Showing posts with label 123. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 123. Show all posts

BOAT: Snapson's Drove

Location: Newbridge Rd, Pevensey, East Sussex BN27 1, UK
NB: This byway is now subject to a seasonal TRO, closing it to all motorised traffic from 1st October every year for a period of 6 months. Hugely irresponsible usage of this byway in wet weather by the inevitable minority has brought this about, so it is hardly a surprise. Time will tell if it actually opens in the summer months!

Make no mistake when I say that this byway, along with Marshfoot Lane and White Dyke Road (which lie very close by) are the best greenlanes in the entire of Sussex, and are a strong rival for the elite of those of any county that we've driven so far! Crossing the incredibly beautiful Pevensey Levels, lined with tall rushes growing in the water-filled ditches on either side of the byway, and offering some quite spellbinding views across the flat marshes, we were stoked by the time we'd finished driving this track! Epic.

Marked by no more than a gap in the reeds at its eastern end, Snapson's Drove heads north from Newbridge Road for around 100m before it turns sharply to the west. After another 100m or so the greenlane passes through the first of five metal gates (leave them as you find them, please) and then subsequently winds its way along the top of a dyke, flanked either side by reeds growing out of the ditches on each side. On a grassy, lightly rutted surface with occasionally large potholes than need negotiating, the greenlane is an absolute pleasure to drive, offering incredible views over the Pevensey Levels. It was bone dry when we drove it in the 'heat wave' of mid-October 2011, but in wet weather the surface gets very wet indeed and is such best avoided to prevent making the ruts and potholes any worse. The byway is so wide in places that it is not immediately obvious where the correct track lies so take care and cross-check your position using all possible aids.

The second gate can be found just after the halfway point, on top of a small brick-built bridge over a ditch. After passing over it the byway slowly gets narrower and more rutted until the foliage suddenly closes right in and the greenlane becomes more heavily rutted.

The encroaching foliage really does get very tight indeed here. By this stage I'd already driven most of it and the going was far too narrow to turn around so we were forced to press on, but rest assured the protesting squeals issuing from my paintwork as the hawthorn and bramble bushes scraped down the sides and roof were humbling. Epi is now pretty scratched up, but its nothing T-Cut can't solve (I hope)! There's no way through without damaging your paintwork. You have been warned.

The 'tight' section of the greenlane doesn't last all that long, around 100m or so and on passing through the third gate onto a farm track that runs to the south-west the foliage opens right out again. Just before the byway ends it enters a farm yard that is in very active use with a large dairy herd. It feels a bit weird passing through a farmyard like this, but you're in the right place so pass through the last two gates to the end of the BOAT.

 A word of warning: drive this byway in lambing season (end of March/start of April) and the farmer uses the entry to his farmyard as a lambing area for his ewes. Therefore, although you do technically have a legal right of access, please use both common sense and common courtesy and do not try to enter/exit the byway during lambing season. AVOID. 

The byway shares an end point with White Dyke Road and it would almost be criminal not to drive both greenlanes at the same time. What a day out!

Scratch the surface of this part of the world, and it will bleed history. So whilst you're here, go and check out (as a minimum!):
This is East Sussex County Council's Hailsham 56.


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BOAT: Squirrel Lane

Location: Old Rd, Herstmonceux, East Sussex BN27 1, UK
  • Overall Rating: 4
  • Location: Magham Down, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ615120
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 88' 50" E000 39' 40"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ623126
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 89' 00" E000 30' 60"
  • To see: not much.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
Squirrel Lane doesn't look particularly exciting on the OS map, but don't let that fool you! It's actually one of the better greenlanes in the area.

A lane of a decent length, and remarkably straight, we elected to drive it from its western end in Magham Down. On a surface of gravel and earth the lane leaves Old Road on a sharp bend to the east. Heading in a north-easterly direction, the lane is initially nothing special, just a nice wide farm track passing by orchards and a farm yard. Indeed, the foliage never encroaches onto the lane at any point. It continues in this way until reaching the very pleasant Squirrel Wood, marked by a change in the surface to bare earth and leaf mould with some unbelievably large pot holes! I may have slightly bent my steering guard in one of them, and I was going at a crawl! We drove the lane when it was bone dry too; heaven forbid when they're full of water. They're pretty hard to straddle and impossible to bypass so, needless to say, take care. Unfortunately there has possibly been some illegal off-roading in the wood itself: some deep ruts have appeared to the east of the track. DON'T DO IT, no excuses.

