BOAT: Sandy Down Lane

• Overall Rating: 1
• Location: Leckford, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 131, 'Romsey, Andover & Test Valley. Stockbridge & Ludgershall'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU366368
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 12' 90" W001 47' 80"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU373358  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 12' 10" W001 46' 60"
• To see: Woolbury hillfort and Heardulfe's Hlaewe (Barrow).
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Bit of a funny byway, this one. For almost its entire length it ploughs smack bang through a golf course. It's very open, and it feels strange being there, but you are indeed entitled to be there so get stuck, preferably  without ruining anybody's round!

Climbing uphill on an easy-going earthen surface with occasion tree roots from the beeches that line the lane on its western side, the lane is unfortunately currently blocked around 200m from it's northern end by a fallen tree. With any luck this will get cleared and we will check back in future to see if this has indeed happened, but for now it's a dead end and therefore a pointless drive.

For those even mildly interested in history, or even those simply searching for a great view, the beautiful  Woolbury hillfort is worth a look, even thought the interior is closed to the public. Just for the record, a rare named barrow called Heardulfe's Hlaewe lies just to the east of the golf course, although it is little more than discolouration in a ploughed field these days. Shame.

View Sandy Down Lane in a larger map