UCR/BOAT: Colwell Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Haywards Heath, East Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 135, 'Ashdown Forest'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ348232
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 99' 20" W000 08' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: TQ339221
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 40" W000 09' 40"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

NB: byway subject to a seasonal TRO (1/10 to 31/03 yearly). Only applicable to 4x4 vehicles.


Colwewll Lane is in East Sussex, but only just! In fact the border between East and West Sussex passes through the lane near its northern end.

Gates protect the byway out of season.

Interesting factoids out of the way, this byway leaves the A272 southwards and begins life as a metalled UCR serving as a driveway to various houses, the final one of which clearly values its privacy a great deal judging by the number of hostile signs at its gate! At this unwelcoming cottage (part of a farm complex I believe) there is a metal gate which enforces the season TRO detailed above. Somewhat unfairly the lane remains open to all other user groups for the entire year, but so be it.

In season the BOAT section begins at this gate. The surface itself is exceptionally well drained as, like other lanes in East Sussex, the council has gone to great lengths to maintain it. Indeed, there is barely a puddle to be seen, even at the lowest point! A brook draining the green lane flows downhill to one side, the hedgerows are cut back miles so there is no prospect of scratches, and the prepared surface is of grey gravel and never causes even the slightest difficulty.

At the bottom of the hill, on crossing a small brick bridge, the byway turns to the west and begins a climb uphill again through Hurst Wood. Following the northern boundary of this attractive copse the lane twists and turns gently until once again meeting the tarmac near Hurstwood House, finally ending on Hurstwood Lane just south of Haywards Heath.

The best green lane in this neck of the woods, and worth a visit when its in season for sure. This is East Sussex County Council's Byway Wivelsfield 25.

There's a bridge under that lot!

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