Heading initially downhill into the wood (with some VERY 'posh' tweed-and-wax-jacket-wearing folk looking on disapprovingly from atop a bank) the lane turns slightly to the east and begins a climb uphill over an old, narrow brick-built bridge (so choose your track carefully). Ascending out of the wood, the lane ends with a sharp right turn outside a cottage imaginatively called 'The Old Farm House' into the hamlet of Ginger's Green. A very pleasant drive through lovely woodland, it'd have scored a 5 if it wasn't for the 'boring' start!


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BOAT: Studdens Lane

Location: Cinderford Ln, Herstmonceux, Cowbeech Hill, East Sussex BN27 4, UK
  • Overall Rating: 4
  • Location: Cowbeech, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ629142
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 90' 40" E000 31' 60"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ622133
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 89' 70" E000 30' 50"
  • To see: not much.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
NB: this byway is now subject to a TRO, being closed for 6 months from 25 October 2013. The closure is apparently required to protect the path surface and protect public safety while surface repairs are made. ESCC has a horrible habit of not re-opening these byways once closed, so time shall tell whether or not it re-opens to us in the summer.

Studdens Lane is quite a long lane, and is a hidden gem of a greenlane. Indeed, it is almost impossible to find at its southern end, as it starts in a farm yard, so it is far better to approach from the north.

Starting down the metalled lane of the same name, the BOAT itself begins just after passing the last cottage on the eastern side of the lane. Descending straight downhill on a winding path, at the nadir of its descent the lane crosses a small, shallow ford over Chilsham Stream (see pic, bottom), with a footbridge on one side. The ford isn't marked on the OS Explorer map, so it was a nice surprise!

On climbing out of the ford the lane heads gently uphill on a twisting, lightly rutted leaf mould surface through very pleasant woodland until, on exiting Scrip Wood, it reaches an epically tight hairpin bend. Indeed, the bend is so tight that I had to reverse my Defender 110 and get round in two goes!

After this bend, the lane changes character completely. Instead of a nice woodland drive, the surface changes to lightly rutted grass and mud, which presented no problem in the dry and were easily straddled. The foliage is well cut back, with a large orchard to the east and a hedge with the stream below to the west. Indeed in places the lane is so wide I was able to pass a man on his tractor with ease!

The lane twists and turns through pleasant countryside and follows the edge of the orchard until eventually it runs between two post-and-rail fences, turns abruptly towards a farmyard and then ends up on Cinderford Lane just west of the village of Hurstmonceux (pronounced "hurst-mon-zoo"!). As mentioned, the lane is pretty hard to find at this end and the byway sign is pretty well hidden.

Despite being a hidden gem, and although it has a ford, this lane scores a 4 instead of a 5 as after exiting Scrip Wood it's a little boring, and the electricity pylons and industrial buildings don't really help. Still well worth a drive though.

A surprise ford!


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BOAT: Cambridge Lane

Location: Hanging Birch Ln, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0, UK
  • Overall Rating: 2
  • Location: Lions Green, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ566187
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 94' 60" E000 22' 80"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ562189
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 94' 80" E000 22' 30"
  • To see: not much.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
This short greenlane is more full on than first appearances would suggest! (It's always the small, quiet ones that you have to look out for...)

Beginning as a metalled track serving as a driveway to private houses, once these have been passed the surface reverts to earth and leaf mould and become heavily rutted. It is also crossed by tree roots and what may be the top of a concrete pipe, so in short it is a very tricky lane to pick your way through. It's not made any easier that it's quite a narrow lane, although at no point does the foliage close in so much that it's a threat to paintwork.

Climbing uphill throughout, the worst of the ruts are at the northern end of the lane, just before it meets Burnt Oak Lane. Here, the ruts can be straddled with a little clever driving and correct positioning, but be warned that some of the holes there are very, very deep and whilst we had little trouble in the bone-dry conditions we experienced in mid-October 2011, when it's wet this lane resembles a river more than a right-of-way!

There are easier and more worthwhile lanes to drive in this area, but take care if you decide to drive this one!



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BOAT: Water Lane

Location: Flitterbrook Ln, Warbleton, East Sussex TN21 9, UK
  • Overall Rating: 2
  • Location: Punnet's Town, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ623202
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 95' 90" E000 31' 00"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ619200
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 95' 70" E000 30' 40"
  • To see: not much.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
This short greenlane has had a lot of care lavished upon it by East Sussex County Council! With the foliage cut back to make it as wide as a motorway, and a gravel surface, there is not so much as a rut or puddle in sight anywhere. As such, it's very safe to drive for any vehicle.

