BOAT: Eveley Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Blackmoor, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 133, 'Haslemere & Petersfield'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU774339
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 10' 00" W000 89' 60"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU784341
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 10' 10" W000 88' 00"
• To see: Roman road.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This straightforward byway leaves Honey Lane opposite Albury Farm, on an easterly track. The surface is for the most part solid, unrutted mud and leaf mould, changing later to what looks like a sandy loam. As such it's a pretty well drained green lane and a very easy drive.

Winding through pleasant woodland, this byway crosses a bridge over a small stream and then continues, paralleling the southern boundary of Blackmoor Golf Club whilst open fields pass behind the trees on the southern side of the lane. It's soon over, however, and on passing the 9th hole of the golf club the green lane returns to a metalled surface as it ends in a housing estate in Bordon.

Worth a drive if you're passing, but not worth going out of your way for. The course of a Roman road crosses this byway at its western end. There's nothing of it to see above ground.

A video by YouTuber 'Jamie Love' is embedded below and sheds more light on the byway.

This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 69, dude!

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BOAT: Sotherington Farm Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Selborne, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 133, 'Haslemere & Petersfield'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU754331
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 09' 30" W000 92' 30"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU754339
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 10' 00" W000 92' 50"
• To see: Selbourne Priory, The Wakes.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Update 18/08/2014: The quagmire has been reported as having become considerably more dramatic (!) than when we drove this byway (see comment, below) so it is now one to avoid altogether.

NB: there is a fair chance of getting stuck on this lane. Don't drive it alone or without a recovery method.

In the absence of any other title I can find, I've named this byway after the farm at the southern end. Starting out northbound from Sotherington Lane, the greenlane passes a converted barn to the east. It's rather narrow due to the encroachment of mature growth and a little rutted as the earthen surface is often pretty soft after rain.

After a few tens of metres on this short lane the real obstacle rears its ugly head. From the way it looks, the surrounding fields have a drainage system that empties straight into this dip in the byway, and with it being a hollow way (the lane surface sits lower than its surroundings) it is almost always wet here, even in dry spells. The result is that there is a long quagmire that carries a very high chance of swallowing your vehicle.

We walked the route and surveyed this obstacle using a stick. There is a firm surface underneath the water, but unfortunately it is covered by at least a foot and a half (far more in places) of a thick, sticky goo, the suction created by which could easily stop a vehicle in its tracks. The only way through (if there is indeed a way through) is a very capable vehicle and momentum, but the impact on the greenlane itself of this style of driving, which is better suited to off-road centres, contributes towards the negative views of greenlaning held by many other user groups and does not aid our cause. As such, to avoid damaging the lane and to avoid further negative press for our hobby, we recommend a voluntary seasonal restriction of usage, and as a further piece of common sense, to only drive it after a dry spell.

Climbing out of the pool (should you be lucky enough to have gotten that far!), the byway continues on a northwards track until its ending where it meets Honey Lane, just east of the village of Selborne. The site of Selbourne Priory lies on private land just to the north (there's little to see above ground anyway), and The Wakes (the home of the naturalist Gilbert White) is in the village itself.

This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 66.

The 'water feature'. It's long, and very wet.

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BOAT: Ham Farm Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Bentworth, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU684410
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 16' 50" W001 02' 30"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU668406  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 16' 10" W001 04' 60"
• To see: Watercress Line, Alton, The Sun pub, Lasham air field/museum.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Ham Farm Lane (if you know it's correct name, please comment below!), at its eastern end, starts at Mole End Cottage just off the A339 and looks at first glance it is the driveway to the same. It is not, however, and as soon as you have crossed the grass outside the cottage the byway starts proper as it plunges through a hedgerow. The foliage has closed in to an extent, but it looks like only a summer's growth and is easily brushed aside. Light scratches may well appear on your body work though!

The surface is pretty easy going to start with on the gentle climb uphill, consisting of gravel/shingle laying on top of a muddy surface. Eventually, as Wadgett's Copse passes by, the surface deteriorates slightly into rutted mud with the occasional large, deep and soft-bottomed puddle. After very wet weather we had to get out at one point and measure the depth of the worst puddle we encountered with a stick, and on coming to the conclusion that it was not going to swallow us whole we pushed on. On passing Cockreads Copse the lane becomes more firm, however, and it ends shortly after at Ham Farm, just east of the village of Bentworth.

