BOAT: Sheepcote Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Chalvington, East Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ525091 
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 10" E000 16' 50"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ548120
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 88' 70" E000 19' 90"
• To see: Michelham Priory.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

It's very wide!

This BOAT is only partly open, as the northern half has been closed by a TRO and is therefore closed to motorised vehicles.

Starting from its southern end then, just east of the charming Sussex hamlet of Chalvington, the lane strikes out north-east from a sharp bend in Poundfield Road. It's a very well kept lane indeed, probably one of the best we've ever driven. There is absolutely no encroaching undergrowth, and with the firm surface of coarse gravel Sheepcote Lane more closely resembles a disused railway track than a greenlane. It's incredibly easy going for almost any vehicle short of a sports car.

The northern half, which is closed to traffic.

Gently undulating between fields and lined by hedges and immature trees, the lane becomes metalled as it turns into the driveway for a few scattered cottages and farm buildings. Where the metalled lane turns to the north-west, the BOAT originally continued towards the A22 at Nash Street, but as detailed above this section  is now restricted by a TRO.

Nearby, to the west of the lane lie the ruins of Michelham Priory, an 13th Century Augstinian priory which was partially demolished during the Dissolution. With beautiful grounds which are also 'picnic-friendly', and many special events, it is well worth a visit.

Statistics:

Total Distance: 1.06 km (0.7 mi)
Total Time: 2:55
Moving Time: 2:36
Average Speed: 21.80 km/h (13.5 mi/h)
Average Moving Speed: 24.44 km/h (15.2 mi/h)
Max Speed: 29.75 km/h (18.5 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 45 m (148 ft)
Max Elevation: 68 m (224 ft)
Elevation Gain: 18 m (60 ft)
Max Grade: 6 %
Min Grade: -9 %

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