The magazine of the Green Association Summer 2020 green£2.00 where sold

1995 2020 UpWelcome front to our 25th anniversary special! Editor: Dale Wyatt Email: [email protected] Amazing. What a landmark. From our humble articles which are marked with a little ‘time Articles and submissions for future issues of this magazine beginnings blossoming from Green Laners machine’ logo in order to differentiate them. should be sent to the editor on of Wales (GLOW) into a national organisation However, I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with the email listed above.

because a handful of people that had a passion two of my trucks on the cover. I wanted two Members and Affiliated Clubs who and a drive. Indeed, some of those people are shots on the same lane, in the same location, wish to have an event published in the magazine or on the website, still members, including myself. Now, we are taken 25 years apart. Sadly it’s not quite what please contact Dave Codrai at: an organisation approaching 3,500 members I had planned as I was waiting for the sun to [email protected] ©2020 Association – people who support what we do. Thank you shine before heading out to take the shot this All rights reserved. all, whether you’ve been in it for the long haul, year, but when that day arrived, ‘lockdown’ Company No. 5369836 Registered address: Blue Pig Cottage or if you’ve just arrived. It’s great to have your happened. So the bottom shot is from a few 1 Elmer , Grantham, NG31 6RE support. years ago, and not quite lined up correctly – No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without To celebrate our quarter century, we have put the best laid plans and all that! Anyway, I hope prior consent, in writing from the together this magazine special. Hopefully it may you enjoy reading the magazine. GLASS Executive Committee. Articles published reflect the provide a welcome escape, considering all that’s Big thanks go to all those that have helped opinions of the authors and are not going on in our country right now, and indeed, make this issue happen. I couldn’t have done it necessarily those of the Green Lane Association. While every effort is the rest of the world. But I won’t dwell on that. without you! made to ensure accuracy, neither Inside you will find two free stickers, and the Green Lane Association nor the authors can accept liability for for this issue only, we’ve separated the Dale Wyatt, Editor errors, misrepresentations or any ‘yellow pages’ in order to squeeze in some resulting effects. extra content. Not only that, you will see the OS Map License number: SUBMISSION DEADLINES: 1000040209 Rollington Hill, Isle Of Purbeck in (Jeep Renegade Trailhawk). Photo by Shazz Hooper magazine has had a make-over as well. I hope you like it – do let us know what you think. Summer issue: No later than 20 March Design and production: This issue also incorporates some historic Winter issue: No later than 20 September juicy-designs.com

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Pausing in Brechfa Forest chairman’sramble contentssnapshot A milestone no less. 25 years! like you. So I thank you all for your behind the scenes on many things. People have come and gone, and continued support. For example, you will have seen yet the association continues, As you are probably aware we the recent upgrade to TW2, which and continues to grow, fuelled by are currently raising cash, by way I hope you all feel is worth the the passion of those that want of crowdfunding, to repair four membership fee alone. While to protect the right of exploring iconic Welsh lanes that have been confined to barracks, it’s a great old . Roads that have been damaged by weather and neglected time to explore the upgrade to plan trodden and rolled over for maintenance. We urge you to and plot trips when we are free to hundreds of years. help this drive if you are able to, do so again. 06 36 62 And protecting our heritage of either by making a donation, or While you’re there you could A strangely intense campaign Private carriage roads I’m not lost, I’m exploring! these historic roads has never been by promoting our crowdfunding also add any information you more important. As many of you effort via social media. You can find have forgotten to, over the last 2000 2000 will have seen, GLEAM will take links on our website. While we will 18 months. Plus do take a look at TIME TIME every opportunity to find a crack be contributing a large chunk of routes without any comments at MACHINE MACHINE in which to introduce a wedge, as cash, we need to make every effort all, so when the lockdown is lifted we are seeing in the Lake District to get non-members to dig into you can check them out and leave at the moment, with the aim of their pockets too – no easy task at your own comments. making our peaceful hobby illegal. present of course. Plan your routes and prep that Together with LARA (who you can Which brings me onto the vehicle ready for the day we can read about in this issue) we are the Coronavirus. It’s affected everyone, all explore again! Keep positive and 08 42 65 last line of defence, and we can not just in the UK, but worldwide. stay safe. Gates: fact and reality Dusting Dorset Encounter at Farpoint (TM) only do this with help of members But stick with us. We’re still working Matt Henchcliffe, Chairman

