BOAT: Lilley's Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: South Warnborough, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU592437
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 19' 00" W001 15' 30"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU600416
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 17' 00" W001 14' 30"
• To see: the view.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

 This byway starts south from a country lane just west of the village of Axford. With a fair bit of standing water present after rain, the hard chalk surface makes it relatively easy going even though occasional ruts and larger puddles can impede progress in places.

Climbing up a shallow gradient, the greenlane initially heads south-west but soon turns gently to the south and starts downhill, offering a gorgeous view over the Hampshire countryside as it does so. As the byway reaches Lilley's Copse a gravel track is encountered upon which one travels eastwards between hedgerows for a short distance before turning back to the south and leaving the gravel behind again for the light ruts. At every turn is a sign, erected by Hampshire County Council, making sure that there is no doubt as to which the correct track lies.

Heading southwards over gorgeous rolling countryside, the byway finishes all too soon back on the tarmac on the B3046 in Preston Candover, at 102m AMSL. A great byway, and well worth a visit.

To Hampshire County Council these are byways 7a, 15 and 501, combined here for convenience.

Statistics
Total distance: 3.16 km (2.0 mi)
Total time: 14:57
Moving time: 12:26
Average speed: 12.67 km/h (7.9 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 15.23 km/h (9.5 mi/h)
Max speed: 31.38 km/h (19.5 mi/h)
Average pace: 4:44 min/km (7:37 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 3:56 min/km (6:20 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1:55 min/km (3:05 min/mi)
Max elevation: 203 m (668 ft)
Min elevation: 145 m (476 ft)
Elevation gain: 34 m (110 ft)
Max grade: 6 %
Min grade: -10 %
Recorded: 30/12 14:39

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BOAT: West Street

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Whitway, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU464597
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 33' 50" W001 33' 50"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU460591
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 33' 00" W001 34' 00"
• To see: Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Railway, hill forts, Highclere Castle.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

When taken in to account with Brick Kiln Lane, these two byways make a cracking drive (hence their '4' rating!). Starting at the northern end, then, this greenlane begins as a metalled country road serving some gorgeous country cottages and, eventually, Ridgemoor Farm. The tarmac soon ends and a twisting, hedge-lined, graveled/flint/chalk surfaced byway begins, heading up a gentle gradient. Sometimes grass has invaded the centre of the greenlane, and sometimes it hasn't, but it's easy going.

After a few hundred metres the two byways meet and cross one another, demarcated by a four-way finger board. West Street climbs sharply away to the south, and soon levels out to pass along well-kept field boundaries. On emerging, the view southwards really opens up to provide a stunning vista of Ladle Hill and its renowned, unfinished Bronze Age hill fort.

The byway soon starts heading sharply downhill for a fair way until shallowing off, twisting around a couple of bends and finally ending back on the tarmac just shy of Manor Farm. The surface is very easy going throughout, the hedgerows are kept well cut back, the greenlane is a very simple drive and it really is most suitable for any vehicle.

If you have brought 'her indoors' along for the journey, she may well be totally stoked out by a visit to Highclere Castle, which lies just to the west of this byway. You don't need telling that this is where they filmed Downton Abbey! For those with an interest in actual history, two highly impressive Bronze Age hill forts (Ladle Hill and Beacon Hill) are within easy striking distance of this greenlane, and both are unrivaled as picnic spots. Finally, the course of the former Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Railway (now dismantled) can be found paralelling the track to its east.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 39.

Statistics
Total distance: 1.90 km (1.2 mi)
Total time: 07:47
Moving time: 07:16
Average speed: 14.62 km/h (9.1 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 15.67 km/h (9.7 mi/h)
Max speed: 29.27 km/h (18.2 mi/h)
Average pace: 4:06 min/km (6:36 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 3:50 min/km (6:10 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 2:03 min/km (3:18 min/mi)
Max elevation: 204 m (671 ft)
Min elevation: 167 m (549 ft)
Elevation gain: 38 m (124 ft)
Max grade: 13 %
Min grade: -12 %
Recorded: 04/10/2013 16:07

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BOAT: Brick Kiln Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Whitway, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU475592
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 33' 10" W001 31' 80"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU460591
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 33' 00" W001 34' 00"
• To see: Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Railway, hill forts, Highclere Castle.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

When taken in to account with West Street, these two byways make a cracking drive (hence their combined '4' rating!). Starting at the eastern end, then, this greenlane begins as a graveled/flint/chalk surface departing westwards from an unusual 'island' in a country lane, and soon gets stuck in to a gentle uphill gradient. Sometimes grass has invaded the centre of the greenlane, and sometimes it hasn't, but it's easy going.

