x4 My lottery win 4x4 would be the AMG G wagon. So much power and yet still with live axles and diff locks! THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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As inaugural shows go, this was a cracker! With a massive queue forming outside the hall way before it was due to open, the atmosphere was one of excitement. There were families, couples and individuals, it appeared to be a show for everyone who enjoys getting out and exploring the great outdoors, whether that’s walking, running, swimming or camping, there was something for everyone. Looking through the schedule I was quite surprised by the amount of things going on - it was a hive of activity. Throughout both days speakers on the inspiration stage included Iwan Thomas MBE, Richard Whitehead MBE, Ben Fogle, James Cracknell MBE, Sabrina PaceHumphreys, Julia Bradbury and Ranulph Fiennes, amongst others.

Then there was the outdoor skills theatre that included discussions on improving your mental health through adventure, how to plan a solo adventure with confidence, map reading top tips, nutrition and how to cook when in the mountains. It wasn’t confined to the exhibition hall, either, as outside at Pendigo Lake, the Nowca. org team were ready to welcome members and guests for a free open water swim. The outdoor kitchen was fun as it included campsite cooking demonstrations with Zoe Dickens, who showed the salivating crowd how to make breakfast wraps, vegan burgers and sweet pizza. THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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Have I mentioned the massive indoor zip-line and climbing wall? Yeah, there were those, too. With 200 exhibitors, the show saw 10,000 visitors over the weekend, and from the moment the doors were opened it was bustling, which was really good to see. I did manage to catch the odd word with some of the exhibitors, from Arcade belts to Black Yak, and I’ll bring you details of their fantastic products in another issue.

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Yet there were those who I didn’t get the chance to mither, like the Red Paddle Co who were offering a free 30 minute paddle board sessions,Vango and Nomad Trailers.

All in all it was a cracking first show, and all being well I’ll be visiting again next year. If you didn’t manage to visit this year’s event, next year’s expo that will be held on the 18th - 19th March 2023 at NEC Birmingham. Check out their website for more details nationaloutdoorexpo.com

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BACK ISSUES

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

Don’t ruin our ancient byways, try out your local P&P site, join a tour or brush up your skills on a driver training day instead. Over the next few pages we have listed many of the business that you can play, train and holiday with. If you fancy going along, always find out what you'll need to bring along or which vehicles are allowed: • • • •

Does your 4x4 need to be road legal? Do you need to show proof of age, vehicle MOT and insurance documents? Are your recovery points secure? Do you even have any recovery points? Always check with the individual site before you set off.

Remember, as well as a good quality tow rope, it’s always useful to bring along some rags and a bottle of water to clean your lights and reg plates, so you can stay legal whilst driving home!

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Pay & Play Directory

NORTH

SOUTH

Hill ’n’ Ditch

Essex Rochford & District 4x4 Club

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

Explore Off Road

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

Kirton Off Road

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

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

Cowm Leisure

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

WALES Ultra Adventure Driving

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

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

Devils Pit

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

Avalanche Adventures

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

4x4 Without A Club

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

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

Piccadilly Wood

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

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

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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

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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

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The Mud Life 4x4 Magazine - #37 - April 2022

Articles inside

SUZUKI VITARA

THE TALES OF LILLY

NISSAN JUKE TEKNA+

FORD RANGER DAY

TURNER'S TORQUE

Keep your dogs safe in the car

LANING LIFE

NEWS