FORD: Green Meadows Lane

• Overall Rating: 5
• Location: Andover, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 131, 'Romsey, Andover & Test Valley. Stockbridge & Ludgershall'.
• OS Grid Reference: SU361426
• GPS Co-ordinates: N51 18' 20" W001 48' 40"
• To see: Bury Hill. 
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

DANGER: there is a high chance of your vehicle becoming stranded or damaged whilst driving this ford, even in the height of summer!

This is a deep ford over the River Anton, and should certainly not be attempted without specialist vehicle modifications, at the very least a snorkel & wading kit, wading blanket, some decent tyres, and a suitable method of recovery. Before even thinking of driving this ford (as you should any other), assess its depth by wading in with a measuring stick. Assess the depth of the water, the force exerted by it (the faster the stream, the more likely your car is to be washed away), and the nature and quality of the ford surface. Weight this against how likely you are to damage the watercourse, whether there is any evidence of damage from vehicles that have gone before, and make an informed and sensible decision whether to attempt a crossing. If there is even the slightest doubt, turn back.

In this instance, the surface consists of small gravel on top of a sandy surface, with several large rocks on the riverbed adjacent to the footbridge which may impede progress. The ford is actually less deep slightly further south of the footbridge, but a willow tree provides an obstacle on the eastern bank. Take it slow enough to avoid damaging the ford and your vehicle, but just fast enough to avoid stalling the engine.

When you're done, go and check out Bury Hill, just to the west. Bury Hill is a neolithic hill fort which not only saw use continuing well into the Roman period, but also served as the camp for the famous King Canute in his war against the Anglo-Saxon King Edmund Ironside during the Battle of Andover way back in 1016. There is still a substantial earthen rampart and ditch remaining and it's worth a walk around the perimeter if you are interested in history. Another good idea is to drop by to The Hare And Hounds pub, just up the road in Charlton Down. It's recently been refurbished and does great beers and better food. Well worth a visit.

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