After a few hundred metres the course of the byway crossed a brick bridge over the former Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Railway (now dismantled; the track bed now serves as part of the Brenda Parker Footpath) and finishes its climb before plunging down to where the two byways meet and cross one another, demarcated by a four-way finger board. Brick Kiln Lane climbs away to the west, and soon levels out to pass along more well-kept field boundaries.

The byway eventually then starts heading gently downhill for the remainder of its course until ending up back on tarmac serving as a driveway for a couple of houses (including one called 'Brick Kiln', which gives this greenlane its name) and finishing just shy of the bridge over the A34 granting access to Highclere Castle. The surface is very easy going throughout, the hedgerows are kept well cut back, the greenlane is a very simple, non-technical drive and it really is most suitable for any vehicle in all weathers.

If you have brought 'her indoors' along for the journey, she may well be totally stoked out by a visit to Highclere Castle, which lies just over the bridge to the west of this byway. You don't need telling that this is where they filmed Downton Abbey! For those with an interest in actual history, two highly impressive Bronze Age hill forts (Ladle Hill and Beacon Hill) are both within very easy striking distance of this greenlane, and both are unrivaled as picnic spots.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 38.

Statistics
Total distance: 2.08 km (1.3 mi)
Total time: 10:47
Moving time: 08:08
Average speed: 11.55 km/h (7.2 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 15.30 km/h (9.5 mi/h)
Max speed: 34.23 km/h (21.3 mi/h)
Average pace: 5:12 min/km (8:22 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 3:55 min/km (6:19 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1:45 min/km (2:49 min/mi)
Max elevation: 224 m (736 ft)
Min elevation: 159 m (522 ft)
Elevation gain: 68 m (223 ft)
Max grade: 10 %
Min grade: -6 %
Recorded: 04/10/2013 16:18

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UCR: Loddon Lane/Brenda Parker Way

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: Bramley Green, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU673593
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 32' 90" W001 03' 50"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU665592
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 32' 80" W001 04' 60"
• To see: not a great deal.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Being decent citizens, your Modern-Day Explorers discovered a fly tip at the eastern end of this byway and, since it was pretty inoffensive garden waste, we cleared it before driving this green lane. Post your thanks below!

Starting at the eastern end, then, this un-named byway leaves Mill Lane and follows the course of the River Loddon which lies a little to the south. (We have named this byway Loddon Lane simply because the river is the only defining feature nearby). Flanked on each side by tall hedges that are always kept well cut back, and with a surface of mixed earth and gravel its very easy going for all vehicles.

It's also incredibly short: no more than 800m long in fact. And on top of all that it is almost a perfect straight line, running almost due west. Short of that, there really is little else to write about this byway, and it soon ends on Folly Lane just north of Green Farm in Bramley Green. Worth a look if you're passing, but I wouldn't go out of my way if I were you.

Statistics:

Total distance: 0.81 km (0.5 mi)
Total time: 08:55
Moving time: 08:53
Average speed: 5.46 km/h (3.4 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 5.48 km/h (3.4 mi/h)
Max speed: 17.10 km/h (10.6 mi/h)
Average pace: 11.00 min/km (17.7 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 10.95 min/km (17.6 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 3.51 min/km (5.6 min/mile)
Max elevation: 113 m (369 ft)
Min elevation: 103 m (339 ft)
Elevation gain: 8 m (28 ft)
Max grade: 0 %
Min grade: 0 %
Recorded: 21/05/2013 14:21

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UCR: Thatched Cottage Drive

• Overall Rating: 1
• Location: Bradley, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU633421
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 17' 50" W001 09' 60"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU63418
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 17' 20" W001 09' 40"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This incredibly short byway, although technically a UCR, is simply somebody's metalled driveway with a few feet of unsurfaced byway at the northern end. Pointless visiting, although amusingly it does carry a 30mph speed limit (as if!).

