UCR: The Driftway/Crookhorn Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Droxford, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 119, 'Meon Valley'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU621182
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 96' 00" W001 11' 70"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference:  SU614176
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N50 95' 40" W001 12' 70"
• To see: Meon Valley Line.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

A simple green lane, this one, and a perfect one to 'warm up' with. From the northern end, the byway proceeds southwards from the B2150 through a gap in the hedge (marked with a wooden 'fingersign' reading 'Right Of Way'). On a very wide grassy surface (indeed this is one of the widest trails we've driven) running smack through the middle of the field, the farmer has left it unploughed and it is extremely easy going.

Eventually The Driftway changes status to a footpath and our UCR, now called Crookhorn Lane, jinks to the right and then the left, lined by well kept hedgrows. Finally the lane turns right (west) again and end back on the tarmac just short of Station Road.

The Meon Valley is a gorgeous place to visit in itself, but a good way to experience is it to walk, ride or cycle the Meon Valley Line, a former railway line that cuts through this beautiful area. The line itself succumbed to Dr. Beeching during his program of closures during the 1960's whilst the government of the daty were preoccupied with abjectly failing to serve the populace that vote for them (as, funnily enough, they still are today). If you're looking for a pub to fulfill you compulsory apres-lane tipple requirements then you could do worse than The Hurdles in Droxford, which was the old station hotel. Forgive their appallingly designed website...

View The Driftway/Crookhorn Lane in a larger map