2000 TIME Discount available MACHINE to GLASS Members

14 45 71 Sources for green lane research Mid-life crisis? The long and winding lane

2000 TIME MACHINE

20 50 74 LARA: 34 years and counting The lane from hell Tight and scratchy

4×4 small group guided tours in Wales, Wiltshire, The Pyrenees, and Albania. Call 07444 595812 32 52 78 www.offroadadventuretravel.com Exploring Shropshire The draw of the open road Dead ends GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 5 a strangely

intensecampaign Peter Milner takes a look at issues in the Lake District from the other side of the coin.

Words: Peter Milner. Photos: Dale Wyatt.

In the last few months there comes from all walkers. They aren’t and blog that is a crusade against has been a lot of chatter on the all antis. The troublesome ones are us and his associated petition various media sources about the the dedicated ramblers and these has collected over 300,000 click- Lake District and in particular are easy to spot on a lane, as they throughs by, I suspect, people two roads, Tilberthwaite (TWUID: wear uniforms. Yes really, uniforms! who couldn’t put a pin in a map NY3001-02) and High Oxen Fell When I used to walk, in days before anywhere near the Lake District, (TWUID: NY3101-04). However you my bones started to complain and let alone admit to going there. His would be forgiven if you thought, say no more, I used to just walk. No lobby group is called ‘Save the after reading the persistent rucksack, no water bottle and no Lakes’. It is my view that his false press coverage, that there expensive clothes. And no phone and hate-filled messages are really were thousands of 4x4s driving because those mobile thingies what the Lakes needs saving from. roughshod across the Lake District, hadn’t been invented. These Of course GLEAM has joined the meeting and when the lady sitting his rant, he focused on the hard to copy is provided by an action day and night, terrorising all those devoted, almost career, ramblers party. If you haven’t heard of them next to me discovered I drove a obtain but sadly necessary badges group why check it? Just look at meek and vulnerable walkers, seem to be in a secret sect – they are behind the campaign to Land Rover she promptly moved sitting on the dashboard and then the accompanying photos, there is and ruining the livelihood of just perhaps they are energy vampires, shut green roads everywhere but to another seat. Worse still was had that look on his face when the proof isn’t it? Even if the bare about everyone in the area. Let’s creeping about looking for a feed. in particular in the Peak District. an incident that happened one someone wants the ground to open earth or muddy ruts are caused by get this into perspective; these It certainly seems like it although GLEAM, they say, stands for Green summer when my wife and I were up and swallow them. “Don’t worry natural erosion or forestry vehicles two roads are just over 3km long. they do this in the daytime; maybe Lanes Environmental Action enjoying those very lanes in the then mate” he said. So I’m his mate why question its authenticity - And the length of there? they are a special type of vampire? Movement. Although I like to think Lake District. After a long day now, am I, even though I drive a just file. A staggering 3,281km! It does The kind that drains energy from that the acronym stands for God we needed some shopping so we Landy? I must admit that I felt like You will have read, like I make me wonder if all the effort the healthy, during daylight hours; Loves Every Adventurous Motorist! drove to a supermarket and parked punching him firmly in the face, but have, articles describing the to ban motor vehicles from these after all they never look happy, well Having The Duke of Edinburgh as in a disabled bay. My wife, bless instead watched him sheepishly destruction of lanes by 4x4s. green roads is worth it. What can not when I see them they don’t. Patron and having read reports of her, despite her disability insisted return to his car and then explain Maybe accompanied by pictures be behind this strangely intense Apart from one Austrian (who his driving skills, I would seriously on getting a few bits and I waited to his wife why he hadn’t achieved of a track doing what tracks do campaign? Let’s look at a few facts. I’m told is an immigrant), namely consider this patronage! And they patiently (as we husbands do) in his goal, no doubt as he bragged he in wet weather, that is naturally Just a few people have been Fritz Grootheus, none of those who don’t seem to mind him driving a the car park. All of a sudden there would. You see as helpful as those hydrate and weep; caused typically orchestrating this savage attack are shouting about us are local. 