Statistics:
Total distance: 0.21 km (0.1 mi)
Total time: 01:09
Moving time: 01:07
Average speed: 10.87 km/h (6.8 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 11.17 km/h (6.9 mi/h)
Max speed: 28.80 km/h (17.9 mi/h)
Average pace: 5.52 min/km (8.9 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 5.37 min/km (8.6 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 2.08 min/km (3.4 min/mile)
Max elevation: 185 m (605 ft)
Min elevation: 178 m (582 ft)
Elevation gain: 0 m (0 ft)
Max grade: -3 %
Min grade: -6 %
Recorded: 21/05/2013 15:25

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BOAT: Scratchface Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Broadmere, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU663460
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 20' 90" W001 05' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU657446
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 19' 70" W001 06' 10"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

We drove this unremarkable yet pleasant enough byway from its northern end. Leaving the A339 in the village of Herriard on a southerly track, an initial stretch of metalled UCR serves a number of cottages in the village itself. After roughly 400m, however, the BOAT begins and the prepared surface ends where a track crosses the lane. This track is not a public byway so please ignore it and move on. The surface here changes to compacted mud and gravel.

The green lane passes through open fields for a stretch. On reaching Platt Copse where the surface again deteriorates into lightly rutted mud and the hedgerow that borders the lane to the east, and the woodland to the west, closes in a little, though never so much as to pose a real threat of putting scratches on the paintwork. It can get damp too, but never too much as the shallow downhill gradient of the byway seems to keep it well drained for the most part. After a couple of twists and turns the track ends on Bagmore Lane by a large mature oak. Platt Copse is pleasant  enough but there are better byways in the immediate area that deserve your attention before Scratchface Lane does!

This is Hampshire County Council's Byway 5.

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BOAT: Pigeonhouse Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: Broadmere, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU624475
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 22' 40" W001 10' 70"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU622467
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 21' 60" W001 11' 00"
• To see: Broadmere Church.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

We really did choose the right time of year to drive this byway, as at the northern end the land is bordered on both sides by huge amounts of wild garlic (Allium ursinum). The smell is simply unbelievable!

Starting on tarmac in the hamlet of Broadmere, the greenlane starts off as a very short section of UCR that skirts around the north of Broadmere Church. On entering woodland the BOAT begins in earnest, the surface changes from tarmac to grass. This green lane is incredibly wide, probably one of the widest we've ever seen, and no doubt needs to be as it serves the farm machinery of Home Farm at the southern end of the byway.

Heading south on this very easy yet pleasant byway, the chief attraction (in Spring at least) is to watch the natural world go by as one drives along, even more so as the copse is a remaining fragment of ancient woodland rich in biodiversity. After just over a kilometer the byway enters the farmyard of Home Farm and ends on Grammarsham Lane.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 10.

Statistics:
Total distance: 1.18 km (0.7 mi)
Total time: 06:08
Moving time: 06:07
Average speed: 11.49 km/h (7.1 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 11.52 km/h (7.2 mi/h)
Max speed: 25.20 km/h (15.7 mi/h)
Average pace: 5.22 min/km (8.4 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 5.21 min/km (8.4 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 2.38 min/km (3.8 min/mile)
Max elevation: 247 m (812 ft)
Min elevation: 232 m (761 ft)
Elevation gain: 18 m (58 ft)
Max grade: 6 %
Min grade: -4 %
Recorded: 21/05/2013 15:01

Broadmere Church

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BOAT: Old Potbridge Road

• Overall Rating: 0
• Location: Phoenix Green, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU756546
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 28' 60" W000 96' 90"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU747552
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 29' 20" W000 92' 90"
• To see: not a great deal.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

This increasingly overgrown byway is not subject technically subject to a TRO. However, the UCR at its end is closed to motorized traffic, and therefore, being a dead end, is thus pointless to visit.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 1.

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BOAT: Green Lane

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: Rotherwick, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU719562
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 30' 00" W000 96' 90"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU714555
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 29' 40" W000 97' 70"
• To see: not a great deal.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

The imaginatively titled 'Green Lane' (must've taken them all night to come up with that one...) starts by leaving Hook Road near the pleasant Street End Copse, which contains Readen Pond. Picnic, anyone? (Clear up after you!).