When you're done, you could go and visit Alton instead, and perhaps take a trip on the awesome Watercress Line steam railway. Otherwise you could do far, far worse than 'hauling ass' (to quote a popular American slang phrase) down to The Sun pub, which lies very nearby to the south of the byway: think roaring fires, excellent guest ales and decent grub in a friendly, ancient pub. Lasham Airfield and aviation museum lies just to the north of this lane.

This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 25.

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BOAT: Stancombe Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Shalden, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU713424
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 17' 60" W000 98' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU697420  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 17' 30" W001 00' 40"
• To see: Watercress Line, Alton.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This is a great byway, if a little overgrown in places. Starting on Old Odiham Road, the green lane leaves on in a westerly direction. The track itself follows the northern boundary of Alton Golf Course and initially descends steeply downhill on a surface of roughly strewn rubble and mud. Passing through woodland, at the bottom of the hill the lane turns sharply northwards, and at this point it becomes quite challenging.

Tricky part: If you get your line wrong you will hit one of two mature trees that have grown fairly close together. Normally they would not be problem but being on a bend it took two goes to get our Defender 110 through without damage. Once past the trees a very steep (but short) climb awaits, although with a squeeze of power it is relatively straightforward.

At the top of the rise the byway once again turns sharply back to the west and starts and ever steepening descent between the northern boundary of the golf club on the wire-fenced southern edge of a field. The track here is lightly rutted and rather less lightly overgrown on the southern side: scratches are unavoidable but it is not as bad as some lanes we've driven! Once past the field the lane turns to the right and starts a steep, rutted descent downhill which can be slippery when wet (HDC equipped Land Rovers will lap this up!) towards New Odiham Road. Take care crossing the road here as the traffic fair whips past.

Across the road the lane acts a metalled driveway for some cottages. On reaching the last one (called Stancombe if memory serves) the longer and far less technical portion of the byway begins forking out to the left-hand side of it's graveled drive. Heading gently uphill this green lane is becoming a hollow way in places due to usage over the centuries. A pleasant tree-lined drive ends all too soon at Holme Farm in the hamlet of Shalden. We recommend driving it as long as you don't value your paintwork too highly!

When you're done go and visit Alton instead, and perhaps take a trip on the awesome Watercress Line steam railway. This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 11 and 12, treated as one entry through logic and convenience.

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UCR: Lower Neatham Mill Lane

• Overall Rating: 1
• Location: Holybourne, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU737411
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 16' 40" W000 94' 70"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU742408  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 16' 10" W000 94' 10"
• To see: Watercress Line, Alton.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This byway is a metalled country lane that just happens to be classified as a UCR and is included here only for completeness. It is a dead end as it has been bisected and blocked by the A31 dual carriageway, and only a pedestrian subway has been provided to get from one side to the other. Avoid it and visit Alton instead, perhaps for a trip on the Watercress Line steam railway.

See? It's blocked off.

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BOAT: Little Down Lane

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: Golden Pot, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU720433
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 18' 40" W000 97' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU713423  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 17' 60" W000 98' 10"
• To see: Watercress Line, Alton.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

I have no idea what the name of this byway is (if it even has one) so I have named it Little Down Lane after a nearby copse. If you know what the correct name of this green lane is, please comment below!

Despite this being a relatively long byway, there is inversely relatively little to say about it! Heading ever-so-gently downhill on a prepared surface with crushed rubble filling in pot holes in places, this green lane strikes out on a south-westerly course from Froyle Road. Almost dead straight for the majority of its length it is only after travelling well past 3/4 of the total extent of the track that finally a bend or two present themselves to enable the byway weave around the back of some houses in north Alton. As the green lane emerges onto Old Odiham Road that, pretty much, is that! A very easy and well maintained lane that would be little challenge even to a Ford Fiesta!

Go and visit Alton instead, perhaps for a trip on the Watercress Line steam railway. This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 34.

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UCR/BOAT: Pickaxe Lane/Beech Hangers Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Golden Pot, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU720444 or SU722443
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 19' 50" W000 97' 10" or N51 19' 30" W000 96' 80"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU721435  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 18' 60" W000 97' 00"
• To see: Roman road, Watercress Line, Alton.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Since these two short byways merge into one they will hereby be treated as a single entry on this website.

It's basically up to you where you start from when driving this lane! May we humbly suggest, however, that in the name of a quality green laning experience that you ignore Pickaxe Lane altogether and instead start your drive from the eastern entrance to the BOAT (Beech Hangers Lane).

