Now let's look at driving up or down a hill at an angle. Only do this if weather and ground conditions make it safe to do so. If the ground is either slippery or loose, you run the risk of sliding off sideways.

If climbing a hill at an angle, the slightest undulation will throw the front wheels off course, putting you broadside to the hill. A horrible predicament, especially if you were attempting the route in second low and too fast. It wouldn't take much of a bounce to set the vehicle into a sideways roll at the bottom, causing both vehicle damage and personal injury. Don't do it. Use only established tracks diagonally up a hill, and then with care.

Descending a hill at an angle in low ratio, first gear, can be nearly as dangerous. As in the last two instances, much of the vehicle's weight is transferred to the wheels on the lower side, making the higher-sided wheels take less weight.

To make a descent down a hill, you should always be aware where the front wheels are pointing. Steer only with the ruts if there are any and don't let the brain accidentally tell your hands to do otherwise. Steer accidentally back uphill and you will soon be broadside on the slope.

Remember to cast your eyes down your nose to check the Land Rover logo on the steering wheel is level. Okay, so you may turn the steering wheel up the hill by about 15 degrees just to stop the front wheels from lifting out of the ruts on the downhill side, but no more please.

In any of these situations, be sure that any passengers stay on the topside only. If in doubt, have them get out altogether, as their weight increases the centre of gravity enormously.

Any load in the back should be low down and well secured. A shifting load at the wrong time could make your vehicle very unstable, and liable to roll over sideways.

It all comes back to the secret of driving off-road, pretending you have a spirit level on the dash. You can drive uphill and downhill all day safely, but taking chances by driving on awkward slopes could lead to danger sooner than you think.

Ditches

The technique for crossing a ditch starts with getting out of the vehicle and first assessing the situation. Drainage ditches up to about 40x40 cm can be easily crossed if approached at the right angle.

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