BOAT: Sunwood Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Buriton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU759156
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 10" W000 91 90"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU761193
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 96' 90" W000 91' 70"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Ruts over a foot and a half deep in places.

This short byway should be a lovely drive through beech woodland. However, it has seen so much inappropriate use that it has been thoroughly defiled.

At the southern end, there is plenty of evidence of illegal off-roading in existence, not to mention a bit of fly-tipping here and there. The byway itself has been driven far too often in the wet by people seeking a cheap thrill in tooled-up 4x4's and as such the surface of this byway is very, very heavily rutted. They are so deep that there is even evidence of diff casings grounding out on the raised centre of the track.

By way of a brief description, the byway begins on the sharp hairpins of the country road serving access to Sunwood Farm. It leaves in a northerly direction on a bit of degraded tarmac up to the 'fly-tipping/illegal offroading' area, where the byway turns slightly to the left and starts its heavily-rutted climb up the steep gradient. Passing through beautiful beech woodland, the climb continues and ends abruptly back on the tarmac in the farm yard of Sunwood Farm (after which we have named this byway: if you know the correct moniker please comment below).

Leaving the farm yard, the byway turns into a dead-end trundle towards the Hampshire/Sussex border, at 'Hundred Acres'. Good old West Sussex County Council, in their inestimable wisdom, chose to re-classify the BOAT as a RUPP within their territory, and thus, since 2006, this strech of byway has been closed to motorised traffic, creating the dead-end.

In short, a minority have ruined this byway for the majority. There is little to see and it is very short indeed, so don't bother visiting and lets hope the byway one day recovers.

To Hampshire County Council these are Byways 44 & 47, combined here for convenience.

A very brief stretch of tarmac lies at the southern end, encouraging fly-tipping.

BOAT/UCR: Homelands Lane/Stonylands Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Clanfield, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 119 'Meon Valley' or 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU705191
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 96' 70" W000 99 70"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU683189 or SU690205
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 96' 60" W001 02' 80" or N50 98' 00" W001 01' 70"
• To see: source of the River Meon, Butster Hill and Queen Elizabeth Country Park nature reserves, Butster Ancient Farm, tumuli.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

 

Please note: this is a combined post covering both Homelands Lane and Stonylands Lane which, although separate, cannot be driven in isolation. Also note that we were unable to find the correct name for these byways so we christened them after the farms they serve. If we are wrong, please comment below!

We started our journey at the eastern end of these byways on a UCR common to both, just to the south of Butster Hill which is the highest point on the chalk ridge of the South Downs and the second highest point in the South Downs National Park. Heading along the lightly potholed driveway of crushed asphalt and rubble that serves Homelands Farm and descending gently downhill, Homelands Lane proper soon begins on passing the farm and, once the other byway passes by on the northern side, a simply incredible vista (inevitably marred by electricity pylons) opens up across the sheep-grazed valley to the north. It is the increasingly rare, unspoiled corners of the island such as these, folks, which make living in England great!

On a remarkably straight course forming part of the South Downs Way, the compacted earth surface of the byway is only lightly potholed and although the very occasional branch has designs on the paintwork, it is very well kept and a marked contrast to Stonylands Lane. On passing into Hyden Wood, some of the potholes still contained water and a few larger tree roots make progress slightly more interesting but it is never challenging in the slightest. At this juncture the byway passes the first tumulus, just south of the track. There are a few more just to the north on Hyden Hill and one at the western end of the byway. These tumuli are not particularly impressive but they are certainly excellent picnic spots and whilst you do so, spare a thought for the bronze age warrior buried beneath the soil mound at your feet. Whilst in Hyden Wood the green lane begins its slow descent towards its ending at Hyden Cross.