Pickaxe Lane: well, there's very little to say about it as it is the tarmaced driveway leading to Swaines Hill Manor Farm that happens to be classified as a UCR. As such it holds no real interest to the green laning community and is included here solely for completeness.

Beech Hangers Lane, however, is a pleasant, easy byway that hacks a path through woodland. (I exaggerate: encroaching foliage is never an issue.) It's surface is rendered uneven in places by tree roots in places (pictured left), and at the southern end a big earthen 'lump' (for want of a better word) has been put in the way no doubt to discourage fly tipping filth from plying their nefarious trade. It is easily overcome however.

Leaving Sowcroft Lane in a westerly direction, the lane quickly turns to the south and then resumes a slow, gradual sweeping turn back westwards and downhill before meeting and merging with Pickaxe Lane. The byway the turns south and takes a straight track through a wooden fence on the boundary of Dicket's Plantation, ending on Froyle Road via the aforementioned 'lump'. It's quite a blind turning out onto Froyle Road, so take care.

The course of a Roman road crosses the eastern entrance to the byway, but there is absolutely nothing to see above ground. Go and visit Alton instead, perhaps for a trip on the Watercress Line steam railway. This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 11 and 13, combined as one entry for logic and convenience.

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BOAT: Westend Lane

• Overall Rating:1
• Location: Upper Froyle, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU754426
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 17' 80" W000 92' 30"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU752431  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 18' 20" W000 92' 50"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

I've named this lane after the cottage that lies upon it, in the absence of any official name. As far as I am aware this short green lane is not subject to a TRO or other restriction, but it is blocked at around two thirds of its total length by fallen tree that has obviously been placed over the lane by somebody. Lacking a decent tow rope we were unable to shift it (it's rather too heavy to move by hand, even for two strapping chaps!) so as such the byway remains blocked for now (14/10/12). If it becomes clear please let us know!

This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 28.

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UCR: Tinwood Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Crockerhill, West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 121, 'Arundel & Pulborough'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU926078
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 20" W000 68' 60"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU911084
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 80" W000 70' 60"
• To see: RAF Tangmere & museum, Boxgrove Priory, Devil's Ditch, Boxgrove Pit 4x4 Driving Centre.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Tinwood Lane begins by striking out westbound at a crossroads on the unusually titled road 'Great Ballard School'. Initially on a tarmac surface, the lane passes some equestrian land (and a new house, by the look of it) as far as a wood with another unusual title: 'Van Diemens'. On entering the woodland the tarmac ends, the surface becomes mud and leaf mould intersected by tree roots and the green lane begins to descend downhill slightly. Encroaching foliage is never a real worry. At this point on the Ordnance Survey map it looks as though the UCR branches off and parallels the main track for a short distance, but judging by the number of 'Private' signs and locks on the metal gate this is apparently not the case!

Turning subtly southwards and then climbing back uphill, the byway crosses Boxgrove Common and then follows the boundary of an old quarry called Boxgrove Pit: now an off-road driving centre and the perfect venue to act like a vandal, rather than doing so on the green lanes! Further on still the track turns sharply to the north-west and quickly ends back on the tarmac after passing Keeper's Cottage. Not the most fascinating lane in the area, but worth a drive if you happen to be passing.

Historically, the immediate surrounding area is far more interesting. The legendary RAF Tangmere is situated just over the A27 to the south of this byway, not a huge amount remains other than the control tower and some taxiways, but it's museum is worth a look. Just to the west is Boxgrove Priory, a very pretty, large and old church built on top of an even earlier Anglo-Saxon one. To the north-west can be found part of the extensive Devil's Ditch, which is part of the Chichester Entrenchments dug in the iron age and are believed to be a defensive feature to protect the area from attacks by more northerly tribes. Boxgrove Pit 4x4 Driving Centre is open on the second sunday of every month.

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UCR: Fordwater/Riverside Road

• Overall Rating: 1
• Location: East Lavant, West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU864080
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 50" W000 77' 30"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU863068
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 85' 40" W000 77' 60"
• To see: River Lavant, Chichester, Goodwood.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Update 05/03/2016: An anonymous user (below) has posted an update! Apparently this byway is now almost completely blocked at its northern end. I can't imagine why you'd want to drive this one anyway, but from now on, really don't bother!

