fwdfwd is based on the outskirts of Vire, an hours drive from the ferry port of Caen (if you sail with Brittany Ferries) or under 2 hours from Le Havre ( with LD Lines).

fwdfwd is run by Vaughn Bird, a guy passionate about his Landrovers. He spends much of his time out and about designing and constructing obstacles or discovering new green lanes to add to his database.

The off road course itself is suited to both the novice and expert alike. The obstacles have been designed to provide challenges, and tax the capabilities of the driver. There are water and mud obstacles, with difficulty levels being dependant on recent rainfall! There are slopes and steep climbs (or descents – depending on which direction you are travelling) and many other challenges.

If you come for the day, bring a picnic or barbecue, it’s good to stop at midday, have a chat and find out where you haven’t yet tried.

Martin and Kate (son and daughter-in-law) and Nemily and Greg (daughter and son-in-law) help to take care of things in the UK but can usually be coerced to help out in France as and when they are needed.

The off-road site is around 30 acres on the outskirts of the village of St Germain de Tallevende, overlooking Lac Dathee, a man made reservoir built in the late 1970’s to provide water to the local area should a drought happen. The lake is home to the sailing club, and welcomes ‘twitchers’ and walkers too.

From the site there is a breathtaking view of the lake all the way down to the ‘barrage’ which regulates the water level in the lake. (It is certainly worth a closer look, especially when there has been a lot of rain.) Adjacent to the site is the 18 hole competition standard golf course, and across the road La Butte aux Cerfs, (the hill with stags), a wooden chalet complex with a popular restaurant.

There are many other attractions in the local area to suit all tastes. Bellefontaine is excellent for the children, Jurques Zoo and A J Hackett’s for the bungy jumping – watch or try for yourself. During the summer months each village and commune hold special events including cider fairs, music and entertainment in the streets.

For the historian there are various exhibitions, local war graves, memorials etc.

To the west there are miles of clean beaches, and Mont St Michel is worth a visit as is Villedieu des Poeles, famous for its copper and bell foundries.

Food is taken very seriously in France , with the main meal being eaten in the middle of the day, hence the 2 hour lunch break. You will find plenty of places to eat during the day and a 4 course meal with wine or cider is usually around £8 per head. Restaurants are open in the evening and if you don’t want French food there are plenty of other options available.