We started at its eastern end, just south of the hamlet of Punnet's Town and heading west off of Flitterbrook Lane. The lane turns to the north and descends downhill towards it's nadir, which can be found at roughly the halfway point. Also here, although we saw no real evidence of it, there is a spring giving rise to a tributary of the River Cuckmere, which could well be where this lane got its name.

The lane performs a slow turn to the south and far too soon it begins to climb uphill again, and after a short climb it ends where it meets Barley Mow Lane. I've not seen many other greenlanes maintained to this standard, and being used to eeking our way through the densest foliage, this was a strange experience to be honest! That said, it was still worth driving and if you happen to be in the area I can recommend it, but I would not go out of my way to visit Water Lane. Hence, it scores a 2.


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BOAT: Muddles Green

Location: Muddles Green, Muddles Green (W-bound), Chiddingly, Muddles Green, East Sussex BN8, UK
  • Overall Rating: 1
  • Location: Chiddingly, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ546134
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 89' 90" E000 19' 70"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ544133
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 89' 80" E000 19' 50"
  • To see: The Six Bells pub, Chiddingly.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
To paraphrase Obi Wan Kenobi, "This little greenlane isn't worth the trouble". Less than 200m long, on a gravel surface throughout, it really is little more than a driveway to some houses that technically happens to be classed as a BOAT and is only really included on this site for completeness. Move along.

However, The Six Bells, nearby, is a decent country pub and offers regular 'Folk & Blues' music nights that are worth a look. Full details can be found on their website, here.




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BOAT: Vert Lane

Location: Laughton, East Sussex BN8, UK
  • Overall Rating: 5
  • Location: Whitesmith, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ525138
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 90' 40" E000 16' 70"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ500141
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 98' 30" E000 13' 10"
  • To see: Blackberry Farm petting zoo, Rowland Wood & Park Corner Heath reserves.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
This post should be read in conjunction with that for Pound Lane, which joins this lane towards its western end. 

 Update 13/01/2014: Your intrepid explorers have since discovered that this byway is now subject to a TRO in place for 6 months from 15/02/2014 and is as such closed to all motorised traffic (i.e. horses, cyclists and pedestrians only). This is partly due to the impact of forestry traffic, but partly due to the anti-social actions of the irresponsible minority abusing the greenlane. DON'T be part of the problem. Hopefully, after repairs, the byway will open again, but due to ESCC's precedents one shouldn't hold one's breath...

You're just not getting in.
Original post: Here on the Modern-Day Explorers, we're a sucker for a scenic woodland greenlane, and this is one of the best around.

Starting in the hamlet of Whitesmith, just south of the A22, the lane begins as a metalled track up to some houses whereby it quickly plunges into Vert Wood. As it does so the surface changes into rubble and gravel interspersed with large 'muddy' sections and sizeable potholes, some so sizeable that they are best avoided. But as a positive, due to the fact that Vert Wood is managed woodland and is therefore regularly forested, the lane is nice and wide and provides no threat of scratches from over-eager thornbushes or overhanging branches. Likewise, although this lane is usually very muddy, even in dry weather, the bottom of the potholes seems to be a hard surface and there is very little chance of getting stuck in the apparent 'clag'.

This unusually straight lane continues to undulate gently through beautiful woodland as one travels westbound. However, and I am hesitant to say it, but there is possible evidence of illegal offroading to be seen at various places along the tract. I'm hesitant because some of it is almost certainly from forestry operations. But some of it blatantly isn't, so stay to the track and report anyone you see straying to both the police and GLASS, here.

Rant over. At the halfway point of Vert Lane a metalled country lane called Park Lane crosses your route, so if you don't elect to continue then you can leave the lane at this point. Further west still, at around three-quarters of the total length, Pound Lane, another arguably more pleasant woodland greenlane, branches south toward the village of Laughton. Our lane continues west until it terminates where it meets Shortgate Lane, just north-west of Laughton, on a brief concreted stretch of farm track. A great drive, and a muddy one!

For the kids, Blackberry Farm petting zoo lies just to the north of the eastern end of the lane. And within the same acreage of woodland lies 'Rowland Wood & Park Corner Heath', a nature reserve belonging to the noble Butterfly Conservation charity, is well worth a visit in the warmer months.

