INEOS Grenadier - Tour of the Lakes - Part one
Regular readers may remember that over 12 months ago I was fortunate enough to be invited on the global launch of the INEOS Grenadier up in Scotland, and despite having a great time I was quite frank about its idiosyncrasies.
The launch included two days driving the Grenadier along some stunning Scottish roads along with a lot of challenging ‘off-road’ terrain. Unlike some manufacturers, INEOS weren’t shy when it came to putting them to the test.
To read my review, check out issue 45 of The Mud Life Mag.
As enjoyable as those two days were, I was itching to borrow one for a week to understand what it’s like to live with, unfortunately there was a huge waiting list, very few press vehicles and I wasn’t anywhere near the top of the list.
However, that changed in March when Matt from the PR team had a surprise for me, not only did they have a Trailmaster available, but it would also come with an awning and roof top tent.
The first couple of days were spent meandering around Bolton, both commuting and the odd shopping trip, and despite its size the Grenadier slotted itself easily into daily life.
The exciting part of the week was when Russ from Ardventures invited me on the last leg of one of his 4x4 tours in the Lakes, that’s Cumbria if you’re not in the UK. This was perfect as the majority of the lanes he had planned were the ones I wanted to drive, and we would complete the day not far away from the wild campsite that I’d booked.
After meeting up with Russ and his group at Rusland Pool hotel on the A590, we set off in convoy to our first lane, SD2785-01 (Trailwise2 ref), which was a new one for me.
We arrived just as the sun began piercing the mist, and we were fortunate enough to have some lovely views. SD2785-01 starts as a stoney rutted track with a few gates and cracking scenery. Going off Trailwise, other users had written that the lane had recently been maintained and the work was holding up well.
As everyone in the convoy had paid for the tour I opted to be tail-end Charlie, and therefore my job was to close all the gates, which was fine except some of the gates often felt a tad narrow for the Grenadier. It wouldn’t be until the following day that this would to turn into a real headache and cause potential damage to the Grenadier, but that’s for part 2.
Some of the ruts were quite deep and would cause an issue to 4x4s with low ground clearance, but all vehicles in convoy, including the Grenadier of course, were fine, and it wasn’t long before we descended down towards Foudry Beck and the end of our first lane.
One of the things that I really like about the Grenadier is that I can shift it into low-box using a gear-lever, and if the terrain calls for it, slide that lever over to engage the centre diff-lock. The problem I find with many other 4x4s these days is that they have a 4x4 dial, and engaging 4WD can often take an age as you wait for it to engage. The Grenadier does away with that nonsense. It also has a button called ‘Off-Road Mode’ which, once engaged, softens the throttle response, keeps it in gear for longer and switches off parking sensors, door chimes, seatbelt reminders as well as the engine’s start/stop facility to minimise distraction and lets you focus on the terrain ahead. A great idea that works really well in the real world.
From here I followed the convoy eastwards towards towards the bottom end of Coniston Water and two lanes I know quite well; SD3088-02 and SD3187-02. These are nice easy lanes that you don’t require a big 4x4 to enjoy, though clever wheel placement would be required if you’re in something small.
The former lane is single track and offers splendid views over towards Morecambe, and a small water crossing that even at 15mph can look spectacular, and some of the convoy approach it with a little more enthusiasm that others!
SD3187-02 was next as it’s only a matter of yards away, and again is a lovely lane with a solid base with the odd puddle. I’ve witnessed a Subaru Forester tackle this lane with relative ease, but as ever, keep a watchful eye on some of those steps.
Up to this point the Grenadier was taking everything in its stride, there was no need to even bother engaging any of the diff-locks (front, centre and rear), as the lanes were quite easy, and traction was always available thanks to permanent 4WD, solid axles and long coil suspension.
However, our next lane is always fun as NY3101-04 has a tricky incline to negotiate, especially as it’s part of a very tight left hand turn.
Having driven this in a variety of vehicles I knew traction is generally very good, despite the steepness and undulating rocks, so I engaged low-box and centre lock, edged my way forward and the Grenadier climbed the section without a fuss. The problem with being at the back is that there was no-one to take any photos of me, so you are going to have to take my word for it! Also, a couple of the gates on this lane are quite narrow, so care must be taken, especially if you find yourself alone!
The next lane Russ had planned for this group was NY3001-02, or Tilberthwaite. Many may know that Tilberthwaite was resurfaced and graded a few years ago and bears no resemblance to its former self, to the point that it’s now suitable for most AWD SUVs. I engaged low-box in the Grenadier only because I wanted to take my time and take in the spectacular views of the snow-capped hills.
The challenge of Tilberthwaite is the very narrow bridge at the northern end, and although I managed to squeeze the Grenadier through, I had to get Russ to expertly guide me though with only millimetres spare either side. I have to admit I was quite anxious! One thing I did noticed is that that having the raised air intake fitted severely limits the drivers visibility when it comes to seeing where the front off-side wheel is during technical situations.
Once through we drove over the infamous Wrynose and Hardknott passes to our dinner stop at the Woolpack Inn, we then headed to our final lane of the day, Corney Fell, or Bootle Fell - folk know it as either. One thing to mention here is that the turning circle of the Grenadier is hampered by having the solid front axle, and on one downward hairpin on Hardknott I had to perform a three-point turn, which was a little bit scary!
Heading east to west, or downwards on Corney Fell is quite easy, but you still need to be aware of the huge ruts that criss-cross the lane, and it certainly gave everyone’s suspension a good workout.
Upon reaching the bottom we said our goodbyes and I headed for my campsite for the evening, Midtown Farm Campsite that I found on Off Grid Camp. You can also contact Helen via Facebook by searching ‘Midtown Wild Camping’.
I called into the farm house and chatted to the owner, Helen, who then guided me along her farm track and a short drive along the beach to her stunning coastal field with views of surrounding hills and out across to the Isle of Man - it was beautiful.
First thing I did was to open the iKamper roof top tent, throw in my pillow, sleeping bag and a few bits and pieces, then, as the sun was setting across the Irish Sea, take loads of photos!
After a stroll along the beach it was approaching tea time (breakfast, dinner, tea and supper for you southerners!), so I returned to the Grenadier, opened the 270º awning and got cracking with my tea. With my spicy sausage delight on the go I grabbed my Petromax Atago fire pit, loaded it with wood, lit it, and grabbed a beer.
With tea demolished and my third beer on the go I reflected on the day, in particular the Grenadier. Moving away from the trend for road biased, lifestyle SUVs with complicated technology, the Grenadier is instead a hard-working 4x4 for people who enjoy the experience and adventure of being behind the wheel of something more sturdy. A question I was often asked was would I buy one, and my answer after 3 or 4 days was yes, but with a starting price of £76,000, it would be a long time in the future before I could afford one!
Grabbing my fourth beer and a block of Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut from the fridge I pondered on the green lanes I would be driving tomorrow, the most technical, I suspected, would be the one I’d just driven down - Corny Fell, then maybe Parkamoor? We’ll see.
As the wind picked up and the lights from the giant wind farm flickered in the distance I decided it was time to retire to the iKamper as tomorrow was going to be another epic day driving green-lanes in the INEOS Grenadier.
