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SCOTLAND

NORTHERN IRELAND Carlisle BELFAST P30, Slaley Forest P28, Old Coach NEWCASTLE

Middlesbrough

IRISH SEA Blackpool LEEDS P24, Strata Florida P20, Houndkirk Moor Welcome to the ABR Guide to LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER SHEFFIELD

Nottingham

P26, Claerwen Reservoir P22, The Cotswolds GREENLANING BIRMINGHAM Norwich ENGLAND WALES

Northampton

Ipswich

Swansea CARDIFF P14, Salisbury Plain P18, Vigo Village IN BRITAIN CELTIC SEA Bristol LONDON s been as you’ve taken today using the discount code GREEN50 to save you the time to down- 50% on your membership. load this ABR Guide In this guide, we’ll help you navigate some of the Southampton to Greenlaning in complexities and pitfalls of greenlaning in Britain. Exeter

Britain, chances are You see, while hitting the is one of the most Brighton you’veA already experienced the joy pleasurable activities you can do on a motorcycle, of riding on Britain’s network of byways, or you’re actually finding legal routes to ride is something of P12, Hell P16, Ashley Down ENGLISH CHANNEL curious about giving it a go. Either way, you’ve a dark art. Unless you get your kicks from pouring come to the right place. over maps for hours while getting to grips with ac- Throughout the past decade, Adventure Bike ronyms such as TRO, BOAT, and UCR, it can prove Rider magazine has detailed hundreds of green a frustrating experience. This is why we’ve done all lanes in every corner of the land, guiding riders the hard work for you. contents along the byways and unclassified of Britain We’ll also explain why greenlaning technically with detailed map locations, step-by-step route isn’t riding ‘off road’ in Britain and the implica- GUIDE TO GREENLANING ASHLEY DOWN, HAMPSHIRE STRATA FLORIDA, MID WALES descriptions, difficulty ratings, and wow factors. tions this has for your bike and the gear you wear, 06 GREEN LANES GUIDE 16SOUTH 24WALES The result is the most extensive library of British as well as ensuring you don’t fall foul of police Discover all you need to know about riding green Travel through the South Downs National Park on Ride one of Britain’s most challenging green lanes green lanes ever produced and a treasure trove checks, council restrictions, and fellow country- lanes before you hit the trails. lanes for riders of all abilities. and prepare to get wet! for riders wanting to venture off the beaten track. side users, leaving you to enjoy the freedom of And what’s more, there are routes for people of all roaming the trails. WHICH BIKE IS BEST FOR GREENLANING VIGO VILLAGE, KENT CLAERWEN RESERVOIR, MID WALES abilities, from complete beginners to riding Each one of these routes is an ideal way to spend 08 WHICH BIKE? 18SOUTH 26WALES experts, whether your chosen steed is a big adven- a few blissful hours on two wheels, so get stuck Big adventure bike or lightweight enduro machine? Five green lanes combine for a ride around the Discover a remote trail suitable for beginners ture bike or a lightweight enduro machine. in and don’t forget to use the discount offer code Find out what’s best for greenlaning. byways of the South East. through a stunning landscape. It’s something we’re so proud of, we’ve created GREEN50 to unlock the entire ABR Digital Library the ABR Guide to Greenlaning in Britain in order of hundreds of green lanes, saving you 50% on your HELL LANE, HOUNDKIRK MOOR, PEAK DISTRICT OLD COACH ROAD, LAKE DISTRICT to share a selection of our favourite routes with you. membership in the process. 12 SOUTH WEST 20MIDLANDS 28NORTH If you like what you see, you can unlock hundreds Happy trails... Ride ancient sunken tracks carved into the Explore a stunning four-mile ride through desolate A glorious five-mile ride on the longest legal trail in more green lanes by becoming a member of the Words and Pictures: landscape on this heavenly route. moorland in the Peak District. Cumbria’s Lake District. ABR Digital Library which gives you instant access Bryn Davies to every issue of Adventure Bike Rider (and every James Oxley SALISBURY PLAIN THE COTSWOLDS SLALEY FOREST, NORTHUMBERLAND ) ever published, on your phone, tablet, or James Oxley Mike Beddows 14 SOUTH WEST 22 MIDLANDS 30NORTH computer. Simply, go to www.adventurebikerider. Assistant Editor Ollie Rooke Watch out for tanks on the network of byways Set aside a day for a glorious 17-mile loop through Enjoy 10-miles of green lanes through the com, hit the ‘Digital Library’ menu tab, and sign up Adventure Bike Rider John Norris through this adventure biker’s playground. the Cotswolds. picturesque Slaley Forest.

4 GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN www.adventurebikerider.com www.adventurebikerider.com GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN 5 GREEN LANES •••• DISCOVER 100S OF GREEN LANES WITH AN ABR DIGITAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP. SAVE 50% TODAY WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE: GREEN50 CLICK HERE •••• GREEN LANES

A GUIDE TO GREENLANES

WHAT ARE GREEN LANES? every adventure biker looking to ex- green lanes are small features and can be temporary (for essential works), or only with a red arrow, and ‘Unsuitable for but you can help when you’re out on Before we head out onto the trails, plore the byways of Britain. easy to miss on a larger scale map. apply to vehicles with more than two Motor Vehicles’ all indicate that you the trails by thinking of yourself as an it’s worth taking a moment to clar- However, let’s be clear about one The public rights of way we’re wheels, which is good news for bikers, can proceed, whereas TRO restrictions, ambassador for biking. ify that a green lane isn’t actually a thing… it is not off-roading. All the interested in are byways open to all but not so much for 4x4 drivers. seasonal restrictions, and restrictions It’s important to remain polite and recognised . Instead, it’s green lanes in this guide are part (BOAT). We’re also interested on motorised vehicles (including a red courteous to other users, espe- a blanket term that has been adopted of the public and, as such, in unclassified roads (UCR) which can DISCOVERING IF A BYWAY IS circle with a car and motorcycle inside) cially if your presence is challenged, to cover a collection of public rights of your bike must be road legal, have a also be referred to as other routes with LEGAL TO RIDE should be marked and indicate you while also enjoying yourself. Always way, including byways, restricted by- MOT, be taxed and insured, and you public access (ORPA). Councils usually have definitive up- need to turn back. stay on the recognised byway. As ways (that allow two-wheeled traffic), must wear a helmet. In some popular Take a look at an Ordnance Survey to-date lists of TROs for their counties on tempting as it may be, going off-piste is and unclassified roads. areas (think Salisbury Plain) police do map key when you get a moment to their websites, as well as a definitive map. TRAIL RIDING ETIQUETTE both illegal and an easy excuse for the The practice of riding (or driving) patrol and will check your documents familiarise yourself with how they’re These help confirm if a byway is rideable. When you’re riding the lanes, it’s council to close lanes in the future. along them is what’s become com- should they stop you. They even have marked. However, finding your first Previously, the only copy of a definitive important to remember that their Finally, spare a thought for fellow monly known as greenlaning, giving the power to seize illegal bikes. BOAT or UCR is only half the battle... map was physically held by the council numbers have been dwindling for byway users, particularly horse riders us the opportunity to turn off the Once you’ve found a green lane you want and you’d have to make an appointment many years due to an ever-growing and cyclists. Some horses spook easily, asphalt and ride a range of dirt, sand, FINDING GREEN LANES to ride, you’ll want to check that an to view it. Now, you can simply search list of temporary and permanent so we’d recommend shutting off your gravel, and downright boggy trails. ON AN OS MAP order hasn’t been placed restricting you online for your county plus the words restrictions placed upon them. The engine and pulling to the side of the Luckily for us, the UK boasts a wide To find your closest green lanes, you’ll from riding it on your bike, either during ‘definitive map’ for an online version. Trail Riders Fellowship, a membership lane in order to let them pass calmly. If range of green lanes, from those that want to grab yourself a local OS map. a certain time of year or full stop. These Physically, byways should also be organisation dedicated to conserving we make the effort to show each other are beginner friendly, all the way up You should opt for a 1:25,000 map which come in the form of traffic regulation -or signposted, although in practice this green lanes in England and Wales, courtesy and respect, there’s no reason to paths that are best tackled on trail provides plenty of detail about the areas ders (TRO) and can be seasonal (restrict- doesn’t always occur. Signs such as puts a lot of effort into campaigning to we can’t all enjoy exploring Britain’s bikes. There really is something for you want to explore on your bike. Many ing traffic in the wet winter months), ‘Byway Open to All Traffic’, ‘Byway’ keep those that are under threat open, green lanes for many years to come.

