If you’re looking for off-road trails, or more accurately, green lanes, in the UK, you’re in for an adventure! Green laning is all about exploring the countryside using legal, unsurfaced roads known as byways open to all traffic (BOATs) and unclassified county roads (UCRs). Unlike off-roading, which often refers to private land or dedicated 4×4 parks, green laning allows you to navigate historic rights of way while respecting the environment.
In this guide, we’ll help you find legal green lanes, understand the terminology, and explore some of the best resources to plan your next trip.
Understanding the Language of Green Lanes
Before diving into where to find green lanes, it’s essential to understand the key terms:
- Green Lanes – A general term for unsurfaced roads that are legally drivable.
- BOATs (Byways Open to All Traffic) – Legally open to all vehicles, including 4x4s and motorcycles.
- UCRs (Unclassified County Roads) – Often not signposted but still open for public use, depending on local regulations.
- Restricted Byways – Not open to motorised vehicles, only for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn carriages.
- Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) – Temporary or permanent restrictions on certain routes to protect the environment or prevent damage.
By knowing these terms, you can ensure you’re riding or driving legally and responsibly.
Where to Find Green Lanes in the UK
1. Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps
One of the most reliable ways to find green lanes is by using OS Landranger (1:50,000) and Explorer (1:25,000) maps. Look for red-dashed byways and white roads without a tarmac surface. Digital versions are available via the OS Maps app.
2. Smart Trail
Run by All Terrain UK, Smart Trail is a comprehensive online mapping system showing legal green lanes across the UK. Membership gives access to lane conditions, legal status updates, and community reports.
3. Local Council Rights of Way Teams
Each council manages its own rights of way. Contacting them or checking their website can clarify which lanes are legally drivable and if there are any TROs (Traffic Regulation Orders) in place.
4. Green Laning Clubs & Forums
Joining clubs like All Terrain UK or local 4×4 and trail riding groups gives access to knowledge from experienced green laners for “off-road” trails. Many groups share route maps and updates on lane conditions.
5. Apps & GPS Tools
Apps like Outdoor Active, OS Maps, and Gaia GPS allow you to plan and track your routes with GPS support. Always cross-check routes with legal maps before heading out as some of the “off-road” routes they store aren’t always legal..
Staying Legal & Responsible
Green laning is about adventure, but it’s also about responsibility. Always follow these golden rules:
✅ Check the legal status of a route before driving.
✅ Respect the countryside – avoid damaging trails, stick to defined tracks, and never drive through sensitive areas.
✅ Travel in small groups to reduce environmental impact.
✅ Give way to other users – pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders have priority.
✅ Follow seasonal restrictions and avoid waterlogged trails in winter to prevent damage.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that green laning remains a sustainable and enjoyable activity for everyone.
Join the Green Laning Community
Looking for like-minded adventurers? Join All Terrain UK, where you’ll find trail guides, events, and a friendly community passionate about responsible green laning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trail driver, there’s always something new to explore!