An alternative route is to turn right onto Stonylands Lane, and you will immediately regret having done so, even on a trail bike. This byway could not be more different from Homelands Lane. A steep descent takes the driver almost immediately into thick, chaotic undergrowth and believe me when I state that it really is hard going. If you have even the slightest inkling towards protecting your paintwork run as fast as you can in the opposite direction: this byway will rip you to shreds. For almost the entire descent blackthorn and hawthorn register their protest all down the side of your vehicle and the light ruts and utterly unnecessary barbed-wire fence (the hedge would stop a charging elephant!) make it absolutely impossible to avoid their clutches. The hell only stops once reaching the switchback turns which, when driving this byway southwards, lull one into a false sense of security given how easy going and carpeted in wild flowers they are. At its northern extremity the mental endurance test that is Stonylands Lane soon finishes on a metalled UCR serving both Stonylands and Preston Farm.

The source of the River Meon bubbles up out of the chalk just to the west of this end of the green lane and is also a stunning place for a picnic. Butster Hill and Queen Elizabeth Country Park nature reserves and the peerless Butster Ancient Farm are all most certainly worth exploring whilst you are in the area.

To Hampshire County Council these are Horndean Byways 43 and 44, combined here for convenience.

BOAT: Green Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Clanfield, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU683180
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 95' 70" W001 02 30"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU692165
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 94' 40" W001 01' 60"
• To see: The Rising Sun pub.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

We drove this byway from the northern end. Starting where it leaves the country road between East Meon and Clanfield, the byway immediately plunges into trees. Their foliage does encroach onto the byway in places but it is never too far and seldom so bad that it becomes a stressful experience. The one proviso is that there is a very large fallen branch on the western edge of the track towards the end of the byway. When we visited it was completely hidden by stinging nettles and it claimed its due by leaving a large hole in a wheel arch. See the map for its precise location, and take care at towards southern end.

The surface of the byway is firm enough: compacted earth on top of chalk and is almost completely unrutted. Being an drove road, the byway does occasionally cause one to adopt an unusual attitude but it's never even close to being dramatic; indeed, it's an easy drive.

Continuing around the curves in a southerly direction, the byway is crossed by a footpath on reaching North Cottages, the denizens of which clearly value their privacy judging by the sign they have erected on a nearby tree! On crossing the byway the foliage closes in just a little (scratches and that 'nails on a balckboard' noise may result!) but it's clear enough and the green lane is relatively straight for the remainder of its run. It returns to the tarmac on Hambledon Road in Clanfield.

Celebrate a successful expedition by raising a glass of ale at 'The Rising Sun', a delightful pub just round the corner from this byway in Clanfield.

To Hampshire County Council this is Horndean Byway 702.

BOAT: Coldhill Lane/Tagdell Lane/Ham Lane/Crouch Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Horndean, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid References: SU686137, SU691140, SU692134 or SU684131.
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 91' 90" W001 02 60", N50 92' 20" W001 01 80", N50 91' 60" W001 01 60", or N50 91' 30" W001 02 80".
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Crouch Lane

This little asterisk of byways provides options. One can chose a starting point amongst any of four possible beginnings. The also seem to have an array of possible names, according to Google anyway: the eastern half of Coldhill Lane is called Crouch Lane. We chose to start our odyssey on this complex web of interweaving byways from the western end of Tagdell Lane (SU686137).

Leaving Lovedean Lane, Tagdell Lane (alliteration) passes some fly-tipping (may the very souls of the filth responsible be damned to Hades) and climbs steeply uphill for a short distance. The foliage is seemingly kept well cut back and never threatens the paintwork, but on cresting the summit the surface of exposed chalk changes to compacted earth and, in places, crushed brick. This surface has some sizeable potholes and occasionally a larger flooded which, when we visited at least, are very shallow indeed and all have a firm bottom; thus the simplest of obstacles.

Ham Lane (southern end)

Continuing down the sinuous route of Tagedell Lane, one eventually reaches the juntion with Ham Lane. This byway, frankly, isn't really worth the bother: The first third of it serves as a driveway to a few houses and the inevitable equestrian facility, and where the concrete ends the byway continues through some writhing turns on a narrow stretch of woodland and then, without ceremony, the firm-yet-potholed surface starts and lasts as far as the terminus of Ham Lane. By all means drive it, but we weren't in the mood to eek passage along a cow parsley-lined driveway.

