Last autumn I was on a student placement at Land-Rover from my university in France. When I was offered the opportunity to join the team for a training session in the Lake District, I couldn't say no!

We travelled up in a convoy of two Discoveries and two Defenders. From the M6 around Birmingham to the twisty roads of the Lake District, as a passenger for the first time in a Land Rover, I was truly impressed by the natural ease of the Discovery in every road condition. As good as the campsite, beer and red wine was, I was disappointed to stop for the night. On the Saturday we set out on a tour of the Lake District, swapping between vehicles every so often. Both cars made me feel like I had the best seat in the house to see the Lake District, crossing rivers as naturally as you'd cross a roundabout and going effortlessly up the passes.

Being in the Defender really gives you the impression that you can go wherever you want. And you can! The way it looks makes you feel a bit like an alien in the traffic, but after nearly 500 miles on all sorts of roads and conditions you realise that, although it is a true off-roader, it remains a car that can be used everyday.

After such a weekend, your head is full of desert lands, deep forests and getting close to nature, and I only had one thing in mind: driving to Singapore! Unfortunately my current position doesn't allow me to grab this opportunity, but it's just a matter of time, isn't it? Don't miss out if you can!