6 GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN www.adventurebikerider.com www.adventurebikerider.com GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN 7 WHICH BIKE? •••• DISCOVER 100S OF GREEN LANES WITH AN ABR DIGITAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP. SAVE 50% TODAY WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE: GREEN50 CLICK HERE •••• WHICH BIKE? Which bike is best for greenlaning? K, if you want to open a can of worms, this is one of the best ways of going about it. Online forums are littered with heated de- bates espousing the virtues O and weaknesses of various motorcycles for riding green lanes. In reality, you can enjoy hitting the trails on a wide variety of bikes, but it’s important to take into account your riding ability, the conditions, and the difficulty level of the trail you plan to ride. This is why we give each lane featured in the ABR Digital Library a difficulty rating from one to five. For example, there are some wide open trails with smooth surfaces that are perfect for a novice rider to enjoy on a big adventure bike, like a Honda Africa Twin or a BMW R 1250 GS. However, there are also plenty of steep, twisty, rocky, and muddy lanes that are better suited to a lightweight trail bike fitted with knobbly tyres for extra grip. As a general rule, a lighter, off-road focused ma- chine, like a Honda CRF250L or a KTM 450 EXC-F, with plenty of suspension travel, a good amount of ground clearance, durable spoked wheels, and off- road focused rubber is going to prove more fun and easier to handle on the trails than a larger, heavier machine. You’ll have more confidence to tackle tougher terrain and you’ll likely find your riding skills progressing faster. However, plenty of us ride big adventure bikes for a reason. They’re fantastic on the road and they’re also extremely capable when you venture off the black top. If you’ve ever watched a professional rider putting the likes of a GS Adventure or an Africa Twin through their paces in an off-road setting, it’s mind blowing to see what these machines are really capable of doing. But even if, like me, you won’t be entering the Dakar Rally any time soon, taking your adventure bike greenlaning remains brilliant fun. Depend- ing on your skill level and experience, you’ll likely need to take things more slowly than if you were on a lighter trail bike. You’ll also need to choose how you negotiate objects such as fallen tree branches more carefully, and you’ll definitely work up a sweat picking up your bike if you drop it, but that’s all part of the fun, right? Whether you ride an adventure bike or a trail bike, you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, indulging in a spot of greenlaning is one of the best ways to enjoy riding in the countryside, and the ABR Digital Li- brary has plenty of green lanes for everyone.

8 GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN www.adventurebikerider.com www.adventurebikerider.com GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN 9 ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER FESTIVAL 2021 ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER FESTIVAL 2021

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ow does the ed, off-road motorcycling pleasure, well, a big adventure bike or a lightweight prospect of apart from some themed pitstops along enduro machine. Get your tickets now riding 20km of the way (think beach bars). Elsewhere at the 2021 Adventure Bike uninterrupted You see, while we enjoy nothing more Rider Festival, you’ll be able to join the TRF All previous ABR Festivals completely sold trails through than exploring the byways of Britain, for guided green lane ride outs, test ride out months in advance and we had long the magnificent green lanes can be tricky to find and every new adventure bike on the mar- reserve lists of riders wanting in, so with H grounds of an frustratingly short to ride, requiring ket, improve your skills with world-class Early Bird tickets now on sale, make sure English country plenty of time on the blacktop to link off-road tuition, hear from guest speakers you’re quick, To get your tickets, go to www.adventurebikerider.com/festival2021 estate sound to you? Too good to be true? trails together. This is why we created from the world of adventure biking, get Well, that’s exactly what you can do at the the on-site AX41 Adventure Trail for expert advice and find the right gear in the What: Adventure Bike Rider Festival 2021 2021 Adventure Bike Rider Festival (25-27 your riding enjoyment. It will be the Adventure Village, and relax with fellow When: Friday 25 to Sunday 27 June, 2021 June, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire). There’ll jewel in the crown of the 2021 Adven- riders at the Bridgestone Bar while enjoy- How to book: Visit: be no traffic regulation orders, no grumpy ture Bike Rider Festival and suitable for ing live music and entertainment in the www.adventurebikerider.com/festival2021 ramblers, and no dodging traffic on road riders of all abilities, from beginner to magnificent grounds of Ragley Hall. We’re More info: Go to www.bit.ly/abrfest2021 sections, just 20km of pure, unadulterat- trail riding expert, whether you ride looking forward to seeing you there.

10 GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN www.adventurebikerider.com www.adventurebikerider.com GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN 11 SOUTH WEST •••• DISCOVER 100S OF GREEN LANES WITH AN ABR DIGITAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP. SAVE 50% TODAY WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE: GREEN50 CLICK HERE •••• SOUTH WEST THE ROUTE