Soon after its junction with Ham Lane, Tagdell Lane also ends where it meets Coldhill/Crouch Lane. Here, a left turn will take one on a relatively straight track (Crouch Lane) through woodland back towards the tarmac (via Teagus Farm) whilst instead turning right (Coldhill Lane) will take one on a more twisting and potholed hedgerow-lined route through equestrian fields and on to a driveway serving various houses.

Simple stuff, and an ideal byway for those new to greenlaning to have a taste of what this leisure pursuit is all about!

To Hampshire County Council these are Horndean Byways 13, 47 and 48, grouped together here for convenience.

Coldhill Lane

BOAT: Old Lane

• Overall Rating: 1
• Location: Chalton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU696146
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 92' 70" W001 01 10"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU699146
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 92' 70" W001 00' 60"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

A very short green lane, this one. Running east from its western end, the byway leaves Catherington Lane and runs between some old farm-labourers' cottages and a water reservoir. Starting as tarmac, continuing very briefly on some shingle and soon offering a grass-covered surface at the point where a public footpath leaves across the fields to the south, this byway heads gently and soon more steeply downhill, and becomes narrower all the way.

In fact this narrowing means that, for a 4x4 at least, Old Lane is not really worth the interest of visiting: it's not scratchy but for such a short byway there is just no point trying to negotiate it, especially since the 'dog poo bin' at the very eastern end complicates matters further, and besides, the byway ends in a housing estate (Southdown Road), and who wants to see that?! Pass this byway by, we reckon, and head to green pastures elsewhere.

Just annoying!

To Hampshire County Council this is Horndean Byway 39.

UCR: Larkings Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Cocking, West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU892175
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 95' 10" W000 73' 10"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU900177
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 95' 20" W000 71' 90"
• To see: the view!, Cocking railway station, The Unicorn pub, South Downs National Park.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This byway seems to lack any official name, so we have planted our flag in the name of Her Britannic Majesty and entitled it 'Larkings Lane' after the barn at its western end. The approach to this track is almost indistinguishable from the byway itself as the unnamed country lane running between Cocking and Heyshott is in such a state of disrepair as to be practically a green lane in itself! However, this byway is clearly signposted with a finger post reading 'Public Way'.

 Leaving the country lane on a bend and heading every so slightly up hill, this actively-used farm track is well kept: the hedgerows on either side are cut back sufficiently to never be a threat and the surface is, for the most part, well drained and alternates between gravel and compacted rubble.

Heading eastwards as we did, the green lane follows the field boundaries and is crossed by a footpath and two bridleways. All of which are used by farm machinery but carry no vehicular access for the likes of us, so don't be tempted to drive them (they don't go anywhere anyway!). On reaching the second bridleway our byway rounds a bend to the north and, after a pleasant tree-lined run ends abruptly in the village of Heyshott. A very easy-going lane and only really worth driving for the outstanding view it offers of Heyshott and Graffham Downs.

The former course of one of the trio of 'Midhurst Railways' (in this case the Chichester-Midhurst branch) can be found just west of Cocking, and the gorgeous T.H. Myers-designed station building there is still in existence, albeit as a private dwelling. They just don't build them like that these days! The village of Heyshott, at the end of the byway, is as charming as the hilariously-entitled village of Cocking at the beginning of the green lane, save for the shockingly vile, horrendous 1970's housing estate that has been smashed into the heart of the village. What the planning authorities were thinking is beyond rational thought... Lament it's creation over a fine ale in the Unicorn pub.

