Descending

Having made the top of your hill or high bank, you have to get down the other side. Get out of the vehicle and look down first before contemplating driving down.

If going over the brow of a hill, the chances are you can't see your route right down to the bottom. If so, walk either all, or most, of the route first to establish your chosen exit.

Always use an established track to the bottom rather than simply going down a grassy surface. If the ground is wet, the slightest undulation could send you well off course, never mind slipping out of control.

A rocky track out of a hill is no problem, other than having to pick your way around nastily placed rocks or gullies. However, take great care when a mild slope becomes a steep hill.

All steep descents must be taken only in low ratio, first gear, with the centre diff lock engaged if fitted, as we need to rely upon engine braking all the way to the bottom. A simple way to remember is bottom gear to the bottom of the hill.

Having decided on your route to the bottom, move off the top of the hill as slowly as you can in first, with both feet off the pedals. Remember the slower you go off the top, the slower you will go down to the bottom. If it's a muddy surface, perhaps you will be lucky enough to have ruts to come down in. Great if you have, because at least you will have some tramlines to guide your wheels in.

As you go over the top, be sure to know where your front wheels are pointing. When travelling down in muddy ruts it could be so easy to have a part or full lock to either left or right and not realise it as you are coming down. The problem is, if you should hit some severe undulations in the rutted track or should all of a sudden the ruts become shallower, you will wonder why you are careering off sideways at an angle!

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