1-2 track goes out into an open field. Fol- and even a swim. The Anchor Inn sells Start at the church in Symondsbury, low the rising traverse across the field local Palmers real ale and superb fresh near Bridport. There is a track going uphill and past Butt Farm on your left where seafood as well as coffee etc. Go back up from the signpost marked as a . you join a gravel track to Ryall village. Sea Hill Lane to Chideok and turn right Ignore the red and white road closed Here you pick your way left on onto a onto the A35. signs put there by disgruntled ramblers tarmac road. who frequent the lane. Continue up past a 6-7 small holding and on into the deep gorge, 4-5 Watch out for the speed camera leav- 4 which features carvings in the orange Just as you leave the village, there is a ing the village and carry on to the top of stone. Pass a fork coming in from the left stony track on the right climbing back the hill, being careful not to miss the left 3 to a crossroads at the crest. on yourself. This is a cut through to hander at the crest. Follow the tarmac 5 2 Morecambelake Road that goes anti- stretch to a lovely section of trail back to 1 2-3 clockwise around Hardown Hill to the the climb you did up from Symondsbury. 7 Take the lane straight ahead that drops A35 major road. Take the sharp right back down away into a wooded sunken track. This through the gorge to the finish in Sy- would be the stretch that all but experi- 5-6 mondsbury where you started. 6 enced off roaders would struggle with on Go straight across the A35 and, after a large adventure bike. The going down a few metres, take the left-hand fork ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS here gets very deeply rutted at times and is following a nice stretch of track just east A) At point 2, you can explore a nice pretty slippery and tricky after rain. There of Charndown Hill. Hang a left at the track leading off to the right towards are some intriguing carvings in the rock next junction onto Muddyford Lane, Henwood Hill. It is an easy return detour along the way and, in midsummer, you dropping down and then up towards but eventually closes down into thick have to duck the branches and brambles. the A35. Just before the main road, brambles. On your return you could then Pass through the double gate straight on turn right towards the National Trust descend Hell Lane to your right. and proceed through the stream bed, past carpark at Langdon Hill. B) If you are apprehensive about the a farm on the left, to a tarmac lane. Bear Near the carpark, hang a left onto a slippery descent between point 2 and 3 left at the Hell Lane sign. rough track (Langdon Lane) that skirts due to wet weather or being on heavy the east of Langdon Hill and then bear bike, you can turn left at point 7 to- 3-4 left onto Petticrate Lane. After a few wards the A35 and follow the main road Go straight ahead at the next junction metres you have two choices. I prefer the to Chideock, turning right at point 6 • and, shortly after, ignore the right hand right fork. When you reach tarmac you towards North Chideock, and rejoining turn to Venn Farm, instead following can detour right to a fine pub right by the our route by turning left at the T junc-

Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 the lane left and down to where the beach and the perfect place for a break tion near point 3.

words and photos by John Norris A TRAIL CARVED A MOMENT FOR REFLECTION SOUTH WEST HELL LANE CIRCUIT, WEST DORSET into the LANDSCAPE

orset is a fabulous 14th Century. The stone was used to build area to explore by St John The Baptist’s church in Symonds- THE FACTS green lane, al- bury where our route starts and finishes. Distance: though there are 9 miles fewer here than in nearby counties. Nearest town: D The lanes them- Bridport selves are varied, including hard, stone tracks, muddy Maps: stream beds, and overgrown wild flow- Explorer 116 Lyme Rgegis er-lined single track. There are routes and Bridport suited to adventure bikes and some prob- Start/End ably best tackled on something lighter grid reference: TIME FOR A DIP? and more agile. Circuit ride from SY 445 935 The great thing about Dorset is the roads connecting the sometimes short Difficulty rating: green lane routes are a delight in them- 3 (Hell Lane descent 4 but selves, often only just qualifying as variable subject to recent rain) tarmac roads. Hell Lane, featured in this Wow factor: route, is one of many beautiful holloways 4 (ancient sunken tracks) found in Dorset. The track has been cut several metres Other trails: deep into the ground from horse and carts ABR issue 51 and 53, Teignmouth and Dawlish pulling limestone out as far back as the

12 GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN www.adventurebikerider.com www.adventurebikerider.com GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN 13 SOUTH WEST •••• DISCOVER 100S OF GREEN LANES WITH AN ABR DIGITAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP. SAVE 50% TODAY WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE: GREEN50 CLICK HERE •••• SOUTH WEST

THE ROUTE

1-2 nice big muddy puddles which are ok muddy puddles. You skirt a woodland to 5 Start near the town of Bulford about to go through. Stay on track as there are the left and pass a couple of byways on nine miles north of Salisbury. There’s a trails heading off all over the place, but the left leading back into the plain. At the fuel station in Bulford if you need pet- these are army tracks. You pass a byway next crossroads turn left. rol. The trail starts as a wide 4x4 track (feel free to go exploring, 6 headint through woods which soon just keep a note of where you are heading 5-6 opens up and run along the edge of a as it can get disorientating with all the Again, you are on a fast farmer’s field. It does get a bit muddy byways heading in all directions). You and the views ahead are superb. Pass (we were riding after Storm Dorris head between some trees and then as over another byway crossroads and passed through) but isn’t difficult. they open up again you come across a keep going straight ahead. At the next 7 There are plenty of muddy puddles to really big muddy puddle. Be careful here, crossroads turn left. splash through, which are nothing it’s pretty deep, about thigh deep. It’s more than knee deep, but if you hit OK to go through but if in doubt probe it 6-7 8 4 these at speed you will know about it. first. Just don’t stall or fall off, as one of There are gates on this lane which 3 You pass a track on the left, but there is our group did. Head to the crossroads. may be closed (if they are, either back no byway sign so this isn’t legal. Con- track and find another byway around, tinue down the track. Pass a restricted 3-4 or keep going forward and find another byway to the right and you make your You’ve now reached a gravel road way around). After all, it’s an adventure. way onto the plain. which leads in three directions (straight This leads you along a 4x4 track which is 2 on, left and right). Proceed to the right. fairly muddy with shallow ruts, a change 2-3 The plan is now to form a loop and get to the fast riding you have no doubt just The going is fairly fast now. You pass back to this intersection. As it’s graded been doing. There are a few puddles but what looks to be a play area on the right. the going will be faster now. It’s hard nothing to trouble you. Cross over a Stay on track, you never know who is and compact all the way to the end. byway intersection and at the next cross 1 around watching. Pass through more As you are going you will pass over a roads turn right. • trees and the ground becomes harder six-byway intersection. Where else do and faster. Take it steady though, as you get an intersection with six byways 7-8 you never know what’s round the next heading off in all directions? Proceed After a short section, you will reach Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 bend or over the next crest. Once out of through the woods and uphill slightly. point number three again. the trees it’s worth stopping and taking Stop at the next intersection. Straight in the panorama across the Plain. The on here will lead you off the plain. 3-1 SOUTH WEST SALISBURY PLAIN, WILTSHIRE words and photos by Mike Beddows views are fantastic in all directions. Complete this section in reverse which There are muddy shallow ruts now but 4-5 will take you safely off the plain. Now go alisbury Plain trail, the chances are you are not on track, nothing difficult. Proceed towards the Turn left. Again the going is fast and back and explore a few of those byways has hundreds of so be careful. That said, stick to the rules THE FACTS woods in the distance. There’s a few the track well graded. There are no you passed heading off in all directions. miles of legal trails and Salisbury Plain is trail riding heaven, criss-crossing the and there are no gates which is a fantastic Distance: please don’t stall you’ve been warned area. It is a fantastic bonus and makes the riding even better. 7.5 miles place to ride. Some Red flags can be an issue and if you see a S trails are easy and flag flying then it means there is likely to graded (like the be live firing in the area. Do not venture Nearest town: perimeter road that encircles the plain), down byways where there are red flags. Bulford to the south, some are rutted and muddy, some are wet There’s still plenty to play on if a section Salisbury is 10 miles away. and have plenty of puddles, and some lead is closed. When I was last there, a Hercu- Maps: to tank pit areas. A word of warning, if the les was doing cargo drops which meant a Salisbury and Stonehenge puddle looks big and deep, it probably is, section was closed and we were directed to (Explorer 130) so care is required. It’s far safer to probe ride off-piste to bypass the area by troops the depth first with a stick than lose your on the ground. Start/End bike, and I am serious. There are a few When the military are on the plain it’s a puddles which will swallow your bike up fantastic sight to see the hardware driving, grid reference: whole. So, you have been warned. If in and flying by. Tanks, 4x4s, trucks, Hercu- SU188447 doubt, back track and find another byway les planes and Merlin helicopters were all Difficulty rating: fast gravel tracks stick to around the obstacle. seen during the ride. We passed a FIBUA the track 2 Don’t go off-piste to go around as this (Fighting In Built Up Areas) village and behaviour is a problem on the plain, and there was an assault going on, so plenty of Wow factor: if caught you will be severely punished. firing, smoke and flashbangs going off. 4 There are plenty of military patrols in the I’ve detailed a short eight-mile ride area. The same goes for any tracks that are onto the plain from the south side. Please Other trails: not signposted. One good thing about the use this as a start, but I strongly suggest ABR issue 55, Salisbury Plain is that there are ‘byway’ signs every- you expand the ride. Just look at the map, Whoops where. So, if you are not on a signposted there are byways everywhere.