UCR: Sheepwash Lane

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: West Wittering, West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SZ786992
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 78' 70" W000 88' 60"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SZ797995
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 79' 00" W000 87' 00"
• To see: West Witterings beach.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

We started driving Sheepwash Lane at its western end, found on a sharp curve in Rookwood Road (the B2179) at its junction with Rookwood Lane just north of West Wittering. Sriking out from the junction in a north-easterly direction the byway is very well kept indeed, offering a compacted gravel surface and at (almost) all times the undergrowth has be kept cut well back. This is because it is signposted as an 'accessible' route offered as wheelchair-friendly.

On leaving the cottages behind, the byway is drained by ditches to either side, and soon  a footpath leaves to the east and shortly after the greenlane turns sharply to the east and continues on towards its terminus, via the moated farmhouse 'Redlands', on the appropriately-titled Redlands Lane. What else to say about this byway? It's short, simple, pleasant enough but not really worth going out of one's way to drive.

Chances are, if you've not heard of West Witterings beach then you either live outside of the south of England or have been under the proverbial rock. It's beautiful and very popular with surfers but, unfortunately, it's so nice that on a sunny Summer's day everyone from miles around has the same idea and descends on the place! Man, does it ever get busy... you've been warned.

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UCR: Back Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: West Marsden, West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU763130
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 91' 20" W000 91' 50"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU763156
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 93' 50" W000 91' 60"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

We drove this long, yet unremarkable, byway from its eastern end, starting where it leaves another unnamed country road just south west of West Marden, heading north-west for a few yards until it turns to the west. For a very short distance here it remains metalled as it serves an equestrian facility, but on passing the latter the surface soon becomes (and stays, for the most part) one of coarse gravel with patches of bare earth. The foliage lining the green lane is always well cut back and never presents a threat to paintwork.

Proceeding westwards between hedgerows, the byway soon crosses a footpath, the junction with which is marked on the fingerboard as a 'Public Way' in our direction (quite the most unhelpful term ever, for all user groups!). Shortly after the junction 'Northern Petroleum Plc' have gone bananas with signs cautioning, warning and designating all over the place at the site of a (now disused) quarry. Who knows what all that is about?! On passing the quarry the byway plunges downwards into Bottom Copse. It remains very easy going however and after a couple of jinks the green lane, after passing through a collapsed gate, once again serves as a driveway for several cottages. Just before the end of the byway, a metalled driveway leaves southwards (I'm not sure whether or not its private, best to avoid just in case) and our byway subsequently terminates similarly to how it began: back on tarmac and forming a junction with the unnamed country road it left further to the east. Worth a drive if you're passing.

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UCR: Huckswood/Cowdown Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Chalton, Hampshire and on into West Sussex.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU739155
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 93' 50" W000 94' 90"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU763156
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 93' 50" W000 91' 60"
• To see: Roman building.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Oh, were that it was like this for its entire length...

Quite a stressful green lane, this one, if you value your paintwork! We drove it from the western end, in Chalton, Hampshire. It all starts easily enough: the surface of compacted earth is solid enough and the hedgerows that border the byway keep themselves to themselves. The greenlane heads uphill and after a short distance another private lane (sealed with a metal barrier) diverges to the north. On this track, although there is nothing to be seen above the surface, there is archaeological evidence of a recorded Romano-British settlement. You know, just for info. Read more here.

The byway continues uphill past a disused chalk quarry, and on passing it the hedgrerows close in dramatically. It really does get tight: this greenlane dramatically needs a clearance program. Dents shouldn't be a factor but scratches all over the paintwork are unavoidable. You have been warned.

The byway levels out and eventually passes over the border between Hampshire and West Sussex. And at this border the status of the UCR technically changes to a 'soft lane' (no idea what that term means) whgilst the name changes from Huckswood Lane to Cowdown Lane. On the OS map it looks like am 'Other road, drive, or track (fenced)' but it is most certainly not a road (or fenced)! Vehicular rights are also not exactly black and white, but it is signposted (if memory serves) as a soft road so that implies it's fine to drive it.

