BOAT: Admiral's Road

Location: Polesden Rd, Dorking, Surrey KT23 4, UK
  • Overall Rating: 2
  • Location: Great Bookham, Surrey.
  • OS Explorer Map 146, 'Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate, Leatherhead & Caterham.'
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ125501
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 14' 22.64" W000 23' 19.62"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference: TQ136529
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 15' 48.45" W000 22' 18.32"
  • To see: Polesden Lacey, Leatherhead, Norbury Park.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
We drove this BOAT from west to east. It begins at the crossroads of Polesden Lane, Chapel Lane and Dorking Road, from where it branches off to the east. Less then a mile south-west from this point, Polesden Lacey can be found, which is worth a visit. There is also a small wooden plaque (see photo right) at the start which details how, with the help of Esso, the lane was restored (I can't find any more information on this subject). They certainly did a good job, as this is a very easy going lane indeed, and the hedgerows on either side are well maintained. It's solid, un-rutted earthen surface makes it suitable for any four wheel drive vehicle.

The lane itself strikes east, following the contours between the field boundary of the pig farm (see photo left) on it's northern side and the stud farm on it's southern side. After around 700m, it reaches a crossroads of a kind, where a bridleway crosses the lane from north to south. The lane continues north east in more or less a straight line, past Roaringhouse Farm on it's southern side and then through a small copse called The Hazels. Norbury Park can be found to the south. The undergrowth got a little tight here, but certainly nothing to worry about. On emerging, the lane joins the access road to Roaringhouse Farm, curves north, and joins the access road to Bocketts Farm and The Junipers. When driving the lane in the opposite direction (southbound) make very sure that you pick the right track! If you go too far, you'd actually be driving down a bridleway, at that would just annoy everyone involved! The correct path to choose is at your 'one o'clock' when travelling southbound.

Technically Admiral's Road ends here. However, for those determined to drive the entire length (as we were!) the lane carries on for 100m down the A246 embankment, across the road, and on up to the B2122 at Hawk's Hill, where it finally ends. Turn right here, and go for lunch in Leatherhead.

Statistics:
Total Distance: 1.98 km (1.2 mi)
Total Time: 9:30
Moving Time: 8:28
Average Speed: 12.52 km/h (7.8 mi/h)
Average Moving Speed: 14.06 km/h (8.7 mi/h)
Max Speed: 23.40 km/h (14.5 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 135 m (443 ft)
Max Elevation: 153 m (503 ft)
Elevation Gain: 16 m (52 ft)
Max Grade: 2 %
Min Grade: -2 %

View Admiral's Road in a larger map

2 comments:

Hugh said...

Might be worth adding that, if travelling in opposite direction, it's very easy to miss the turning off the access road to Roaringhouse Farm, and continue on down the main track (actually a bridleway).

Dempo said...

Good point, consider it done. Thanks for the help!

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