Green Laning: Wandering in Wales
This tale of adventure took place back in 2010 and if I remember correctly, not only was it featured in the now defunct Land Rover World Magazine (April 2011), and later in our first issue of the Mud Life Mag way back in December 2018, but it was probably my first proper outing in the new-to-me 1996 Discovery, and it went something like this…
One of the main reasons why I’d decided to buy a Discovery had finally arrived last year when a 300 mile round trip to Wales was organised driving what we’d hoped would be some cracking lanes whilst enjoying the beautiful Welsh countryside. I had wanted (and still do!), a Series I or II, but the reality of spending a whole day ‘laning with my dodgy back on cart springs wouldn’t do, so the Discovery was chosen for her comfort, speed with decent economy.
Our day out was arranged by Ged, though he actually prefers to be called Gedi due to his love of the Star Wars franchise (kidding, he actually hates it!) As far as I can remember our jaunt was offered up to the members of the northwest4x4 forum, which was a friendly and generic internet forum that sadly disappeared.
Speaking to a member of CRAG (Countryside Recreational Access Group), which again no longer exists, Ged made sure that all the lanes we were to drive were still legal and that our six vehicle convoy was within line with CRAG’s guidelines. Everything checked out, and our chosen day arrived.
It was a truly spectacular morning, the sun was breaking through the early morning mist, it was quite beautiful and inspiring, and I hope I never have to get up that early on a Sunday ever again! After loading the Disco with various recovery equipment, essential butties and Barny, we made our way to the meeting place which was the visitors centre over the dam at Lake Vyrnwry.
Our vehicles and drivers comprised of Simon in his Toyota Surf as lead vehicle, and Ged as navigator. There was Graham and Nugget in a Discovery, Mick in his Discovery, Colin in his Jimny, Stu in his Discovery and of course Barny and myself in my Discovery.
After the essential loo trip, we made our way out of the car park heading south and straight to our first lane which as far as I can remember was nice and gentle. As we gently trundled past an elderly couple, I watched with disappointment as the gent read out our registration numbers to someone on his mobile phone. I nodded and smiled as we drove slowly past, he blanked me. Oh dear, I hoped it wasn’t going to be one of those days!
As we drove past Moel Achles we stopped and queued behind Simon and Ged as they opened the first gate of many. It was a sharp left that dropped you into a stream then up to what was a narrow and rocky track. I had a dilemma, even though I wanted to drive I also wanted to take photos for the magazine, so just before Simon and Ged set off I jumped out of the Discovery, camera in hand, and let Barny drive my Discovery.
As we turned into our next lane I’m quite sure that Barny was happy that we’d swapped over driving as the ruts were deep, but to our left were the most evil of all Gorse bushes.
They lined the ruts and attacked the paintwork of every vehicle that passed. The noise they made still makes me shiver inside, do you know when you accidentally scratch your knife or fork on a plate? Shudder!
Slowly, each vehicle dropped into the stream and made their way up the narrow rock strewn track lurching from side to side with the occasional tyre scrambling for grip. All vehicles and drivers took it in their stride as they continued upwards slowly and gently. I on the other hand was foolish enough to be running ahead of the vehicles to bring you these pictures, I was told to stop panting, we were only 800ft above sea level…
As we continued upwards towards Blean-Dyfnant I realised I wasn’t as fit as I used to be and quickly jumped into the passenger seat of my Discovery whilst Barny continued to drive. We were now on Forestry Commission land and the road was wide and incredibly dusty. Even though we slowed right down, with the plumes of dust in our wake resembled something from a Camel trophy video.
From Ffridd Tyn-y-Llwyn we headed south west towards Coed Pando and along relatively easy and picturesque lane that offered us spectacular views. Constable Lane as it’s known, skirts around an ancient fort before leading us onto the A458.
We continued bravely on and eventually found ourselves back driving the same wide and dusty Forestry Commission road as before, and over the CB’s we all agreed that this would be a good time to stop for lunch, so Ged led us to a pleasant spot in the shade not far from an old look-out tower.
After an enjoyable natter and general banter we continued on the trail and passed a group of bikers, the only other motorised vehicles we’d seen on the lanes all day. I don’t know what we’d done to upset them, but they didn’t half seem to sulk as we trundled past.
Emerging from the damp and partly flooded forest we made our way over a hillside and back down towards the B4395 stopping occasionally to help rescue the odd lamb that had become entangled in the fences, at least that’s what Ged told us!
We turned off the B4395 after a few miles and joined a pleasant lane which I was reliably informed at the time was named Rhino’s run. I’m led to believe that some poor soul who has a forum name as XRhino was the only person to get stuck on this lane, I’m led to believe that all his mates stood by and laughed... a lot!
Next was Greens Lane that led to a ford. Not just any ford, we were to drive through River Vyrnwy. Though quite shallow it was my first river crossing and therefore quite exciting.
On leaving the river, the embankment was quite steep, and even with wet tyres most of us managed to escape in one go, though whilst writing this Ged did remind me that Graham did require around three or four attempts in his Discovery!
Llanfihangel-yng-ngwynfahis was our destination for a ‘splash and dash’ before we continued on to what was supposed to be our last lane of the day, however, as it was still light we decided to explore two more lanes.
My favourite lane was at Penisarllen, which was narrow, muddy and rutted and would’ve been quite challenging to drive up, but as we were heading down it was a case of 1st low and enjoy the ride. Unfortunately with high banks on either side it was too narrow to get out and take photos, so you’re going to have to trust me.
A short drive on tarmac took us to our last lane of the day. Drifty Lane begins with a steep ascent which was easily negotiated due to the dry surface, once wet though it’s supposed to be very challenging. Soon the lane levelled off and we again found ourselves slotted into deep ruts as we trundle along minding our own business enjoying the banter over the CB’s.
And that was the end for us as we took the steep tarmac road back down to the A490 and pulled over for a group discussion before heading off for home.
My ‘new’ Discovery took everything this Welsh jaunt had to offer in it’s stride, but then the lanes weren’t chosen for their difficulty, rather for their enjoyment and the only challenging part about this trip is making sure I’ve spelt all the Welsh names correctly!
As we cruised the 100 miles or so back home, Barny and I acknowledged that the Series 1 Discovery makes an impressive and cheap vehicle for this kind of venture. The only modification I’d made to the Disco was to fit 245 -75-16 BFG AT tyres and installed a CB.