The byway carries on almost due east and is soon crossed by a bridleway, the junction with which provides a momentary respite from tree-dodging before the foliage closes in with gusto and stays that way. Eventually, after what seems an age of squealing bodywork, the byway bursts out into the open air when it reaches Cowdown Farm. It progresses through the farm buildings and ends on the B2146 just north of Compton, West Sussex. Phew, it's over!

Statistics:
Total distance: 2.46 km (1.5 mi)
Total time: 16:40
Moving time: 15:39
Average speed: 8.83 km/h (5.5 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 9.41 km/h (5.8 mi/h)
Max speed: 18.00 km/h (11.2 mi/h)
Average pace: 6.79 min/km (10.9 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 6.38 min/km (10.3 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 3.33 min/km (5.4 min/mile)
Max elevation: 165 m (541 ft)
Min elevation: 119 m (389 ft)
Elevation gain: 74 m (243 ft)
Max grade: 0 %
Min grade: 0 %
Recorded: 06/06/2013 18:25

...but it's not. See? And it gets worse still, we promise.

View South Lane in a larger map

BOAT: South Lane

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: Chalton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU737166
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 94' 40" W000 95' 10"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU733160
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 93' 90" W000 95' 70"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Quite a short green lane, this one, and it is also unnamed. We therefore called it South Lane, as it seems to be a logical progression of the country road of the same name. Starting at the northern end, just next to Woodcroft Crossing on the Portsmouth Main Line, the byway proceeds in a south-westerly direction from New Barn Road. The surface is pretty good, consisting of gravel and compacted earth, and the foliage on either side is kept well cut back due to the lane being used by farm machinery on a regular basis.

The byway soon crests a hill and at its zenith, on a good day, it's possible to see all the way down to the south coast (if you stand in the right place, that is!). On the way back down, via a random speed bump that has probably been installed to combat fly-tipping filth, the green lane ends all too soon on Chalton Lane just east of the hamlet of Chalton. 'Nuff said.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway Horndean 23.

Statistics:
Total distance: 0.74 km (0.5 mi)
Total time: 05:06
Moving time: 04:59
Average speed: 8.70 km/h (5.4 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 8.92 km/h (5.5 mi/h)
Max speed: 18.00 km/h (11.2 mi/h)
Average pace: 6.90 min/km (11.1 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 6.72 min/km (10.8 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 3.33 min/km (5.4 min/mile)
Max elevation: 165 m (542 ft)
Min elevation: 111 m (364 ft)
Elevation gain: 45 m (146 ft)
Max grade: 0 %
Min grade: 0 %
Recorded: 06/06/2013 18:18

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BOAT: Netherley Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Blendworth, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU722142
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 92' 30" W000 97' 40"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU720138
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 92' 00" W000 97' 60"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This short yet steep byway climbs upwards from the junction between South Road and another unnamed country road (the byway itself appears to be unnamed, so if you know of the correct name please let us know!). Passing through a copse, inside which headroom is a little restricted in places, the green lane steeply climbs the side of Netherley Down on a surface of gravel and chalky earth.

On cresting the top of the hill this short byway turns to the west and passes along a field boundary, offering pleasant views southwards towards Rowlands Castle and the south coast, and it soon ends just east of Blendworth, 166' higher than when it started, and forming the eastern spur of a crossroads between New Barn Farm Lane, Rowlands Castle Road and Woodhouse Lane. Worth a visit if you're passing for sure, but too short to go out of your way for.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway Horndean 51.