To East Sussex County Council this is Laughton Byway 26.


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BOAT: Pound Lane

Location: 3 Pound Ln, Laughton, East Sussex BN8 6, UK
  • Overall Rating: 4
  • Location: Laughton, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ507140
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 90' 50" E000 14' 20"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ504134
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 90' 00" E000 13' 70"
  • To see: Blackberry Farm petting zoo, Rowland Wood & Park Corner Heath reserves.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
This post should be read in conjunction with that for Vert Lane, which joins this lane at its northern end. 

Update 01/03/2014: whilst the TRO is in force on Vert Lane, this byway is effectively a dead end, so check the status of the former before your visit! 

Original post: This short, straight greenlane is no less awesome for its brevity! We recommend approaching it from its northern end, as then you'll be able to drive Vert Lane as well as this one without touching any tarmac for the entire duration of both!

Refreshingly, East Sussex County Council certainly seem to be taking their responsibility for maintaining rights of way seriously: when we drove the lane, the undergrowth that was no doubt beginning to encroach had quite obviously been strimmed to death! Still, although not pretty, it still makes this lane very easy going. For the most part unrutted and consisting of a mixed surface alternation between of grass and gravel, it presents no challenge to greenlaners and is the better for it.

Passing through very picturesque woodland, the only downer is that (depending on your choice of vehicle) two old railway sleepers have been erected as a barrier at the southern end of the lane, no doubt to discourage fly-tipping. In 'Epimetheus' Land Rover Defender 110 there was only around an inch to spare; anything bigger will have real trouble getting through. This greenlane scores as high as a 4 since it is such a pleasant drive.

And within the same acreage of woodland lies 'Rowland Wood & Park Corner Heath', a nature reserve belonging to the noble Butterfly Conservation charity, is well worth a visit in the warmer months.

To East Sussex County Council this is Laughton Byway 27.

Barrier: tight.


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BOAT: Marshfoot Lane

Location: 149 Marshfoot Ln, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 2RD, UK
  • Overall Rating: 5
  • Location: Hailsham, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ625097
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 40" E000 30' 80"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference: TQ601097
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 50" E000 27' 40"
  • To see: RAF Pevensey, Pevensey Castle, Pevensey village, Herstmonceux Castle and Science Centre, Norman's Bay.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code! 
For the third installment of greenlanes one must make no mistake when considering Marshfoot Lane, along with nearby White Dyke Road and Snapsons Drove, are the best greenlanes in the entire of Sussex, and are a strong rival to the elite of those we have driven so far! Crossing the incredibly beautiful Pevensey Levels, lined with tall rushes growing in Whelpley Sewer on the northern side of the lane (it's not really a sewer, more of a drainage ditch), and offering some quite spellbinding views across the flat marshes, we can highly recommend this byway!

Starting at the eastern end, then, the byway is protected by two large metal gates serving a sheep pen. Make sure you get the right gate here: there is another gate only a couple of yards to the north which opens onto a private farm track and is therefore out of bounds to us. Somewhat unhelpfully (or perhaps it was done on purpose to discourage over-use of this fragile byway) it is signposted as a bridleway, but on the council's definitive map is is shown as a byway. Watch the video below that a trail biker created for more information on that.

The byway strikes out west on a very open flat landscape and at this point the surface is pretty unrutted. Enjoy the openness while it lasts, however, as after a further steel gate the willow, blackthorn and hawthorn periodically close in and the greenlane becomes rutted and potholed. You are guaranteed to leave a couple of scratches on your paintwork, but it is by no means restrictive the bushes are soon passed.

Just after the half way point the lane meanders a bit and then curves sharply to the south and then almost immediately back onto a westerly path. On these bends you should ignore the steel gate (it leads into a field) but follow the curves and pass through through the rusty gate instead. On the other the hedgerows take over from the reeds for good (although they are well cut back) and the lane can become very wet indeed, even though the surface is for the most part pretty firm. The byway ends after passing some farm buildings through a final steel gate. A rewarding drive with great views, but we implore you to drive it in dry conditions only: too many visits in the winter months or after heavy rains and this lane will turn from a lightly-rutted gem into a quagmire, to the detriment of everyone's experience. Don't be one of the scum: conservation matters.

This is East Sussex County Council's Hailsham 36.