14 GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN www.adventurebikerider.com www.adventurebikerider.com GUIDE TO GREENLANING IN BRITAIN 15 SOUTH •••• DISCOVER 100S OF GREEN LANES WITH AN ABR DIGITAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP. SAVE 50% TODAY WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE: GREEN50 CLICK HERE •••• SOUTH

THE ROUTE

1-2 grass growing in the middle and the slightly uphill and out of the sunken The trail starts off as a wide farm hedgerows become more sporadic, lane. The track is a bit muddy in places track, large enought for four-wheel before they disappear completely and pretty slippery with a few puddles. 1 drive vehicles. It is bordered on both leaving just a fence on the left. Then sides by a grass verge followed by you proceed into the open fields on the 9-10 bushes before the fields take over. It’s a right. Proceed to the tarmac. There is a lot of erosion on the trail on hard, compact base with some shallow this section. It’s good fun and, if care is 2 ruts. The riding is easy but pleasant 4-5 taken, it won’t be difficult for novices. as you proceed. Great views of rolling A short tarmac section. There’s a deep to bounce over but countryside lie ahead. There are a few stick to the left for an easy route. A big puddles but it could be very slippery 5-6 puddle appears spanning the trail. It’s after a downpour. Head between the You will see the next short lane deeper in the right-hand rut, about trees. heading off to the left under the knee deep so stick to the left for a shal- 3 trees. It’s an easy section that leads to lower route. 11 2-3 the road. There was a large puddle here (and it 10-11 10 9 4 hadn’t rained for a while so the stand- 6-7 Turn right onto tarmac. 8 ing water was pretty old), and after a Turn right onto tarmac. 5 downpour I’d expect this puddle to be 11-12 7 6 even bigger. There’s no point trying to 7-8 You may wish to miss this section go around. It’s about knee deep, so if you There’s a right of way sign on the left. out as the legal part leads to nowhere. have any doubt, probe it with a stick first. Head up a slight bump to start the lane, It starts as a hard, compact base with a Continue on much of the same terrain, which is narrow but not difficult. Head few puddles. Head towards the trees and which is nice and easy going. There are around to the right as the lane goes be- the trail turns into a forest track. It’s not many field entrances, hence why the lane tween open fields. There are ruts with difficult. But at point 12 on the map the • 12 is in good condition. Once out of trees, grass in the middle. It’s not hard as the legal section runs out. To stay within the the lane continues between hedgerows. ruts are wide. law, it’s now time to turn around. Or, although I’m not sure on the legalities Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 3-4 8-9 of this, approximately 200m down the Heading slightly downhill now, the The trail becomes a track to the right, the tarmac starts ruts are slightly deeper, but they are between open trees. I like this section again. So, hopping off the bike followed SOUTH ASHLEY DOWN, HAMPSHIRE words and photos by Mike Beddows wide and can be ridden easily. There’s as it feels like a true green lane. Proceed by a quick push should suffice.

n a trip to an ABR turn around at the point designated on the wide rut riding sweeping views organised meet in map. On the ground, the physical trail con- THE FACTS Salisbury, I decided tinues and there is no sign stating the legal to lengthen my time route has come to an end. Just beware of Distance: away and spend a this fact when riding it. Personally, I think 5.5 miles day trail riding in it’s ridiculous that routes exist where their O the South Downs legal status changes along the way, but this National Park. After isn’t the first lane I’ve ridden like this. There Nearest town: a long journey down in my camper, I found are many dead end routes throughout the Winchester a wild camping spot just west of Winchester, UK. It’s just another way of restricting use and the trails started directly from here the on a lane as, if it goes to nowhere or stops Maps: following morning. There’s a fantastic net- halfway down, it’s less likely people will Explorer OL32, Winchester work of green lanes in the south and they are make the effort to ride it. really easy to find using an OS map. Start/End Bar a few TROs that were easily identi- grid reference: fiable on the ground, the rest of the trails SU393319 / SU390284 were fun and flowed really well. The main positive for me was that I didn’t have to Difficulty rating: the sunken lane open a gate all day, a rarity as where I live test the depth 2 before you cross ‘up north’ there are gates everywhere. The lanes marked up here are fairly straightfor- Wow factor: ward and could be attempted by anyone on 2 almost any bike. In dry conditions, I’d even say that road based tyres would be a possi- Other trails: bility with a bit of care. See ABR issues 41 and 43 It’s worth pointing out now that the last for more green lanes in lane (points 11-12 on the map) goes to a dead Hampshire. end. So, to stay 100% legal, make sure you

