BOAT: Husseys Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Lower Froyle, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU769458
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 12' 22.29" W000 54' 02.43"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU765444
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 11' 39.94" W000 54' 20.80"
• To see: the view.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

In our opinion the most enjoyable way to drive this BOAT is from north to south. Wide and well kept, it features some steep gradients and a couple of awesome views. This byway starts, at its northern end, from quite literally the middle of nowhere. Head out east from Well for around 700m, then turn south (first right) onto another country road which runs to Bentley and you will find the start to this lane jutting off of a right-angled turn in the road, just after descending down a rather steep hill (shown by a 'v' over the road on the OS map).

Turning onto the lane you will find a decent gravel surface for almost the entire length of the lane, and it's certainly wide enough to avoid scratching your vehicle. At no point does it present a significant challenge, despite its slopes. The initial stretch of 400m or so features a relatively steep rise. On cresting the summit, and just after the track on the left leading to Isnage Farm, the hedge marking the field boundary opens out, presenting a glorious view south-east over the rolling hills of Hampshire (pictured above left). We were lucky enough to catch sight of a number of raptors on this lane, with at least one buzzard circling in the thermals over the cornfields.

From here, the lane starts its way down into a steep-sided valley, from 150m to 128m above sea level, and back up again. Just after cresting the next hill, it passes through a very small copse (pictured above right), and then continues down a gentle slope, with the left hand side of the track opening up again to reveal a fantastic view across the valley towards Bentley (pictured left). Eventually the lane turns back into tarmac, at the point it enters the picturesque village of Lower Froyle.

This is one of the best lanes in this area with regards to views and ease of driving, and as it does not present a serious challenge to any vehicle it would be a 'safe' starting point for those new to greenlaning to 'cut their teeth' and get a feel for why we love it!

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