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MANY people, when they think of 4x4 vehicles, picture ‘Chelsea tractors’ blocking the road on the school run. For West Argyll 4x4 Adventure, it’s all about taking these high-powered beasts to their intended home – off the road.
The group have been taking enthusiasts into Kilmichael Forest for the last six years. No membership fee is required and all are welcome. For £25 a day you can put your Landrover to the test in an appropriate and challenging environment – with people who share an interest in diff. locks and big tyres.
I know nothing of this world so it is with a little trepidation that I jump into the 4x4 of group leader Ian Hamilton. I’m just glad I’m in the passenger seat.
Ian and his wife Marion run the events in conjunction with Forestry Commission Scotland, who let them use tracks in the forest originally created for tree planting.
The group are self-sustaining, with a couple of vehicles going out on the Friday, doing a bit of maintenance, and any profits going to a local charity.
In the past, they have made donations the Dochas Fund, the ARMS centre and the Children’s Hospice. The only other outlet for funds is track maintenance, when hand tools simply won’t do the job.
The first thing to notice about the group is the camaraderie. All the routes are led so it’s not a case of irresponsible drivers doing dangerous stunts – more like risky and challenging manoeuvres done in a responsible fashion. When someone gets stuck everyone helps out.
People travel from all across the country to take part. On this occasion a group have come from Fleetwood in Lancashire and camped out for the weekend. I spoke to someone else from South Shields near Newcastle. There are also a number of local drivers.
After a quick initial circuit to get the blood flowing, the group divides into two. Some drivers in ‘shinies’ who are less keen on getting their bodywork scratched by a tree can take more gentle routes. The rest get a bit more rough and tumble for their buck.
The routes through the forest are varied and take in different types of terrain. Some steep paths take you up hills in open countryside with little margin of error on either side. Others burrow through the trees and give the driver a completely different sensation. Quarries are used for a rockier ride. All of the routes put the vehicles to the test in different ways and give a flavour of their power and versatility.
Events are held every six weeks or so with the next one due at the end of February. They are held over the weekend with Saturday and Sunday drives and, if there is enough interest, a night drive on the Saturday as well.
Anyone interested should contact Ian Hamilton on 07785 716928 or email at: ianon16@tiscali.co.uk. You should also bring a packed lunch and a full tank of fuel.