Statistics:
Total distance: 0.47 km (0.3 mi)
Total time: 03:49
Moving time: 03:25
Average speed: 7.45 km/h (4.6 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 8.33 km/h (5.2 mi/h)
Max speed: 13.50 km/h (8.4 mi/h)
Average pace: 8.05 min/km (13.0 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 7.21 min/km (11.6 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 4.44 min/km (7.2 min/mile)
Max elevation: 168 m (550 ft)
Min elevation: 117 m (384 ft)
Elevation gain: 51 m (166 ft)
Max grade: 0 %
Min grade: 0 %
Recorded: 06/06/2013 19:08

View Netherley Lane in a larger map

BOAT: Coulters Dean Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Buriton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU748194
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 00" W000 93' 50"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU738195
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 00" W000 95' 00"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Coulters Dean Lane is far easier than Milky Way, which line just to the north of this byway! The two should really be driven in conjunction. We started this short byway from its eastern end, in the farmyard of Coulters Dean Farm. The lane passes through and proceeds on a gravel/chalky earth surface and soon passes underneath some 'overwhelmingly attractive' electricity pylons (if a better argument for localised, community energy generation exists we'd love to hear it).

The byway is pretty undulating, with some steep gradients, but it is a very easy drive on an east-west alignment, and the foliage is kept cut well back. There really isn't much else to say about this green lane, though: it's just up and down in a straight line! It soon finishes on a crossroads with New Barn Lane and Kiln Lane, just after passing over Buriton Tunnel , an underground reservoir (just to the north) and a bungalow in construction (how is planning permission still being given out for bungalows? Do we learn nothing?!).

This byway is part of the South Downs Way, and as such is popular with many other types of user groups. Take care, and use caution, courtesy and common sense if you encounter them!

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 25.

Statistics:
Total distance: 1.05 km (0.7 mi)
Total time: 05:02
Moving time: 04:47
Average speed: 12.56 km/h (7.8 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 13.20 km/h (8.2 mi/h)
Max speed: 25.20 km/h (15.7 mi/h)
Average pace: 4.78 min/km (7.7 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 4.55 min/km (7.3 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 2.38 min/km (3.8 min/mile)
Max elevation: 209 m (687 ft)
Min elevation: 191 m (625 ft)
Elevation gain: 27 m (87 ft)
Max grade: 5 %
Min grade: -6 %
Recorded: 06/06/2013 18:05

View Coulters Dean Lane in a larger map

BOAT: Mead Lane/Milky Way

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Buriton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU746203
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 80" W000 93' 80"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU749195
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 10" W000 93' 30"
• To see: Buriton.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

A tough byway, this one! Starting from Pitcroft Lane, just east of the beautiful village of Buriton (well worth a visit in its own right) this greenlane proceeds on a surface of chalky earth. It's a little rutted in places and it is most certainly not smooth: we were bumping around all over the place! The byway passes along the eastern boundary of the grounds of the beautiful Buriton House (tastefully done large houses are getting rarer these days it seems...) in a hollow way and then begins a gentle climb up towards Cockshot Wood.

Just after entering Cockshot wood the byway turns through 90 degrees and heads almost due east, and here the gradient becomes considerably steeper. During the climb, at the time of year we drove the lane, the wild garlic (Allium ursinum) has gone crazy and the smell is almost too much. There is a literal sea of the stuff, and it's white flowers don't need a great leap of imagination to work out where one of its common names, Milky Way, came from.

However, this climb is also where the byway presents its biggest challenge. Whether through overuse or water damage (or both), there are some very large potholes around half-way up. They accounted for us: we could go no further with the status quo so we had to get out and recover as many sticks, branches and boulders as we could find (the ground being too hard to dig) and work hard filling in the holes with them, so that on the 6th attempt (!) our traction control hauled us through it. If one was driving this byway westbound there would be no problem as gravity would pull one through, but uphill it's a real task and in wet weather it may well be impossible. Therefore: do not drive this green lane eastbound unless it is dry and you are confident in both your abilities and those of your vehicle.

After a pleasant climb through beautiful woodland this lane ends without further ado on an unnamed country road just north of Coulters Dean Farm, a full 207' higher than when we started.

To Hampshire County Council these are Byways 18 and 19, combined here for convenience.

