Pointers please towards a gentle intro to green laning and off roading.

I've hit Google and the 'laning builds and greenlaning.blog (really good by the way) but I have a bit of information overload.
I'm just not sure what you can and can't legally do off road.
My newly aquired, and unmodified Jimny will probably have it's first venture off road on the beach near me - sand and shingles.
With worn, standard tyres I am not going to ask too much of it, but the 'lanes build and blog has caught my attention.
Especially as I live about 10 miles from the recent Lake District off road adventure route!
So pointers would be appreciated as to what is legal and what is not, what the etiquette is and how to give it a try without becoming too technical since my mechanical knowledge could be written on an air filter with an oily dipstick!
Thanks in advance
Martin

There is lots and lots of information to take into account driving on a byway. First it is as much of a road as the M1 so you need to be road legal and correctly insured, not all policies are equal in respect of byways. Secondly just because it is shown on the latest os landranger doesn't mean it is legally driveable, check the status with the relevant local authorities definitive map that is what counts. Thirdly, adhere to the mantra, 'as slow as possible, as fast as necessary ' it is not a rally raid course. Fourthly , get in with a local group of like minded people and let their experience guide your choices, there are many on here and Facebook. Fifthly enjoy your self.

If your in cumbria then have a look at North lakes 4x4. they run Tyro events which are for standard, roadgoing cars, alongside harder trials and punch hunts. I go out around the northern lanes fairly often so could show you a few easy ones sometime.

For laning info it takes a lot to beat GLASS (green lane association). membership is about £35/year (i think) and it gives access to trailwise (site with maps of lanes and info about them).

For route planning i use OS-maps online software with subscription. I can download to phone/ipad to use for actual navigation when on the routes. This costs £20/year but if full UK maps of everything (online) and routes can be downloaded for navigation. Bought paper maps can also be downloaded with the code inside it.

Welcome along also!
Riccy

I think one of the main things is go out with somebody that has some experience and knows the lanes near you. Always handy to have somebody on hand if you get into problems.

Firstly, you can only drive where a vehicle is permitted. Beaches are a big no unless they allow vehicles.. (which is extremely rare)
boats (byway open to all traffic) is what your looking for when it comes to off road routes.
If caught somewhere you shouldnt be then its up to you to prove you have a right to be there to avoid prosecution.
Usually someone will report you if you stray somewhere you shouldnt be, which will result in a section 59 which lasts a year.
Get two and your vehicle gets confiscated, then you have to pay recovery, storage etc to get it back.
Get caught with a illegal vehicle and it gets crushed.. (no tax,mot,insurance)
As mentioned by 11/60, look for the local councils online rights of way maps.. you can find what is legal, and what is not.
It takes time to research and find legal routes !

Thanks all, may drop you a line some time Riccy!
Looks like I have an interest in yet another "pastime" that has a fully fledged set of anties lined up haha. Story of my life.
Though I agree with the view that it is not the pastime that is the problem, it is the idiots with the same pastimes as us sensible folk that are the problem, and there seem to be so many of them about these days.
Anyway, first things first - the car needs a few bits and bobs sorting, but not that much - I seem to have found a pretty decent 2001 that is not a rot box. Back seats are already out and a ply tray fitted, which is great for the dogs, but a better job needs to be made to allow the drivers seat back a bit further. At 6'4" I should really take the front seat out and sit on the rear! (just kidding - they are surprisingly spacious).
And the wheels need painting
And the headlights polishing up
and the radio replacing
and the tyres replacing
then I might need to lift it a couple of inches
then.....
You may have heard all this before :whistle:
Thanks for the pointers.
Martin