BOAT: Stoner Hill Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Froxfield, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 133, 'Haslemere & Petersfield, Midhurst & Selborne'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU729258
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 02' 70" W000  96' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU735259
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 02' 80" W000 95' 40"
• To see: Petersfield and Petersfield Heath, Butser Hill, Ashford Hangers Nature Reserve.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Along with Lythe Lane, which lies just to the west, this is one of the steepest lanes we've come across thus far. Those will HDC (i.e Discovery/Freelander) or a Defender's engine braking will find the gradient no challenge when travelling downhill (north-to-south).

Running south from the summit of Stoner Hill on a solid surface of flint with underlying chalk, at the northern end it seems that someone has dumped and spread a layer of fine-grade gravel like one would find on a driveway), making this lane a relatively easy drive despite its gradient. At no point does any foliage encroach and threaten the paintwork either (especially since I cleared a fallen tree from the January '12 gale: kudos, please!). The byway winds its way downhill through the trees, following the shape of the hill and flanking the southern border of the Ashford Hangers Nature Reserve. It ends next to a large underground reservoir just north of the village of Steep.

Ashford Hangers Nature Reserve, just to the east of the lane, is worth a look for sure. Butser Hill, one of the highest points on the South Downs, lies a couple of miles to the south and offers spellbinding views in every direction over Hampshire and West Sussex. The great market town of Petersfield with its main attraction Petersfield Heath, is certainly well worth checking out and maybe even a break for lunch.

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