Action Stations
Words: Emma Juhasz. Photography: Shutterstock, Whitetracks Sick of being stuck in traffic? Head off to our destinations to enjoy some real driving…. DESERT TRACKS Lawrence of Arabia might have used a camel across the Sahara, but today there are far more exciting (and comfortable) ways of exploring the dunes. But having a 4×4 is only [...]
Words: Emma Juhasz. Photography: Shutterstock, Whitetracks
Sick of being stuck in traffic? Head off to our
destinations to enjoy some real driving….
DESERT TRACKS
Lawrence of Arabia might have used a camel across
the Sahara, but today there are far more exciting (and
comfortable) ways of exploring the dunes. But having a 4×4
is only half the battle. Driving in the desert requires a great
deal of skill, equipment and vehicle expertise. Egypt Off-
Road in Cairo (www.egyptoffroad.com
) offers introductorycourses in desert driving. You’ll learn how to navigate by the
stars and the sun, and get to know your engine inside out.
You’ll be gliding across the desert before you know it.
COLD COMFORT
Make like James Bond and learn how to drive across snow and ice. You may not be behind the wheel of a new Aston
Martin but you get to climb into an Audi in Val-D’Isère (2½ hours from Lyon) and learn to slide and manoeuvre
your way across ice and snow. Whitetracks (www.whitetracks.co.uk) offers various courses led by top rally
drivers who will ensure your safe passage across the ice.
GLORIOUS MUD
Test your nerve – and car – by driving through some of
the most inhospitable terrain in the UK. Scottish Off Road
Driving (www.scotoffroad.com) has centres near Glasgow
and Edinburgh and offers the ultimate 4×4 experience.
You’ll be required to navigate hair-raising descents before
sinking into deep muddy water, while the ascents may leave
you feeling like you’re defying gravity. Whatever route you
take, by the end of the day you’ll be ready to take on any
eventuality next time you drive out across the country.
GET YOUR MOTOR RACING
Think you could keep up with formula one racer Lewis
Hamilton? Many circuits across the UK offer you that very
chance. Silverstone (www.silverstone.co.uk
), the home ofBritish racing 130 kms from London, and Donington Park,
(near East Midlands, www.donington-park.co.uk
), offerexciting days out and teach novices how to take a tight
corner and cross the finishing line in style.