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BOAT: White Dyke Road

Location: Hailsham, East Sussex, UK
NB: This byway is now subject to a seasonal TRO, closing it to all motorised traffic from 1st October every year for a period of 6 months. Hugely irresponsible usage of this byway in wet weather by the inevitable minority has brought this about, so it is hardly a surprise. Time will tell if it actually opens in the summer months!

Make no mistake: this greenlane, along with Marshfoot Lane and Snapsons Drove are the best byways in the entire of Sussex, and are a strong rival for the elite of those driven so far! Crossing the incredibly beautiful Pevensey Levels, lined with tall rushes growing in the ditches on either side of the lane, and offering some quite spellbinding views across the flat marshes, we were stoked by the time we'd finished driving this lane!

Starting at its eastern end, be warned: this lane crosses a marsh, and as such it can get very wet indeed. Unfortunately it has seen far too much use whilst it was wet, whether by farm machinery from White Dyke Farm and Horse Eye Farm, or from greenlaners, and a programme of repair is sorely needed (Update 13/01/2014: the inevitable TRO has now happened, see above) for the earthen surface at the eastern end. Honestly, the ruts here are so bad that my Land Rover 110 with standard suspension and tyres grounded out at several points. Anyone with a suspension lift or simply larger-than-standard wheels will be OK in most places, but those in a Freelander or equivalent vehicle stand no chance and it's best that you go elsewhere as the ruts are impossible to avoid. The area is also heavily grazed so be aware that you may meet with livestock whilst driving it. The moral: take it slow and easy!

Heading west over glorious, unspoilt countryside towards Hailsham (almost: litter seems to be a bit of a problem, which is sickening) the ruts eventually peter out. However, they are replaced by a very tight section where the hawthorn, willow and hazel bushes have got ahead of themselves and encroached onto the lane. Your paintwork will be scratched here: it is unavoidable, but this part is also a very short section.

After exiting the scrub the surface improves dramatically as it has received a coating of gravel and rubble. The going is subsequently very easy until the end of the lane at White Dyke Farm, where it becomes a metalled farm track. An awesome, beautiful lane.

Scratch the surface of this part of the world, and it will bleed history. So whilst you're here, go and check out (as a minimum!):
This is East Sussex County Council's Byway Hailsham 57.

Statistics
Total Distance: 2.35 km (1.5 mi)
Total Time: 11:59
Moving Time: 11:21
Average Speed: 11.75 km/h (7.3 mi/h)
Average Moving Speed: 12.41 km/h (7.7 mi/h)
Max Speed: 24.37 km/h (15.1 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 41 m (136 ft)
Max Elevation: 53 m (173 ft)
Elevation Gain: 24 m (77 ft)
Max Grade: 3 %
Min Grade: -2 %

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BOAT: Hayreed Lane

Location: Bayley's Ln, Arlington, East Sussex BN26 6, UK
  • Overall Rating: 5
  • Location: Arlington, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ550070 
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 84' 10" E000 20' 00"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ566091
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 83' 90" E000 18' 60"
  • To see: the entire South Downs with all their history, Arlington Reservoir, Michelham Priory.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
N.B., this lane is subject to a TRO between 1st October and 31st March every year. Do not attempt to drive it between these dates.

It really is this green!
Hayreed Lane is an awesome little BOAT that lies just west of the town of Hailsham. There are two starting points (see map, below): the northern one is at TQ550070, the eastern at TQ551064. We drove it from the north. At the northern end, and also about halfway along its length, there are metal gates which are left unlocked. These are a bit of a squeeze so take it carefully, and close them once you've passed through.

Consisting of a gravel surface with some weeds beginning to poke through, interspersed with earthen sections, which is conveniently also the exact width of a Land Rover's footprint, the lane is nice and wide even if the actual track is not! It's a very easy going and exceedingly pleasant lane to drive, and when the foliage breaks it offers some incredible views of the South Downs. Whilst talking about foliage, however, one short section of the lane, just before it reaches its terminus, is a little overgrown and could do with some clearance.

At around a third of its total length, the lane turns sharply to the east where it merges with the previously mentioned alternate starting point, and then works its way on a dog-leg route to the finish on The Street, just south of the village of Arlington.

The only downside is that it simply is not long enough. We almost wanted it to go on forever! It scores a 5 despite its length. Whilst here, you could walk the circumference of Arlington Reservoir, picnic in the grounds of the ancient Michelham Priory, or go tumulus and barrow spotting on the South Downs.