On a surface of lightly rutted, compacted earth it is very easy going indeed, if a little bumpy in places, and there is no encroaching foliage whatsoever to pose a threat to the paintwork, so Discovery/Range Rover owners can revel in the chance to get some mud under their wheels!

Heading southwest, on passing the impressive farm house of Runten's Farm the surface of the byway has been covered in gravel to serve as a driveway. This serves to almost halve the length of unmetalled byway available to us and hence the underwhelming score of 2 for this short green lane. We finish up by emerging from the driveway onto the junction between Post Horn Lane and Ridge Lane. Not really worth the investment of time in visiting unless you happen to be passing.

To Hampshire County Council this is Byway 18.

Statistics:

Total distance: 0.93 km (0.6 mi)
Total time: 04:53
Moving time: 04:48
Average speed: 11.45 km/h (7.1 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 11.66 km/h (7.2 mi/h)
Max speed: 22.50 km/h (14.0 mi/h)
Average pace: 5.24 min/km (8.4 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 5.15 min/km (8.3 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 2.67 min/km (4.3 min/mile)
Max elevation: 130 m (426 ft)
Min elevation: 119 m (389 ft)
Elevation gain: 15 m (50 ft)
Max grade: 2 %
Min grade: 1 %
Recorded: 21/05/2013 14:04

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UCR: Malthouse Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Hound Green, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU718593
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 32' 80" W000 97' 00"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU720585
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 32' 10" W000 96' 80"
• To see: not a great deal.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

What to say about such a short UCR? It doesn't really stand out in an area positively strewn with green lanes, most of which are much better! That said, if you're passing it is pleasant enough (where isn't in spring?!) and still deserves a drive, hence the 3 rating.

Starting from its northern end at a crossroads with an unnamed country road, the metalled section of Malthouse Lane strikes out northwards, but we're not interested in that! We took the southern branch, the only option without tarmac. It's a little overgrown but almost exclusively with the vigour of spring: there are very few chances to scratch the paintwork as the nettles and hogweed allow easy passage. The surface is very lightly rutted earth, and is firm throughout. 

The byway passes between hedgerows and soon turns due south. Just after the turn the lane plunged ins a pleasant copse called Chases Copse and abruptly ends on Vicarage Lane next to the inaccurately-named 'Middle Of The World' Farm.

Statistics:

Total distance: 0.82 km (0.5 mi)
Total time: 05:14
Moving time: 05:11
Average speed: 9.37 km/h (5.8 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 9.45 km/h (5.9 mi/h
Max speed: 14.40 km/h (8.9 mi/h)
Average pace: 6.40 min/km (10.3 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 6.35 min/km (10.2 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 4.17 min/km (6.7 min/mile)
Max elevation: 119 m (389 ft)
Min elevation: 100 m (327 ft)
Elevation gain: 22 m (71 ft)
Max grade: 0 %
Min grade: 0 %
Recorded: 21/05/2013 13:51

Chases Copse.

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UCR: Watts Lane

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: Overton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU486501
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 24' 80" W001 30' 50"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU488493   
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 24' 10" W001 30' 20"
• To see: Harrow Way.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

I've christened this UCR 'Watts Lane' for want of a better name. It heads due north from Home Farm: this is little more than a grassy/earthen access track to the farm which very quickly turns to tarmac. There isn't much to say and it holds relatively little interest for greenlaners compared to others in this area but feel free to drive it should you wish to vary your route. It scores higher than a 1, however, as for a point of interest it crosses the London-Salisbury railway line and also connects with the vastly superior Harrow Way, a much longer BOAT, at its northern end. Drive this in conjunction with that!

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BOAT: Whitedown Lane

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Whitedown, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU589540
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 28' 20" W001 51' 70"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU591563  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N51 28' 60" W001 37' 60"
• To see: motte, site of Roman villa.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

I can't find the proper name of this lane, so for want of better I have christened it (rather unimaginatively, I'll admit) Whitedown Lane. If anybody knows better please post the correct name via the 'comments' box below this post.

Beginning in the minute hamlet of Whitedown (litterally a farm a cluster of two or three cottages), and intersecting with another (unnamed) byway running from Worting Road Cemetery to Ibworth, this byway starts out almost due north on a surface of gravel separated by a grassy centre . The foliage on this the southern 'half' of the greenlane is also well kept due to use by farm machinery (and cows!) so the paintwork is never threatened.

