Quad bikes give an adrenaline rush you just can’t get by sticking to the Highway Code, and you don’t even need a licence to drive one. Quad bikes are fourwheeled vehicles suitable for driving off road and on difficult terrain. You sit on them as if they are motorbikes – with a passenger if you want – but they’re much more stable than a bike, thanks to the four wheels.

Lots of companies offer quad bike activities, usually in woods or scrubland. You might use them to go on a specific tour of an area – many companies offer safaris – or to tackle some difficult driving and set obstacles.

How exciting your day is depends on how adventurous you are. Ridden over crosscountry trails, quad bikes add an extra element of excitement to some magnificent views of the countryside, and make a noisy alternative to a gentle country stroll. You’ll get full training when you hire the bike, but do be sure to check the minimum age for your venue. Difficult trails require you to be 16 or over and to have some familiarity with gears. For younger children there are mini quad bikes, ridden on circuits with inflatable crash barriers.

Essential equipment includes a helmet and, depending on terrain and weather, waterproof trousers – both usually provided by the activity centre. You also need to wear closed shoes, though some centres will provide you with boots. Charges are usually by the hour or half day.

There is no national quad bike organisation, but centres can be found around the country – see www.quadnation.co.uk.

Click here to download a PDF of the 'Q' page of the ABC of Family Adventures