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THE ROUTE

1 1-2 so make sure you take extra care when 10-11 The entrance to the byway is from you are exiting onto the main road. As you exit the woods the trail be- 2 Steeles Lane and lies directly behind the comes wider and more undulating and 3 Meopham Green cricket ground club 7-8 you can get a bit of air at this stage. Again house. The first section is a wide track A very muddy flat section, with watch out for walkers. In the winter this with large puddles either side, keep an puddles and mud everywhere. There are section gets pretty slippery. eye out of local dog walkers here. no real problems but if your bike wasn’t dirty before, it will be now. Even in the 11-12 4 2-3 summer this section retains water. About 100 yards before the end of As you approach this next section this trail you will notice that there is there will be a large house facing you, 8-9 another one that forks to the right and take a left just before the house and go This starts at a fork in the trail, go left goes up the . This is the 5 down a steep section which forms a to follow the byway. This is where begin- Trottiscliffe steps, our next lane. 6 large S bend. The trail is made up of loose ners should stop, turn around and find shingle and chalk, so take care. another route. 12-13 7 This section is enclosed by trees with A short ride which ends on Wrotham 8 3-4 a steep drop off on the right, there is a Water Lane. This mile-long stretch starts off run- barbed wire fence stopping you from go- 9 ning downhill before it levels out. There ing off the edge but be careful not to bin it 12-14 10 17 are some overhanging shrubs so stand- because you probably won’t see your bike From Wrotham Water Lane, proceed ing on the pegs is a no-no. It finally ends again anytime soon. over the until you come to 16 11 with another byway crossing it (Heron This section is also very steep and drops a fork in the trails. Take the left one to 15 12 Hill Lane). Heron Hill Lane is often used, 240ft in the space of a tenth of a mile. It reach Trottiscliffe steps. 13 so don’t go flying out onto it. is made up of chalk and flint and when it 14 rains becomes a very fast flowing river. 14-15 • 4-5 Just to make it harder, it has about 60 Proceed left onto a wooded section Follow Ridge Lane through a small large railway sleepers embedded into with views on the right across to Wroth- group of houses where caution should it, making steps that run its complete am village and Trottiscliffe. In the wet, Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 be taken. There is a steep climb up and length. The drop off on these can be up grip is hard to find. This is a tough climb down halfway along this section, with a to 12”-14”, so a bash plate and a decent with 6”-8” steps and it is very demand- give way sign in the middle of it (Valley amount of clearance is needed. ing for big adventure bikes, there are SOUTH VIGO VILLAGE, KENT words and photos by Mike Beddows Lane) so be watchful. If you like a challenge on a big bike, do about 40 steps to contend with across this lane. Keep in mind that walkers use its full length. Again this section is not his selection of five bustle of the city for a few hours. The route 5-6 the set of steps too. suited to beginners. green lanes makes begins at Meopham Green and takes you THE FACTS Take a 0.2 mile road section to the for an enjoyable and more than six miles, with 4.5 miles of overgrown entrance of Upper Harvel 9-10 15-16 challenging ride those on green lanes. The hardest byway Distance: Byway. Careful, it’s easy to miss. The entrance to this lane is halfway up After you have climbed up the steps, around the village carries a difficulty rating of four and is -re 6 miles total with 4.5 miles of Taylor’s Lane, opposite Pilgrim House. you now come upon a wider wooded of Vigo in Kent’s ally only suitable for experienced riders. In green lane sections 6-7 In the summer months, this lane is good section that flattens off a bit. T North Downs. It’s the winter, all of these trails will require This lane is enclosed by foliage and is for beginners but, as the rain falls, it just a short hop from knobblies for extra grip but in the summer more like riding through a . The becomes more of an intermediate byway 16-17 London’s M25 orbital motorway, making months anyone should be able to ride them Nearest town: track is very deeply rutted and cut-up, and in winter becomes very slippery This last section is flat with an it the perfect way to escape the hustle and as long as it is dry. Vigo Village with tree roots protruding through the and a lot harder. intersecting road in between. It’s a Maps: ground, so watch out. The first section is through Spring long drive to a house and is therefore Tree-lined byways In the winter, it is slippery and we Wood on a tree covered track with a private no-through road. After the Explorer 148, Maidstone and around vigo village have had a few fallers (ABR forum fields to the left and steep climbs up the drive the trail becomes rutted as it the Medway Towns member V-Stromjohn) being caught North Downs to the right. The track dips goes through woods for about 200 Start/End out cross-rutting. It is not for beginners downhill and is rutted, most of it is on yards and finishes at the Gravesend and can’t really be ridden fast. The lane an adverse camber which is falling from Road (A227). Take care when exiting grid reference: finishes at Harvel Road on a blind bend, right to left, so balancing is interesting. onto the A227. TQ 64132 65020 / TQ 63082 60965 ColdruM Long barrow big bike friendly trails Difficulty rating: 3/4 Wow factor: 3 Other trails: Kent byways in ABR issue 26

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THE ROUTE

1-2 4x4s, pushbikes, horses and plenty of 6-7 A short section leads away from walkers and their dogs, so take care. As A short road section. 6 the main road. Proceed along a wide, you head into the distance, be on the well graded track. Take care as you lookout for the sandy washouts that 7-8 9 approach the gate as a track crosses in may catch you unaware, especially if This section isn’t for novice riders or front of it and traffic may be obscured you’ve built up some speed. Be wary of four-wheel drive vehicles, and this can by the wall. other trail users. be seen from the small gate you use to access the trail. Immediately, the going 2-3 4-5 is a lot tougher. The trail is narrower and 5 Continue through the gate. You As you head uphill and to the right, covered in rocks. Some loose, some well 8 are still on a wide graded track with there are a few rocks on the trail to and truly embedded in the ground. Your lots of small, loose stones. Proceed contend with, but nothing too difficult. suspension will take a beating here. Al- 7 through the next gate which is only a There are strategically placed boulders ways look ahead and try and choose the few metres after the first one. You are to try and keep traffic to the left. The best line. Try not to stop, getting going 4 heading slightly uphill until you reach original track used to run to the right again is tiresome. In the wet, this section the moorland on either side. You will and is now washed out in places. The can be even trickier, but it is my favour- see a parking area off to the right when original track used to be great fun here ite part of the trail. Continue to the cross you crest the hill. It’s worth stopping as it was more technical. The replace- roads and head straight on. 3 here to take in the distant views across ment is still well graded. Proceed to the Sheffield to the right. cross roads. 8-9 The trail is graded and narrower 3-4 5-6 than the first section. As you approach When you leave the car park, you Head straight on. You can now exit the wood (on your right) you will go 2 will head slightly right and you can see the trail by continuing on or heading to through another gate. The track from the track heading out across the moor. the left towards point nine on the map. here loses its newish grading but is • 1 It’s still wide and well graded, with For the more advanced, head straight still fairly straightforward. There may lots of small stones but nothing too on and at the end go right and enter the be a few puddles on this section but troublesome. The track seems to go on moor again at the next stage. Continue nothing too deep. Continue to the gate for miles. Being so close to Sheffield, it through a gate and head downhill until and exit onto tarmac. does get a lot of traffic from motorbikes, you meet the road.

Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 crossing the graded trails moorland

MIDLANDS HOUNDKIRK MOOR, PEAK DISTRICT words and photos by Mike Beddows

here is often a months pregnant, was obviously not hap- trail that sticks in py about bouncing around, but I loved THE FACTS a person’s mind. it. I was hooked, but it didn’t take long Mine is Houndkirk for my inexperience to show. We were Distance: Moor and probably soon stuck and alone in the middle of 4.3 miles not for the reasons Houndkirk Moor on New Year’s Day, with T you may think. It a heavily pregnant woman in hysterics. Nearest town: was back in Janu- I eventually managed to get free and it Sheffield ary 2001, New Year’s Day to be precise. all worked out in the end. But, as I said, I My wife was nine months pregnant with was hooked and I wanted more. I didn’t Maps: our first daughter (she gave birth on the like how expensive the 4x4 was, and if I OS Explorer 278, Sheffield and Barnsley close gates remote beauty 10 January). I was under strict orders got it stuck on my own, I’d probably end after you of the moor not to drink on New Year’s Eve due to up in trouble so I got into trail riding, all Start/End the fact it was possible for her to go into because of Houndkirk Moor. My logic was grid reference: labour any day, so, being sober on New that a bike would be easier to free on my SK270805/ SK279834 Year’s Day (a rarity), we decided to go for own if I got stuck, and not as expensive if a drive in the country (yes, a drive). I had I damaged it. Difficulty rating: a Vauxhall Frontera 4x4 and we enjoyed a Houndkirk Moor is a fantastic, long- 2-4 few country roads in Yorkshire before we ish trail and has altered a lot over the came across Houndkirk Moor purely by years. It’s more graded now than it was Wow factor: chance. I’d never taken the 4x4 off-road, when I first attempted it back in 2001, 5 and this was before I got into trail bike and it can be attempted by novice riders Other trails: riding on green lanes. if care is taken, bar the section A-B on ABR issue 11, Rowland and I don’t know why, but I decided to the map, which is only really suitable issue 9, Stanage Edge drive along the trail. My wife, being nine for competent riders.