Very soon a cowshed passes by to the left of the byway, which proceeds past two piles of excavated chalk and then between two gigantic piles of cow dung (both impossible to miss). A short distance further north suddenly the surface becomes concreted due to it being used as the access road to a covered reservoir, which also passes by to the west.

The second 'half' of Whitedown Lane then begins on crossing the A339. This can be an extremely busy road so (needless to say) please take great care in crossing it.

The lane continues on a hard surface, used as the access road to a large aerial of some kind (why is everything notable to the west of this lane?!) where the earthen surface reappears. Immediately the transition occurs, however, the foliage and undergrowth that lines the lane closes right in and scratches on the paintwork are a guarantee. This awkward section of trail carries on downhill past an unusually irregular copse (to the west, duh) and then the foliage releases its grip just after leaving the northern boundary of siad spinney. The byway then continues on its northbound track, shadowing a field boundary until it ends in the farm buildings of Lower Farm, at its junction with Basingstoke Road.

The reputed 'Castle in the Woods' that was stormed by King Stephen towards the end of the civil war in 1147 lies just to the west in the grounds of Woodgarston Farm, accessible by a public footpath. Never more than a wooden motte and bailey castle, only the motte survives in a very overgrown state these days. A little further to the west of this byway, the site of a Roman villa can be found, but there is absolutely nothing to be seen remaining above ground so it's not worth the detour.

Clouds, chalk, and poo.

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BOAT: Ox Drove (Wayfarer's Walk Part 3)

• Overall Rating: 5
• Location: Ashmansworth to Litchfield, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU410592 (or SU430575 for 4x4's)
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 33' 10" W001 41' 20" (or N51 31' 50" W001 38' 40" for 4x4's)
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU462551  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N51 29' 30" W001 33' 80"
• To see: Seven Barrows, Highclere, Chapman's Dell, Beacon Hill and Ladle Hill hillforts, tumuli, DeHavilland Memorial, course of the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

NB: The western half of this lane is subject to a TRO for any vehicles with more than three wheels (!). 4x4 drivers must begin on the A343 at Keepers Cottage.

NB: This lane is one of many sections of the Wayfarer's Walk that offer vehicular access. For the other sections, click through for Part 1 and Part 2.

Wow, what a green lane! But shhh, let's keep it a secret. If everyone found about about it, it would be busier than the M25 in rush hour. Trailbikers are even luckier, as unlike 4x4 drivers who have to start at the half-way point, they can drive the entire length of this vast byway.

We'll scoot over the western half of the lane, as it's subject to a TRO from it's starting point in Bunkhanger Copse eastwards to Keepers Cottage on the A343, so we can't drive it. But hey, who cares? Because the second half of this lane is what greenlaning is all about.

This long byway starts by striking out eastbound from the A343 on a potholed hard surface that act as a driveway for one of the most awesome, unique cottages we've ever seen, named Grotto Lodge. It looks like someone built a house onto a medieval castle tower, and it's unmistakeable. If you're driving eastbound, pass the cottage with it on your left and follow the track into Grotto Copse, which has seen signs of recent logging (see pic above). Here the hard surface ends and the greenlane changes to compacted, unrutted earth.

Cruising gently uphill, the lane passes out of the woodland and curves gently towards the south until it briefly enters woodland again on top of Sidown Hill. However, whilst driving along the top of Sidown Range and Upper Woodcott Down, the trees fall back and some incredible views are available across rolling downland in every direction save north. Indeed, this section of the lane is around 250m AMSL.

After a track leaves the lane to the east the byway continues on a vague path across the grassy flank of Upper Woodcott Down. Because the path is so vague, it can be pretty tricky to ascertain exactly which is the right track, but there are enough pointers to bumble along and be at least reasonably sure you're in the right place. However, this is less than no excuse for anyone to roam as they please over the fields. Stick to the track and all will be good, yet stray and you'll rightly receive both barrels from current Earl of Carnarvon as well as interest from the police!

The greenlane continues downhill along the contours of Lower Woodcott Down and enters the woodland that lines this flank of Thorn Down. This woodland is the only real negative on the entire lane in that on this leg the hazel and hawthorn bushes that line the lane narrow the byway at a few places, and since the lane also becomes quite rutted here it is impossible to avoid scratching the paintwork until the hedgerow is cut back a bit. The lane ends at the foot of seven gigantic barrows (see pic above and link below), in a layby on the A34. An incredible lane but please don't drive it: we want it all to ourselves!