Statistics
Total Distance: 1.64 km (1.03 mi)
Total Time: 2:20
Moving Time: 6:50
Min Elevation: 23 m (74 ft)
Max Elevation: 85 m (280 ft)
Elevation Gain: 77 m (253 ft)
Max Grade: 7 %
Min Grade: -4 %

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YES this is post number 102!!!
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BOAT: Hempstead Lane

Location: Hempstead Ln, Arlington, East Sussex BN27 3, UK
  • Overall Rating: 0
  • Location: Hailsham, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ571095 
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 40" E000 23' 10"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ566091
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 86' 00" E000 22' 40"
  • To see: Knockhatch Adventure Park.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
This BOAT is no more than the metalled access road to the Knockhatch Adventure Park and Ski Centre. It is a dead end since it is reclassified as a bridleway at its far end. No point driving it.


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BOAT: Robin Post Lane

Location: 1-7 Robins Post Ln, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3, UK
  • Overall Rating: 5
  • Location: Hailsham, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ578085 
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 85' 50" E000 24' 10"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ563066
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 83' 80" E000 21' 90"
  • To see: Abbots Wood.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
Update 13/01/2014: Given the activities of certain mindless filth (see below), this lane is now unsurprisingly subject to a seasonal TRO, in force for from 1st October to the 31st March every year. It's also protected by a hench metal barrier. Avoid during these dates.

The 2.2 miles of Robin Post lane winds its way through Abbot Wood, Forestry Commission woodland, on an almost parallel track to the A22 dual-carriageway. In late spring/early summer this long lane is absolutely a joy to drive, but it is unfortunately let down by the amount of illegal off-roading it has seen.

Starting at the northern end, this BOAT takes a south-easterly track and leaves the tarmac after passing through a housing estate. This byway suffers from some enormous pot holes which will certainly damage your vehicle if taken too fast. Slow right down, the fastest we drove was 10mph and the (albeit standard Land Rover) suspension still bottomed out! The surface is either compacted earth or gravel, and if it was not potholed it would be very easy going. (Update 17/11/2014: it has since been fixed up! The surface is now mostly compacted gravel for almost the entire length, and is very easy going.)

DON'T DO THIS!
The green lane winds its way though lush woodland ruined by the occasional conifer plantation, and heading ever downhill. At just over its halfway mark, there is evidence of some quite blatant, irresponsible and illegal off-road driving, only part of which is shown in the picture, right. It's overbearingly idiotic stuff like this that results in us legitimate users being banned from the byways when TRO's are imposed upon us, and this particular incidence is the worst we've seen so far on our extensive endeavours. It's not hard: just stay on the track!

The byway eventually ends on a bend where it becomes the metalled farm track for New House Farm. Whilst you're here, pull over and check out Abbots Wood, which this green lane runs through, which as stated above is a beautiful mixed woodland of approximately 360 hectares, offering waymarked forest trails, an adventure play area and barbecue/picnic sites. Well worth a day out. And for crying out loud, stay on the trail.

Statistics:
Total Distance: 3.52 km (2.2 mi)
Total Time: 14:07
Moving Time: 13:33
Average Speed: 14.96 km/h (9.3 mi/h)
Average Moving Speed: 15.58 km/h (9.7 mi/h)
Max Speed: 16.10 km/h (10.1 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 57 m (186 ft)
Max Elevation: 90 m (295 ft)
Elevation Gain: -45 m (149 ft)
Max Grade: 3 %
Min Grade: -4 %

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BOAT: Folkington Road

Location: Folkington Rd, Long Man, East Sussex BN26 5, UK
  • Overall Rating: 4
  • Location: Wilmington Green, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ559038 
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 81' 30" E000 21' 20"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ563019
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 79' 60" E000 21' 70"
  • To see: Jevington, the Long Man of Wilmington, scores of tumuli, a Neolithic camp.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
Yup, it's tight.
Starting at the beautiful Folkington Church (put a few pennies in the collection box towards its upkeep), this great lane appears to be accessible in both directions. However, since RUPPS are no longer open to motorised traffic since the reforms of 2006, only the BOAT to the south-east is open to us.