A bit of confusion exists for your explorers over the correct name of this byway: all the maps say Fordwater Road, whilst the sign at the northern entrance reads 'Riverside Road'. Can anyone clear this up?

It's also a bit of a misleading byway on the Ordnance Survey map, on which it looks as though it is possibly a through route, but essentially this byway is a dead end (for now). Starting from the northern end just west of Goodwood race course, it's pretty overgrown with a firm surface of mud over gravel. Very soon after passing the sewage works the River Lavant (also known at this point as Ford Water) appears to block further access, as the right of way seems to either change into a footpath that continues alongside the river on it's east bank, or, being a winterbourne, the River Lavant may possibly carry vehicular rights at this point and so act as the byway. The UCR certainly seems to enter the water here after all, but then there is no obvious egress from the river at the other end of the ford, clearly marked on the OS map.

Over the other side of the river, the byway quickly becomes the tarmaced access road for a housing estate. Not much of interest there, then, but nearby to the west lies the great city of Chichester, which is well worth a visit. Also nearby is Goodwood aerodrome and motor racing circuit, which I am sure needs little explanation.

Our green lane code states: "Don't drive water courses unless you absolutely have to and are certain there is a right of way." and therefore we insist that you do not drive this byway and certainly do not endorse entering the river until more information has been discovered and the status of this greenlane cleared up. Does anyone know any more about it? 

The byway appears to enter the River Lanvant here...

EDIT: I found this comment on another reputable green laning website, but that by no means clears it up for us, nor does the video from a trail biker below it:

It's hardly a primary source, but that website shows somebody called 'Roy' said about this byway....
"[The] southern end is tarmac down to where the lane actually becomes the river for 200-300 yards or so, this river (Lavant course) is usually dry in summer, but the outfall from the local wastewater treatment works runs in to this section close by, so it is flooded all year round! Can be deep in places, stick to bank side next to foot way, deep sections on other side from memory, you don't want to fall in this!! Northern end of lane now getting narrower due to lack of use."

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UCR: Chalkpit Lane

• Overall Rating: 5
• Location: East Lavant, West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU865087
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 87' 10" W000 77' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU871110
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 89' 20" W000 76' 20"
• To see: Chichester, Goodwood, 'The Trundle', Devil's Ditch, flint mines, the view!
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

A great green lane, this one, offering fine views and plenty of items historical interest. Starting at the southern end, in the pleasant village of East Lavant, this remarkably straight trail heads uphill almost due north on a surface of crushed chalk and gravel. The surface seems to be well maintained as well, at least on southern parts of the lane, as potholes have been filled with shingle. After travelling about half of the lane's total length, however, axle-twisting washouts have begun to develop in the surface of the byway. It's never all that bad to be honest, but careful negotiation must be undertaken occasionally.

A climb of 120m up a gentle gradient between Haye's Down and Lavant Down is soon encountered. On the way up the byway passes some reservoirs to the east, where the aforementioned washouts begin, and after which some lovely views across to the east are offered, spoilt only by an accursed golf course. (We consider these 'green deserts' a total waste of land and should be returned to nature. Please excuse the rant.) Further up the hill and towards the end of the green lane there is unfortunately evidence of illegal off-roading, as trails (picture) have scarred the banks to the west. DO NOT DO IT! It is illegal, immoral and destructive behaviour on a par with fly-tipping, and it makes us despise you (please excuse our second rant!). The lane ends at the car park on top of St Roche's Hill, just short of Town Lane.

To the north is 'The Trundle' Neolithic hill fort is well worth an investigatory climb to take in the incredible views it offers in every direction. To the east of the lane were some Neolithic flint mines and other earthworks, though not much can bee seen today. To the south can be found the extensive Devil's Ditch, which is part of the Chichester Entrenchments dug in the iron age and are believed to be a defensive feature to protect the area from attacks by more northerly tribes. Nearby to the west lies the great city of Chichester, which is well worth a visit. Also nearby is Goodwood aerodrome and motor racing circuit, which I am sure needs little explanation.

Even on a miserable day it's a great view.

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UCR: Dairy Lane

• Overall Rating: 1
• Location: Maudlin, West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU887065
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 85' 10" W000 74' 10"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU889060
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 84' 70" W000 73' 90"
• To see: Chichester, Goodwood.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code! 

Dairy Lane is a very short byway (.3 of a mile in fact), and is also a dead end, cut off by the A27. So don't bother driving it! Go and explore Chichester, or visit Goodwood race circuit instead.

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