This is an ancient landscape, and there is much for those interested in the Neolithic era and the Bronze Age here. The hillforts of Beacon Hill and Ladle Hill (the latter unfinished) lie to the north of the eastern end of the lane. A tumulus can be seen south of the lane up on Rabbit Warren and further examples up near the hillforts, not to mention the gigantic burial mounds at Seven Barrows which are extremely impressive. More recent history can be found (and her indoors kept happy) by visiting Highclere, a stately home and the setting of Downton Abbey, which is to the north of the lane and who's grounds it crosses. The course of the dismantled Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway roughly follows that of the A34, and finally the memorial for Geoffrey deHavilland, who's ashes were scattered over the Seven Barrows, can be found at the eastern end of the lane. Phew!

View Ox Drove (Wayfarer's Walk Part 3) in a larger map

UCR: Wadwick Bottom

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Wadwick, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU432531
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 27' 50" W001 38' 20"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU436534  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N51 28' 60" W001 37' 60"
• To see: Egbury.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

Don't be flummoxed: it's straight on here...

This partially-wooded byway starts where the tarmac ends in the hamlet of Wadwick, just after Wadwick House. Well maintained with regards to width, and on a lightly rutted surface of earth, grass and leaf mould, it's very easy going as it is used by farm machinery to access the surround fields.

Initially the lane is lined on it's western side by an attractive line of mature poplar trees, and as the UCR turns gradually through due north the trees slowly close in as Broadclose Copse passes on the eastern side. The lane again twists through north on a right hand curve this time and whilst the trees back off when passing a huge (ploughed, when we drove past, see pic above) field to the west, take care to take the correct lane. Clue: it's the less well defined of the two choices.

...and right here.

The trees soon declare victory as the byway enters the coppiced woodland of Stubb's Copse, and here the lane presents its second choice of the drive: make sure to take the correct path and turn 90 degrees to the east when reaching the northern edge of Stubbs' Copse. The byway now climbs gently uphill until it finishes up where it meets the un-named country road that heads north out of the hamlet of Egbury. A decent, easy-going lane, and well worth a drive.

For those with an interest in history, the Neolithic fort Egbury can be found away to the south of the lane. There's not a huge amount left, but it's worth a look anyway.

View Wadwick Bottom in a larger map

UCR: Cold Harbour Lane

• Overall Rating: 4
• Location: St Mary Bourne, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU434510
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 25' 60" W001 37' 90"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU431513  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N51 25' 90" W001 38' 30"
• To see: Portway Roman road, Egbury.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

For want of a better name (I've not been able to find one for this greenlane) I've named this lane Cold Harbour Lane. If you know of the correct name, please comment below!

This awesome but very short byway starts out northwards from a right-angled turn in an un-named country road, but looking at it you'd never know! Both the definitive map and the OS map tally: this is a byway, trust us! This particular greenlane is little more than a strip of grass pressed up against a hedge in a ploughed field. It's pretty narrow, so the hedgerow on the eastern side will claim its due on your paintwork, but the surface of grass is pretty easy going.

Heading gradually downhill from 106m to 98m AMSL, the UCR follows a north-westerly track until it reaches a small, narrow county road which crosses it from east to west. The UCR then plunges downhill for another 100m or so on a gravel surface, and ends where it meets Egbury Lane.

For those with an interest in history, the course of the Portway (a Roman road which rand from Silchester to Old Sarum)  can be found directly to the south, with a visible portion in Bradley Wood away to the east, and Egbury (a Neolithic fort) can be found if you follow the country lane that crosses our UCR eastwards for a kilometre or so.

View Cold Harbour Lane in a larger map

UCR/BOAT: Whitnal Lane

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: Quidhampton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU490515
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 26' 00" W001 30' 00"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU491503  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N51 25' 00" W001 29' 70"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

N.B., the southern (BOAT) part of this this lane is subject to a TRO between 1st November and 1st May every year. Do not attempt to drive it between these dates. 

TRO'd BOAT to the left, clear to the right.

