Greenlaning is all about exploring the United Kingdom’s quieter rural roads, unsealed byways and historic tracks that connect landscapes, heritage and adventure. With Isuzu’s commitment to responsible greenlaning and its partnership with Green Lane Association, here’s our pick of hidden gems you should consider for your next 4×4 adventure.
1️⃣ Lake District – Breasthigh Road (Cumbria)
📍 Start GPS: 54.5045 N, −2.4888 W (approx)
Summary: A classic upland byway linking Borrowdale with the upper fells, Breasthigh Road offers remote views and a mix of rocky surfaces and steep gradients. Although known among keen laners, its remote nature keeps traffic light.
Suggested Day Trip:
- Start: Park near the A6 pull-in before the Breasthigh Road entrance.
- Morning: Run the byway westward, stopping for photos and to enjoy Kendal Fells views.
- Lunch: Head down to Tebay for a hearty pub lunch or picnic by the beck.
- Afternoon: Explore nearby historic byways or loop north through scenic rural lanes.
- Tip: Always verify current access status — local works or temporary restrictions can apply.
2️⃣ Wales – Cambrian Fringe Greenlanes (Powys/Cambrian Mountains)
📍 Rhayader Area: 52.2400 N, −3.6130 W (approx)
Summary: The quieter edges of the Cambrian Mountains hold lanes framed by rolling hills, peaty wetlands and isolated farms perfect for those who love wide skies and solitary tracks. While lanes vary in difficulty, this region rewards careful navigation.
Suggested Day Trip:
- Start: Begin at Rhayader village, taking refreshments before heading into the hills.
- Morning: Work your way up onto the open plateau lanes, enjoying river valley views.
- Lunch: Stop at a scenic pull-in with panoramic views across Cambrian ranges.
- Afternoon: Loop southwards through pastoral lanes and return via historic rural roads.
- Tip: Use detailed GPS mapping (OS maps or Smart Trail) to navigate the less obvious tracks.
3️⃣ Salisbury Plain Byways (Wiltshire)
📍 Typical Central Point: 51.2550 N, −1.8500 W (approx)
Summary: Salisbury Plain’s network of historic tracks includes lesser-known byways crossing classic English downland. While parts of this military training area require extra care to respect access rules, the landscape’s expansiveness feels made for exploration.
Suggested Day Trip:
- Start: Park at a designated layby near the A360, checking signage for public BOAT access.
- Morning: Cruise east–west across the Plain, taking in extensive open countryside.
- Lunch: Picnic near iconic chalk grassland with touchpoints to local village pubs.
- Afternoon: Return via a different route, possibly linking with quieter farm lanes.
- Tip: Always stick to marked right-of-way lanes and respect any training area notices.
4️⃣ Thetford Forest Area (Brandon & East Anglia)
📍 Brandon Forest: 52.5010 N, 0.6670 E (approx)
Summary: East Anglia’s hidden tracks around Brandon Forest and Thetford Forest offer more relaxed greenlaning shaded routes through woodland with plenty of wildlife and gentle gradients.
Suggested Day Trip:
- Start: Brandon Country Park or nearby trailhead.
- Morning: Tackle east–west forest tracks, listening for birdsong and seasonal wildlife.
- Lunch: Forest picnic or local village café stop in Brandon.
- Afternoon: Loop back via quieter forestry lanes, stopping at scenic clearings.
- Tip: This area is great for beginners — but always double-check route legality before going deep.
Planning Tips for Your Greenlane Day Trip
✅ Legal Routes Only: Always confirm that the lane you’re heading for is a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) or equivalent right-of-way — OS maps and Smart Trail are invaluable tools for this.
✅ Prepare Your Isuzu: Check tyres, spares, recovery gear and navigation tools before you set out — responsible preparation makes for smoother adventures.
✅ Respect the Countryside: Go slow, stick to tracks, give way to walkers/animals, and avoid causing damage. Good greenlaning protects these hidden routes for others to enjoy.
