- Overall Rating: 3
- Location: Andover, Hampshire.
- OS Explorer Map 131, 'Romsey, Andover & Test Valley. Stockbridge & Ludgershall'.
- Starting OS Grid Reference: SU349411
- Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 16' 80" W001 50' 20"
- Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU334397
- Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 15' 60" W001 52' 40"
- To see: the Iron Age hill forts of Danebury and Bury Hill, the Old Bell & Crown pub.
- ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
Starting from the northerly end, this lane begins as the access road to Flint Farm, prepared with a very pot-holed gravel surface and ironically is in worse condition than the rest of the lane! Under the height barrier the surface changes to un-rutted grass. These barriers are just high enough to get a Land Rover through, but if you have raised suspension or larger-than-average tyres it might be a little tight. They have obviously been installed to prevent fly-tippers and they seem to be doing a good job.
This lane can't see a huge amount of traffic as it's in an almost unparalleled condition, or maybe it's just because the underlying chalk geology provides such good drainage that the surface never gets wet enough for ruts to form. Either way, take it from us that it's in good nick! Also, the hedges that line the byway on both sides have been cut back so far that you could fit two abreast down the lane at times.
Cruising gently downhill past a copse called New Plantation, the lane abruptly bottoms out in a valley, climbs steeply out again and after a short distance resumes its slow descent towards a right-angled turn towards the minute and amusingly named hamlet of Clanford Oakcuts. When you get to the junction make sure you don't turn towards the east (i.e. left if you're travelling southbound) as it is a footpath, despite appearances. Instead, travel west-wards, under the second height barrier and onto Stockbridge Road where this lane ends.
For those even mildly interested in history, or even those simply searching for a nice view, the hauntingly beautiful Danebury Iron Age hill fort is worth every second. Definitely go and see it. Another hill fort, Bury Hill, is also near to the northern end of the greenlane, but it's not as impressive as Danebury (only very few hill forts are!) and you can't actually gain access to the enclosure even though you can walk the ditch. If you're hungry or thirsty, head up to the Old Bell & Crown pub up in Hatherden. Yes, we know it's a little way from this lane but the food is so good it's worth the drive, even though they don't have much of interest on tap.
Danebury. Go there, seriously. |
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