For want of a better name (I've not been able to find one for this greenlane, otherwise called 'Byway 714' on the definitive map) I've named this lane Whitnal Lane. When the tarmac ends, a short BOAT called Jack Mills Lane leaves to the east, and this short, easy going byway starts out southwards as a UCR on a surface of compacted earth and gravel which is slightly rutted in places. The lane is for the most part well maintained and encroaching foliage is never a threat.

Heading gently downhill from 131m AMSL, the UCR curves gently to the south until it reaches a junction with two prongs: one arm which heads due south, and the other which leaves the lane to the west. The southern arm of Whitnal Lane changes status to a BOAT here and is subject to a TRO between November and May, so don't continue unless you're outside of those dates. Instead, take the western arm along to it's termination on Watch Lane (as we had to).

If you are not subject to the TRO, the southern arm continues on a nice wide course on an earthen surface for around 300m until it finishes where it meets another, far superior byway called Harrow Way. As such, Witnal Lane is part of a larger network of lanes that offers a fair bit of choice when greenlaning in this area.

These are Hampshire County Council Byways 35 and 714, treated as one entry for convenience.

View Whitnal Lane in a larger map

BOAT: Jack Mills Lane

• Overall Rating: 0
• Location: Quidhampton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU490515
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 26' 00" W001 30' 00"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU498508  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N51 25' 50" W001 28' 80"
• To see: not much.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

The wide part, but...

This lane is a little misleading on the Ordinance Survey Explorer map. On the sheet it looks as though you can turn a corner and drive down a country road as far as the village of Southington, but this is unfortunately not the case. What looks like the country road (the north-south section) does not appear to carry any vehicular rights and besides is so narrow at the point it meets Harrow Way that there is no room for anything other than a pedestrian to fit through the gaps in the hedge. In fact there was talk in 2010 of imposing a possible TRO on this byway but nothing seems to have yet come of it.

This isn't too much of a loss, for the sole driveable section available to us (that part marked as a BOAT on the map) is very easy going. Leaving another byway (a UCR) called Whitnal Lane at it's western end, Jack Mills Lane proceeds almost due west and downhill on a surface of shingle and earth, and foliage is kept clear at all times due to regular use by farm machinery. Just south of New Barn is where it meets the non-existent country road, and is hence a pointless drive. Go and drive the awesome Harrow Way from end to end instead.

PC 64 Oliver 'Jack' Mills, the local bobby, policed the nearby village of Overton in the 1950's, and it is after him that this lane (Hampshire Country Council Byway 501) is byway is named.

...you'll not get through here!

View Jack Mills Lane in a larger map

BOAT: Polhampton Lane

• Overall Rating: 2
• Location: Quidhampton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU526512
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 25' 70" W001 24' 80"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU527507  
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates:  N51 25' 70" W001 24' 80"
• To see: source of the River Test.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

For want of a better name (I've not been able to find one for this greenlane, otherwise called 'Byway 25' on the definitive map) I've named this lane Polhampton Lane. This short byway starts out southwards from another unnamed country lane on a surface of compacted earth and gravel which is slightly rutted in places. The lane is for the most part well maintained and encroaching foliage is never a threat.

Rolling ever downhill towards the Test Valley, the hill passes under the London-Salisbury mainline just east of Quidhampton station and continues on a grassy surface between well-groomed hedgerows that delineate the field boundary until you reach a cottage called Polhampton House, where the lane ends all too soon. Not the longest of lanes, and therefore not much in its favour compared to others in this area.

For those interested in such things, today we were pretty stoked out to claim our third river source since this project began: that of the River Test (at SU532498, see marker on map below). It can only be reached on foot, but a quick stroll down the footpath to the south of this lane will get you there. During the drought conditions of March 2012 the source was worryingly drier than the proverbial bone (see picture below), yet the river still flowed with full force further downstream.

This is Hampshire County Council Byway 25.

River Test: where's all the water gone?!

View Polhampton Lane in a larger map

UCR: Court Drove

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Overton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU508507
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 25' 30" W001 21' 10"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU501527
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 27' 10" W001 28' 30"
• To see: long barrow, tumulus.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code! 

We chose to drive this long UCR from its southern end. Starting at Overton CE Primary School, the byway strikes out north on a mixed surface of compacted mud here and lightly rutted earth and grass there, but it's never even the remotest challenge despite it's use by heavy farm vehicles.