To that end, this is a pretty hard-going lane. A chalky surface that can be slippery in very wet conditions, coupled with some tight sections with regards to undergrowth, and some demanding driving up inclines and over axle-twisting roots, all make this lane a challenge. If you're worried about damage to your paintwork, definitely go elsewhere. It's also quite congested, as it's obviously popular with walkers, ramblers, cyclists and horse riders, especially on a weekend.

Otherwise this is a decent lane that curves around the base of the beautiful South Downs and offers superb views from time to time as the foliage occasionally retreats. The steepest it gets is where the lane climbs up Cranedown Bottom, where it is by no means insurmountable but equally not a simple climb. Once you're up though the lane simply follows the contours around Teddard's Bottom, after which it begins its final descent.

The first option to end this lane is a small branch that heads off steeply downhill towards Jevington Road. This turning is very tight with regards to manoeuvring space, and very steep. Indeed was is far too tight to try to turn a Defender 110 into, so the best option is to continue down the lane until it meets Green Lane, and follow that to its termination in the picturesque village of Jevington. Since you're here, go and take a rest in either The Eight Bells or take dinner in the Hungry Monk (a restaurant which purports to have invented Banoffee Pie.)

For those interested in history, a neolithic camp on top of Combe Hill lies to the east, numerous tumuli lie to the west of the route, whilst the Long Man of Wilmington can be found just to the west.


Statistics:
Total Distance: 3.54 km (2.2 mi)
Total Time: 17:15
Moving Time: 16:32
Average Speed: 12.30 km/h (7.6 mi/h)
Average Moving Speed: 12.83 km/h (8.0 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 83 m (274 ft)
Max Elevation: 172 m (566 ft)
Elevation Gain: 123 m (403 ft)
Max Grade: 10 %
Min Grade: -7 %

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BOAT: Milton Gate Lane

Location: Lewes Rd, Long Man, East Sussex BN26 5, UK
  • Overall Rating: 0
  • Location: Wilmington Green, East Sussex.
  • OS Explorer Map 123, 'Eastbourne & Beachy Head, Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield'.
  • Starting OS Grid Reference: TQ539050 
  • Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N50 82' 40" E000 18' 30"
  • Finishing OS Grid Reference:  TQ549057
  • Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N50 83' 00" E000 19' 90"
  • To see: the Long Man of Wilmington.
  • ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!
This unremarkable BOAT is bisected by the Eastbourne-Lewes railway, and due to the provision of stiles to cross the line it is as such no longer accessible to vehicles for its full length.

The Long Man of Wilmington lies nearby, to the south.

Apparently, this is a byway...
Statistics:
Total Distance: 0.96 km (0.6 mi)
Total Time: 10:06
Moving Time: 2:48
Average Speed: 5.70 km/h (3.5 mi/h)
Average Moving Speed: 20.50 km/h (12.7 mi/h)
Max Speed: 25.20 km/h (15.7 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 60 m (196 ft)
Max Elevation: 112 m (369 ft)
Elevation Gain: 15 m (48 ft)
Max Grade: 2.4 %
Min Grade: 0 %

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BOAT: Church Acre Drove

Location: Church Acre Drove, Pevensey, East Sussex BN24 5, UK
This is why you won't get through!
Update 13/01/2014: Although the overgrown foliage meant that it was impossible to get through anyway, this byway is now subject to a TRO for 6 months from 23/10/2013 to allow a water main to be installed, and as such is closed to motorised traffic.

This BOAT is a real disappointment in terms of greenlaning, especially since it passes through one of the most beautiful and historically important parts of the world: the marshes of Pevensey Levels. It starts off very easy going on a firm, grassy surface (at least in summertime! Other lanes in this area are heavily rutted through winter use when the marshes are obviously a lot damper.), and it is a very scenic lane. At approximately its halfway point it becomes too overgrown to continue (when heading westbound). As such, it's best to avoid this lane until a programme of dramatic clearance has been undertaken.

However, from a historical perspective this lane is very well placed, as follows:
Statistics:
Total Distance: 1.14 km (0.7 mi)
Total Time: 5:40
Moving Time: 3:49
Average Speed: 12.05 km/h (7.5 mi/h)
Average Moving Speed: 17.83 km/h (11.1 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 4.8 m (15.8 ft)
Max Elevation: 5.3 m (17.3 ft)
Elevation Gain: 0.6 m (2.1 ft)
Max Grade: 1 %
Min Grade: -3 %

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BOAT: Sheepcote Lane

Location: Sheepcote Ln, Ripe, East Sussex BN27 3, UK
  • 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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