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THE ROUTE

1-2 tion continues uphill. This soon ends and but to follow the well-worn riding track. Starting in Kineton, there are two gives way to a muddy, slippery slope, There are some muddy bits, but nothing fords for the more adventurous. Take which is more like a forest . that should trouble riders. After 0.6 miles 17 care when riding through these. The the trail proceeds slightly downhill, first (SP099265) is the easier of the 7-8 terrain is muddy and will be harder if 16 two. The bottom is uneven but the water A road section. approached from the opposite direction. should be clear enough to see obstacles. The second ford (SP098267) has a tricky 8-9 14-15 entry with a slight drop, which could After a few meters, take the right fork This trail continues on from the pre- 15 catch you unaware. If in doubt, stop the up the hill. After 100m, stay left and vious one. Cross the road and proceed 19 bike first and have a look at the cross- stick to the main trail. At Tinkess Barn onto the narrow bike track which zigzags 5 14 ing before proceeding. If you’re still in continue heading straight on. The trail from one side to the other. Watch out for 18 doubt, walk the crossing to work out the has a hard compact surface with muddy overgrown areas and scratchy bushes. 2 4 3 best point of entry and route across. sections. This lane shouldn’t trouble novice riders 20 if enough care’s taken. 3-4 9-10 1 This trail is slightly overgrown. It has A road section. 15-16 6 13 a single bike track that zigzags from left A road section. 9 to right. It has a compact base and should 10-11 8 be no problem for all riders. Halfway This is an easy lane with a hard-packed 16-17 7 10 along, the trail passes Sheephouse Barn base. It starts off wide and gradually gets The start of this trail follows a farm on the left and becomes a wider farm narrower. There’s some grass growing on access road. There are a few muddy, 12 access trail. the trail. Beginners, take it easy. shallow puddles. The base is a mix of mud and hard-packed gravel. At 0.5 11 4-5 11-12 miles continue straight on past the farm. A road section. A road section. 17-18 5-6 12-13 A road section. This is marked on the OS map as a This trail follows an old Roman road B road but it appears the local council called Icknield . It has a hard- 18-19 • has stopped maintaining it. The tarmac packed solid base and is just one-vehicle This trail goes through several fields surface is breaking up and the road is wide. The trail is very easy going. As you over a grassy surface. I’d expect this to covered in forest debris. Take care. progress, grass starts to appear in the be very slippery in the wet and there is middle of the track. There are no ruts. no clearly defined trail. Stay close to the

Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 6-7 edge of the field. There are three gates. At the crossroads, continue straight 13-14 When I last rode this trail I was con- on and follow the Diamond Way. This This lane continues on from the fronted by three large bulls blocking the MIDLANDS BEGINNER’S LOOP, THE COTSWOLDS words and photos by Mike Beddows trail has a wide compacted surface. After previous one. It’s recorded on Trailwise last gate so had to retrace my tracks and half a mile, turn left and take the middle (www.trailwise.org.uk), the national ride the road around. After the final gate, his series of trails track heading downhill. At the bottom catalogue of Rights of Way, as Condicote the last 0.3 miles are on a farm access is located in the THE FACTS there is a small ford to play in. Crossing Lane. This trail is a narrow track that track with a hard base. Cotswolds, close to Distance: the ford, the trail leads to Castlett Farm. zigzags from one side to the other and is ABR headquarters The ford can become very swollen after slightly more difficult than the first one; 19-20 17 miles in Stratford-Up- significant rainfall. A short graded sec- it’s quite overgrown. There’s no option Back to the start. on-Avon. The route Nearest town: T forms a 17-mile Kineton circular trip starting Maps: a typical cotswolds view watch out and ending in the small village of Kineton. OS Explorer OL45, The for slippery grass I’d suggest giving yourself a minimum of two Cotswolds hours to complete the loop, but this part of the country shouldn’t be rushed. These green Start/End lanes are fantastic for beginners and the road grid reference: sections connecting them pass through some SP097282/ SP097282 of the most picturesque of the Cotswold vil- Difficulty rating: lages. The scenery is simply amazing. There 1-2 are approximately eight miles of trails on this route, all with an ABR difficulty rating of 1-2, Wow factor: so it’s suitable for beginners. 3 All the trails in this feature can be found Other trails: on the Ordnance Survey map The Cots- ABR issue 27, Alcester Trails wolds, OL45.

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THE ROUTE 1 1 8 15 Start at Strata Florida Abbey. Second ford at 3.9 miles. This is The ninth ford at 5.9 miles. slightly bigger than the first. 2 2 16 Ride for 1 mile along a single-track tar- 9 The 10th ford at 6 miles. 3 mac road. The trail now starts on the left. Third ford at 4.3 miles. Take care, 17 4 there are large rocks in the middle of 3 this ford. Keep right if possible and The 11th ford at 6.4 miles. This one is Proceed uphill along the rocky hard- stay clear of the middle. a tiny stream. based trail for 0.9 miles (1.9 miles). At the intersection with the gravel road, 10 18 5 7 continue straight on. Forth ford is straight after the above. The 12th ford at 6.5 miles. This has a 6 The trail now forms the base of the tricky exit. If the water level is low, it 4 flowing water. It isn’t deep, but as won’t prove a problem; if it’s high, the 8 Continue for 0.4 miles and go water flows across the trail, I’ve classed rock step at the far end will be hidden. through the gate (2.3 miles). this as a ford. There are lots of rocks. In Be aware of it. Stay left if possible as 9 10 11 wet weather, this section is tricky. the right-hand side of the exit is steep 5 and can be slippery. 12 The trail proceeds uphill along a 11 13 14 15 rocky track. As the track levels out Fifth ford at 5 miles. At the intersec- 19 16 there are several large water splashes; tion, continue straight on (5.1 miles). The 13th ford at 6.5 miles. It’s worth the water here can be deep. (3 miles). walking to this one and making a 12 mental note of the way across. It’s not 6 Sixth ford at 5.3 miles. This is the difficult, but the pool on the left can 17 18 19 Continue down the trail for 0.3 miles, deepest ford so far. be deep if you enter incorrectly. again more rocks but not technically difficult (3.3 miles). At the intersection, 13 20 20 21 turn right then immediately left. You Seventh ford at 5.7 miles. This is The 14th ford at 7.4 miles, small ford. are presented with a large, deep puddle. the longest ford on the Strata Florida. • From here on there are many large pud- Keep left for the shallow route. 21 dles and water splashes. The 15th ford at 7.7 miles, small ford. 14 7 Eighth ford at 5.8 miles. When water 22 22 First ford at 3.7 miles. This is an easy, levels are low, this ford can be dry. The trail ends when it meets the

Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 small ford. tarmac road at 8.8 miles.

words and photos by Mike Beddows flowing water WALES STRATA FLORIDA, MID WALES THE FACTS up and over across the trail he Strata Florida is a current and shifting rocks, can alter the best Distance: fantastic trail if you path across a ford on a daily basis. For this 8.8 miles love water crossings, reason, I can’t give detailed specifics on how but it’s not one to to tackle each crossing, but I’ve included the Nearest town: attempt solo. Fall ford number and distance from the start to Pontrhydfendigaid off mid-crossing on help identify each water obstacle. Maps: T your own and you’ll OS Landranger map 147, Cwm be in trouble. In the Elan a Llanfair-ym-Muallt dry, the puddles are deep. In the wet, they can be downright dangerous. The river is ex- Start/End tremely powerful too. To get an idea of what grid reference: conditions are like after heavy rainfall, head SN746657/ SN805569 over to YouTube and search for ‘The Nutters Strata Florida Green Laning’. Difficulty rating: the ford has keep to the left 3 a tricky exit The route I’ve mapped starts at Strata Florida Abbey, so it’s easy to find the start Wow factor: location, but if you’re unsure whether you’ll 5 make it across all the fords, do this route in reverse as the most difficult crossings are Other trails: The ABR Digital Library has a those at the end. If the river’s running really series of fantastic trails in Mid high, the 12th ford may be totally impass- Wales able. Various factors, such as changes in

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THE ROUTE

1-2 again approach a with a stream 7-8 Start the trail at the dam. On a wet day below. Ahead and to the right you will Here you will see the start of the old 9 the overspill from the reservoir down see a very remote farmhouse. Imagine byway, the Monks Trod. the dam wall is very impressive. Ride living in an area such as this. In winter along the trail as it winds its way round I would expect this farm to be com- 8-9 the side of the Claerwen Reservoir. Cross pletely cut off when it snows. Continue along the trail until you 8 7 over a bridge at point 2. This is a single reach a sizeable ford. It is not difficult car width with a large drop to stream 4-5 and is about knee deep. It can be fast 6 5 below. Take care, there are no barriers to Continue on a long section. The trail flowing after rainfall. It has a loose stop an out of control bike toppling over hasn’t really altered since you left the stone base. Take care. Continue along the edge. Not advised. dam wall a few miles previous. Contin- the trail to the end where it meets the ue to a gate which is just before another tarmac road. 2-3 very remote farm. 4 Continue riding to the next bridge over the stream below. Again, this is very 5-6 similar to the previous bridge. Take care. Continue over a wooden bridge. Take 3 care as the wood can be very slippery 3-4 in the wet. The trail alters now and is You are quiet high up the side of the less loose slate rock and more of a hard 2 reservoir along this section now and compacted stony muddy trail. It still isn’t the views are impressive. You will difficult.

Good weather 1 making a splash not guaranteed •

Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13

WALES CLAERWEN RESERVOIR, MID WALES words and photos by Mike Beddows

his trail is fairly Red Kite Feeding and Rehabilitation Centre straightforward is located near Rhayader where between 200 THE FACTS and is suitable for and 500 kites visit per day. There are a lot in beginners. In- the local area. Distance: fact, I’d go as far as 8 miles T saying it is suitable for any adventure Nearest town: style bike and, if Rhayader care is taken, any tyre. The trail is a mix of compacted hardcore/slate type stone for the Maps: duration. Although it is easy, care still needs OS Landranger map 147, Cwm to be taken. There are loose stones that can Elan a Llanfair-ym-Muallt cause the bike to bounce around and the Start/End Claerwen Dam a STUNNING LANDSCAPE drops down to the reservoir along the way grid reference: are steep. I would suggest doing the trail SN871637/ SN794680 in good weather. The area is very exposed to the elements and in a downpour it can Difficulty rating: be very unpleasant. This only adds to the 1-2 danger as it’s far too easy to build up speed and lose concentration. Something you don’t Wow factor: want to do on this trail. The area is also very 3 remote and if you break down in the middle Other trails: it’s a long walk out. The area is fantastic for ABR issue 42, Lower Claerwen viewing red kites and you are likely to see Reservoir several throughout the trail. Gigrin Farm

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THE ROUTE

1-2 but nothing to be concerned about. This there are lot more ruts and loose stone. The trail starts as you proceed section is harder in the wet as condi- through a gate. It’s a well-used, tions can get muddy. 7-8 well-maintained single 4x4 track with Begin a long, rocky descent. There are a solid base. There are several knee- 4-5 lots of ruts and gullies to negotiate here. deep puddles which may have an The trail proceeds downhill and is The rocky surface is loose and comprises uneven, muddy base. It’s not possible relatively straightforward. The up- fist-sized rocks. 9 to go around them as there are high hill climb on the other side may prove 8 banks on either side, so ride through tricky in the wet. It’s not a technical them with care. slope but can get slippery. My advice is 8-9 10 to let momentum take you up the slope. It’s worth stopping here (4.3 miles) 2-3 to appreciate the views of the lush 7 6 4 3 There is a very picturesque ford at 0.4 5-6 green valley that stretches out in front miles that has a few slippery rocks. The When I rode it last, there was slight of you. The trail continues down and 5 trail continues with a few more puddles, damage to the trail for the next 100m contains more rocky gullies. This sec- but nothing as deep or large as the ones in section. It was dry when I did it, but tion will be the hardest if you choose 1 section 1-2. this section could get very muddy in to do the trail in reverse. It’s a long 2 the wet until it’s repaired. It could also climb and will need commitment to 3-4 be prone to collecting a lot of water, so complete it in one go. • The views of the Lake District really be careful if you approach this route open up now to the 800m plus moun- after significant rainfall. 9-10 tains on the other side of the valley. The The trail gets easier and ends when trail is a mix of hard compact stones 6-7 you pass through two gates and ap- and mud. There are more puddles here, This is the trickiest section so far as proach the tarmac B5322 road.

A BIKER’S PARADISE BEWARE OF Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 SLIPPERY ROCKS

NORTH OLD COACH ROAD, LAKE DISTRICT words and photos by Mike Beddows

his is the longest legal trail in the Lake THE FACTS District and stretch- es for 5.2 miles from Distance: near Dockray in the 5 miles east (around the T northern end of the Helvellyn range) to Nearest town: the Vale of St John in the west. It’s a fantastic Glenridding, Ullswater, to the trail, the scenery is stunning, and the high- south est point along the trail is 437m. The Old Coach Road was the main through Maps: route for people travelling from east to west OL Explorer Map OL5, The before the coming of the railways. Near the English Lakes, North Eastern route summit there is Hause Well, a spring the longest trail the old coach road in the lake district issuing from a crevice in the rock. Start/End The trail is very remote, so make sure you grid reference: go prepared when you attempt it. If you have NY380219/ NY316231 any mechanical failings along the route, you’ll have a long walk back out. Difficulty rating: The trail is in fantastic condition. It’s also 2-3 popular with long-distance walkers and mountain bikers, so take care if you encoun- Wow factor: ter other users. The trail can be attempted in 4 either direction, the easiest being from east to west. I’ve given it a difficulty rating of 2-3 Other trails: as there are a couple of 3 rated sections. These ABR issue 25, Kirby Stephen should be attempted with caution if you’re a Trails novice rider.