Statistics:
Total distance: 1.30 km (0.8 mi)
Total time: 24:46
Moving time: 24:34
Average speed: 3.14 km/h (1.9 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 3.16 km/h (2.0 mi/h)
Max speed: 12.60 km/h (7.8 mi/h)
Average pace: 19.13 min/km (30.8 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 18.97 min/km (30.5 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 4.76 min/km (7.7 min/mile)
Max elevation: 196 m (642 ft)
Min elevation: 133 m (435 ft)
Elevation gain: 73 m (238 ft)
Max grade: 0 %
Min grade: 0 %
Recorded: 06/06/2013 17:38

View Mead Lane/Milky Way in a larger map

BOAT: Bopeep Lane

• Overall Rating: 0
• Location: Weston, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU725219
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 99' 20" W000 96' 80"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU722214
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 98' 80" W000 97' 20"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This byway (which is nameless, so we named it after the copse found at its southern end) is subject to a TRO, is massively overgrown, and is closed to motorised vehicles. Move along.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 33.

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BOAT: Copyhold Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Weston, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 120, 'Chichester'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU729212
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 98' 60" W000 96' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU731214
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 98' 80" W000 96' 00"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Down in the hollow way.

UPDATE 22/04/2015: Perhaps we were too hasty! According to the observations of a Mr. Smith (see, below) this byway has been re-opened. 

UPDATE 10/05/2014: As of 28/04/2014 this byway is subject to a TRO for 21 days from that date, and after that, according to Hampshire County Council, an application will be made for a six-month extension. It look like this green lane has been lost to us. More info: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/pnadetail?noticeUID=2892 The following review is now out of date, therefore.

A very short byway, this one, but it's always the small ones that have the worst bite! Starting from the driveway serving a pretty cottage called Copyhold Barn, the tarmac ends abeam their garage and, after a brief stretch of gravel, the green lane passes through what looks like their flower beds and plunges down a dip and through a slightly overgrown hedge into a deep hollow way.

Down here, at the time we drove the lane, the wild garlic (Allium ursinum) has gone crazy and the smell is almost too much. Delightful. However, down here is also where the byway presents its biggest challenge. From the look of it there used to be some sort of bridge or revetment shoring up the green lane surface as a stream passed under it, but due to the force of floodwater this has since been swept away and there is now what can best be described as a bomb crater in its place. Ground clearance is certainly an issue: in our 110', although we didn't ground out (by millimetres) the rear NAS step did scrape all the way down and we bent our electric pickup next to the towbar. If one was driving this byway southbound, due to the topography of the bomb crater, it may well be impossible to get through without a suspension lift. Take extreme care, even though the stream is dry in summer. After the bomb crater its more or less plain sailing, with a bit of a climb back up to Weston Lane where the byway ends. Do not drive this green lane unless you are confident in your abilities and those of your vehicle.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 46.

Statistics:
Total distance: 1.29 km (0.8 mi)
Total time: 07:49
Moving time: 05:51
Average speed: 9.92 km/h (6.2 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 13.27 km/h (8.2 mi/h)
Max speed: 37.80 km/h (23.5 mi/h)
Average pace: 6.05 min/km (9.7 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 4.52 min/km (7.3 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1.59 min/km (2.6 min/mile)
Max elevation: 162 m (531 ft)
Min elevation: 134 m (439 ft)
Elevation gain: 37 m (122 ft)
Max grade: 8 %
Min grade: -4 %
Recorded: 06/06/2013 17:22

The bomb crater. Far worse than it looks on here!

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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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BOAT: Limekiln Lane

• Overall Rating: 0
• Location: Ramsdean, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 133, 'Haslemere & Petersfield, Midhurst & Selborne'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU700216 or  SU706217
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 98' 90" W001 00' 40" or N50 99' 10" W000 99' 60"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU712201
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 97' 60" W000 98' 70"
• To see: Butser Hill.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

There are two forks to Limekiln Lane, and both are subject to a TRO. Wisely, in this case, as the southern end of the lane is on top of Butser Hill, and this area of outstanding natural beauty should have every step possible taken to preserve it. Walk it instead and admire the breathtaking view from the top of 'Butser'.

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