UCR: Bixley Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Beckley, East Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 124, 'Hastings & Bexhill, Battle & Robertsbridge'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ852224
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 10" E000 63' 60"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ862237
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 98' 30" E000 65' 20"
• To see: Flatroper's Wood nature reserve.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Starting almost in the middle of no-where, Bixley Lane begins life as a metalled lane used to access private houses and riding stables. The greenlane passes between Flatroper's Wood (a Sussex Wildlife Trust nature reserve) and Bixley Wood (not a nature reserve) and is quite popular with equestrians. After a short distance, the surface quickly degenerates initially into unkempt ashphalt and then into a potholed gravel affair. To that end, even in the very dampest weather (save a flood) this lane should be passable even for the evil BMW X5! That said, some of the potholes are quite dramatic so any vehicle should take the lane slowly and with care.

After a pleasant drive through gorgeous Sussex woodland of around 900m, the lane turns through a right angle north, the gravel ends, and the lane quickly rejoins a metalled surface that takes it north to its terminus just south east of the ancient village of Four Oaks. This lane scores as high as a four, not because it's challenging, not because anything of historical interest lies nearby, but simply because it is such a pleasant, easy drive in a gorgeous woodland setting.

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