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THE ROUTE

9 1-2 is off limits and keep heading towards single track all the way to the end. There Head up the tarmac single track lane the forest. As you approach the forest, is a wire fence on your right and a high 10 to the gate. Proceed through the gate and keep an eye out for the track to the left. wall on your left. Go to the crossroads. continue a few metres along the tarmac. This is a no access track in winter and it’s 11 You will see the lane forking off to the for motorcycles only. You will understand 8-9 8 right. It’s a well used 4x4 track and starts why if you ride this section for about five Head straight on to form a loop, but with grass in the middle with shallow minutes. It deteriorates into a single track this does take in another seasonal TRO 12 13 ruts. It soon opens up as you proceed on the other side of the forest. section. Go through the gate and contin- 7 across the moorland. It’s a typical moor- ue along a wooded section. The trees are 5 land track with a hard-compact base and 5-6 different here, being very widely spaced, a few loose stones and occasional puddles. As you enter the forest, there is another so there’s plenty of vision either side. The 6 You can see the track winding its way gate. Go through this and on to a forest track is fairly easy but does get muddy in into the distance so can get some speed track that runs between the trees. It’s places especially where the logging vehi- 4 up. There’s nothing technical really, and well graded and obviously an old logging cles have driven. Pass a couple of obvious it’s ideal for beginners. Head through track. It’s easy going as you ride between left turns but these are just more logging a gate and the track becomes more the trees. As you leave the tunnel of trees, tracks. Continue straight on until you graded now as you approach the house it isn’t really apparent which way to go see a track doubling back on the left with 3 in the distance. As you get closer slow as there are no signs here. Keep going signs denoting this is another seasonal • down, you will head downhill to a large straight, don’t take the left into the trees. TRO section. 2 water crossing that you have to ford. It’s You now have moorland on your left and caused by a stream that runs next to the trees on your right. After approximately 9-10 trail and is about knee deep and not too 300m there is a track to the left leading It becomes pretty muddy on this part difficult. away from the trees, take this. I’m not and it’s easy to understand the seasonal sure why there is a lack of signage here as TRO. It becomes single track in places and 1 2-3 everything else over the moors appears there’s lots of mud and muddy puddles. You will see a track heading to the right to be well signposted. Continue to the The track narrows as you proceed along it, and to a gate. You can exit the trail here if gate on the edge of the moor. The track eventually becoming a wide single track Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping © Crown copyright 076/13 it’s not for you in any way. Everyone else becomes rutted and technical with some type trail. Continue through the gate and bear left and continue along the trail. The deep muddy puddles. There is a sign on you are back on the main trail. Turn left. route continues as a well graded track, the gate stating the seasonal TRO. NORTH SLALEY FOREST, NORTHUMBERLAND words and photos by Mike Beddows heading slightly uphill and round to the 10-11 right. There are a few loose stones and 6-7 This is a well-used graded track for the he route through there. Expect single track in places, lots of water washouts but nothing serious. You Turn immediately right after the gate. most part. It’s easy to pick up speed so Slaley Forest is mud, ruts and generally harder going than THE FACTS follow a wall on the right with the moors Again, there is a lack of signage and there be careful. You will soon pass the track fantastic and the rest of the routes marked. When riding, to the left. There appears to have been are tracks heading to the left and straight you have used at point 11. Continue going covers a variety it’s obvious why they have seasonal TROs Distance: lots of grading going on. Head through on, but these are out of bounds. This bit is straight. The trail becomes a bit more of a of terrains and on these sections. In wet winter weather 10 miles the next gate and you will see a track fantastic but definitely not for beginners. sandy base in places so take care as sand difficulties along it would be far too easy for these routes to heading off to the right here, continue It soon turns into a single track with lots has a tendency to drift into mounds. the way. Unfor- become impassable and would result in too Nearest town: straight ahead (there’s a ‘no vehicles’ sign of ruts and technical bits. The forest is Soon you will pass a track on the left T tunately, some much damage to the land for them to be to the right). It becomes a lot rockier, so still to your right, moorland to the left. and the trail suddenly turns into a grad- Hexham (North) of the sections kept open. enjoy yourself as you bounce over them. This is definitely not for 4x4s anymore. ed forest track with a hardcore base as have seasonal TROs and some sections are There are lots of off shoots to the legal It’s slower going now as you pick the best you proceed through the trees. It can be not suitable for beginners. These have been tracks. Please keep to the legal tracks only Maps: 3-4 route through the rutty sections. There very fast along this section. detailed, so please read the route descrip- and don’t be tempted to play off piste. This Hadrian’s Wall, OL43 After the gate, keep going across the are fantastic views to the front and left, tion carefully. There is no excuse to be route offers a fantastic 10-mile route and it moor. The track is well used and not too and stones, mud, puddles, and ruts are 11-12 caught on the TRO sections out of season. would be a shame to lose it for miss-use. Start/End difficult. Still ideal for beginners. There the order of the day. Take care as there are At the end, turn right along a well There are plenty of signs as you proceed, so grid reference: are a few loose stones but fantastic fast several tricky bits, but it really depends graded solid compact road suitable for in theory it should be difficult to get lost. riding can be achieved as you can see on the route you pick as you ride down cars. Keep going. You are back to near NY954506 / NY980547 The route starts off as a great moorland well ahead. You are literally riding in the the trails. On the steepest part of the hill point five. track as you pass over Blanchand Moor. As Difficulty rating: middle of the moor. There are no walls as it gets pretty technical with some large you approach the forest at point five on the you progress. After a few bends you head rocks to bounce down. The ground is 12-13 2-4 map, you have the option to head left. This towards a gate. You can now see Slaley soft as you proceed onwards, hence the Turn left. Proceed along the well section has a seasonal TRO and is also not Forest in the distance. seasonal TRO. Continue on to a gate at the graded wide road until you reach the suitable for beginners. Beginners should Wow factor: edge of the forest. end. Be wary. You can get speed up and continue straight on and join the sections 5 4-5 there are several, deep water splashes. between points five and 12. They then have There’s another track heading off to 7-8 Some are deep. You have been warned. I the option of turning right and heading to Other trails: the right. Keep going straight. The track Head through the gate and you now have nearly went over the bars going through point 13 or continuing straight on and head- Lots of byways and UCRs in doesn’t change and is still well graded a wall on your left. It’s pretty tight down one of them. ing for point 10 on the most direct route. Northumberland that are worth with a few shallow puddles along the this section and there are lots of ruts The seasonal TRO sections are fantastic checking out way. Keep heading towards the large for- to negotiate and very little space to do and only for the more competent riders out est in front. Pass a track to the left which much else bar ride straight on. There is

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