Green Laning: INEOS Grenadier - Tour de Yorkshire Part 3
It was coming to the end of my week with the INEOS Grenadier, I can’t remember how many miles I had added to this particular TrailMaster, but it was enough for me to put my second full tank of diesel in, and it was averaging 24mpg.
With just a few days left, my final jaunt was with Russ from Ardventures, again. This time he was wearing his 4WD Gurus hat, as Jeep UK had asked him to organise a route around North Yorkshire for a bunch load of motoring writers to experience both the 2024 model year Wrangler Rubicon and Grand Cherokee.
The joy of arranging to meet Russ in Hawes early in the morning was that I left Muddy Towers around 5.30am, which in turn meant the roads were almost completely empty. As I’ve mentioned previously, the Grenadier might be a bit lardy, especially with the iKamper and 270º awning, but it was just as fun to throw around corners and overtake slower vehicles. It isn’t a sports car, obviously, but the ZF 8-speed auto and 3.0 straight six diesel did a fine job, and its heavy steering always felt secure and positive.
After meeting up with Russ, and a couple of his sidekicks - Richard from RCM4x4, John and Mike, who also work for 4WD Gurus, we made our way to our first lane, West Cam Road - Trailwise reference: SD8486-01.
We were fortunate enough to experience the start of another glorious day, but as we made our way upwards we soon found ourselves immersed in low cloud which, once through, made for some epic views. West Cam gradually becomes rockier as it rises, and being the tail-end Charlie, I watched as both the new Wrangler Rubicon and Grand Cherokee lurched their way up towards the summit. The Rubicon obviously flexed its way up, whilst the Grand Cherokee lifted its wheels at every opportunity.
West Cam Road used to be quite a gnarly lane, but over the years it’s slowly been softened, to the point I would probably take any number of soft SUVs up there now. That said there is still one rough section that requires care and attention, so keep a watchful eye on your wheel placement if you are driving something with low ground clearance.
With permanent 4WD, and a decent amount of flex from the multi-link suspension setup on the Grenadier, there was no need for me to engage low-box, I simply tootled along in high-range enjoying the views. That said, I did switch the ‘off-road’ button on, this disables the seatbelt warning and close proximity warning chimes, as well as a few other things.
As both Jeeps headed off into the distance, Russ jumped in the Grenadier with me and we chatted about its pros and cons. Initially a staunch critic, he now blames me for the fact he’s bought not one, but two Grenadiers!
A stone’s throw away from the end of West Cam Road is High Cam Road (Trailwise: SD8685-02), another lane with epic views. The last time I was up here I was driving a Lexus RX, which tells you how easy this lane is, therefore an absolute walk in the park for our trio of giants in the 4x4 world.
Again, if you’re in something smaller, be aware of the odd section of sharp rocks here and there - and if it’s icy it can become quite challenging, so be careful.
Our next challenge was Busk Lane (Trailwise: SD9086-02), but before getting our tyres wet it would have been be rude not to stop on the shore of Lake Semerwater for some photos!
Busk Lane can be testing after a heavy downpour as there are a couple of water crossings to negotiate. Heading eastward, your first ford through Ray Dale Beck can be quite deep, in fact the first time I drove this lane it was so deep, and powerful, that the water pushed Deux Smurf, and other 4x4s in the convoy sideways. Today the water level was barely bumper high.
The next section takes you into Cragdale Water for around 100 yards or so. Heading east to west after it’s been raining heavily isn’t something I would recommend as you would driving against the flow of water, that can be quite strong.
After driving up towards Starling busk we headed back towards the A684, past Castle Bolton and towards a network of lanes that begin with SE0493-02. They’re all solid gravel tracks, but not every one has vehicular rights of way, so if you’re up there pick your route carefully.
If you do venture up here it’s worth pausing to check out the desolate 19th century lead smelting remains. According to folklore, it was intentionally ruined by the army in the 1940s, who knows why, maybe for target practise?
It’s quite a desolate place, and being quite high up it didn’t take long for the low cloud to spoil our view again, so after a swift brew, butty and a chat we made our way towards our final lane - Fremington Edge.
The last, and only time I drove Fremington Edge was a good many years ago. At the time I was in a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk press car, and in a small convoy we headed downwards. It was a plucky little 4x4, but I slid on a rocky section and cut large chunks out of both near-side tyres and therefore called it a day.
Because Fremington Edge is quite a formidable lane I engaged low-box for the first time that day and prepared myself for a bumpy ride. I do love a 4x4 with solid axles and coils all around as you can feel them flex as you drive over rock steps, ruts and undulations.
The Grenadier lurched like a cruise ship in a storm as I feathered the throttle over some of the larger rocks. The big BMW diesel chugged away with 500Nm of torque, and never once sounding, or feeling stressed.
With a tricky section ahead, the section with opposing holes and loose rocks, I decided to engage the rear locker just to make life easier and not to damage the lane any further. To engage either of the lockers, in my opinion, is a bit of a faff and should be easier - you press the button on the roof panel, then press it again to confirm you do indeed want the locker on. Being on the roof panel it’s not as though you’ve caught it by accident! With the odd front wheel in the air and the occasional scramble from the BFG All-Terrain tyres, the Grenadier climbed it with ease.
Next up in the convoy was the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and as expected with front and rear lockers engaged it made the incline look easy. With its front wheels flailing in the air, the Grand Cherokee wasn’t as graceful as it scrambled, lurched and leaned its way upwards. It made it, of course.
By the way, if you want to read my review of the 2024 Grand Cherokee, click here.
That was it. After saying our goodbyes it was time for my 2½ hour drive back to Muddy Towers, and more time for reflection on the Grenadier.
After quite a few days green-laning and camping in the Lakes, I was getting used to driving it, both on and off-road, and I couldn’t deny that I was really enjoying the experience.
So, my overall conclusion?
Well, you’ll have a to wait for part 4 for that!