Over the railway bridge that crosses the London -Salisbury mainline, the lane twists and turns, following the field boundaries. It is remarkable how well maintained this lane is, as at no stage is in any less than (roughly) 3m wide!

After around a third of it's total length, the UCR is crossed east-west by a BOAT called Harrow Way. It is open to traffic, however it does carry a (well signposted) TRO effective between November-May  to protect its surface during the wet winter months. It's very long, and very awesome, but please don't attempt to drive it between those dates.

After crossing the BOAT, Court Drove continues northwards, winding its way past a copse called The Peak before it ends back on tarmac just north of the access road for Willesley Warren Farm which branches off to the east.

For those with an interest in the Neolithic period, a tumulus can be found to the east of the northern of the lane (very near Willesley Warren Farm), whilst the long barrow can be found almost the same distance to the west.

View Court Drove in a larger map

BOAT: Harrow Way

• Overall Rating: 5
• Location: Overton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 144, 'Basingstoke, Alton and Whitchurch, Odiham, Overton and Hook'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU484500
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 24' 70" W001 30' 80"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference: SU528519   
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 26' 40" W001 24' 50"
• To see: Harrow Way.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

N.B.: This byway is subject to a TRO which runs between 1st November and 31st May every year. Do not try to drive this trail between these dates.

Despite the seasonal TRO on it, this byway is a corker! The TRO itself has no doubt been laid down due to the impeccable surface this lane displays: it's clearly had a problem with ruts and overuse in the past, so the council appears to have graded it perfectly level and covered it in compacted earth and gravel. As a result it is in better shape than many country roads in this area! The foliage is also (mostly) kept well cut back so there is little or no chance of scratching up the paintwork on a newer vehicle.

We started this byway from its western end, where for a stretch of a score of metres or so it is classified as a UCR. Also at this end another UCR I've christened 'Watts Lane' heads due south towards Home Farm: this is little more than a grassy/earthen access track to the farm which very quickly turns to tarmac. It holds relatively little interest for greenlaners compared to the main event but feel free to drive it should you wish to vary your route.

For the most part this is a very flat byway in both surface and gradient, and it really is easy going winding its way along field boundaries and line with mature trees. Soon another UCR called Whitnal Lane passes by, heading out northwards from Harrow Way itself. Whitnal Lane is worth a look as it offers an alternative starting point for this lane, and it is not subject to a TRO either so can be driven at any time of year.

Slightly further east the Ordinance Survey map appears to show a country lane known as Jack Mills Lane crossing the track and turning into a BOAT as it heads westbound, but unfortunately I believe it is a private road and at any length the entrance is far too overgrown to access via anything but on foot so it's best to ignore this particular byway.

Further east still and yet another UCR, this time called Court Drove, crosses our greenlane. This is quite a good one (read or review by following the link) and is well worth a visit whilst you're in the area. Harrow Way meanwhile climbs relatively steeply uphill towards the B3051, which it crosses just north of the village of Foxdown. There is a couple of paths here, but pick the obvious, signposted, course as the southernmost track has been created by illegal offroaders looking for a hill-climb (and a tame one at that) and needs to be blocked off.

Over the road an unnamed byway leaves the main track to the south, however, like Watts Lane it is relatively boring and only skirts the huge, industrial eyesore that is Overton Mill. Avoid unless you like that sort of thing coupled with hassle from the security droids at its southern end. Our byway then curves to the south east and starts out downhill and then ends where it meets a country road and a very acute angle. You can continue the greenlaning by heads a matter of metres east and driving White Lane. Harrow Way is a great byway that provides a number of options to make repeat visits more interesting, and we highly recommend it.

Harrow Way is also reputed to be the 'oldest lane in England'. Forming part of the 'Old Way', in the Neolithic period it ran as a trackway through the Wield all the way from Rochester, via Guildford and Andover to Stonehenge and Seaton in Devon, which must have been no small accomplishment in those times! Something to ponder as you drive it. Nearer to Andover, another short stretch of it is also a byway, and you can read about it in our entry for it here.

This are Hampshire County Council Byways 23, 36 and 715, treated as one single entry for convenience..

View Harrow Way/Watts Lane in a larger map