4x4, just us then. was a tap on the window. Opening badges are, we both would much by the force of cascading water on us and our benign hobby of Mr. Grootheus is probably a NIMBY Many of these faceless people the window I was confronted by prefer the long walk to the shops. with a bit of help from agricultural recreational driving off tarmac. and wants all tourists to just go wax lyrical over the fact that a man, dressed in the requisite Of course the press are no vehicles. Convincing stuff unless Why these people are so incensed somewhere else, anywhere else as Beatrix Potter lived in the Lake walkers uniform, who said “Move friends of off-tarmac recreational questioned and examined. These is beyond me, logical evidence long as it isn’t near where he lives. District but the truth is she was a it”. Odd and rather rude I thought, motorists; after all, newspaper articles are always written by based argument doesn’t seem He has been remarkably successful London lass who could afford to “Where to?” I asked. Waving his stories only attract readers if someone with a sympathetic ear, to work and the very thought of in his campaign and for that I must buy property there. She then died arms to some distant spot he said there is an element of shock and someone already convinced of sharing green roads is beyond congratulate him – if only I had and gave her farm and house to the “Somewhere over there”. Mystified horror involved. Who would want the harm being caused by our their comprehension. Millions of so much time to waste on such a nation. How this makes it special I I asked why, “Well” he continued to read about a pleasant and intermittent adventures. Not drivers roam around the Lakes in fruitless adventure. For sure we all don’t see. These devotees probably pointing to the Landy “you’re practical agreement between us an unbiased and fair minded the summer and no one complains. want fewer people in ‘our’ street, give names to sheep and have a obviously not disabled are you?” and ramblers who have decided columnist, someone with some The shopkeepers are particularly ‘our’ train or on ‘our’ motorway weird opposition to anything that Incensed I said with concealed to share green roads? Not many I experience in these matters. If pleased to see them, but us? As but life is what it is, busy with can be described as a 4x4. Gas fury no I’m not, but my wife is, and would venture to say, not that it is you think I am exaggerating, ask soon as we stray off the tarmac people, everywhere. Remember guzzling or not. that’s why I parked here and that’s ever going to happen. It is a human yourself this question: why aren’t and onto a bit of grit or grass then that Mr. Grootheus has chosen our You might think that I am why there are blue badges on the characteristic that an effortless these articles written by a motoring we are the louts from hell. homeland to live in rather than exaggerating the behaviour of dashboard. Looking as he should way to get a job done is, like water, correspondent? GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 Now I’m not saying that the grief Austria. He has set up a website ramblers but no. I once went to a have done before embarking on to take the easy route. And if a 6 7 2000 2000 TIME TIME MACHINE MACHINE

teenager in the back and a Land assistant to dangle halfway up the other with the result that a Rover handbrake that worked (if the bank and cling on to the gate vehicle is tilted over at an angle I had a smarter word processor it with the other hand. where the track passes through would have rejected the phrases b) The other problem with that a gateway. A Discovery can fit ‘alert teenager’ and ‘Land Rover gate is that you can’t open the through when it is upright but gates: handbrake’ as anomalies but I door in the holloway so the it was only as I was partially fact and reality seem to have got away with it!). person opening the gate needs through that the vehicle leant c) Propping open a self-closing to get out 300m before and further over and would no longer Words: Unknown author. Photos: Dale Wyatt. gate with a stick then trying to struggle up to the gate on foot, clear one post. It was too wet drive over the stick with the rear or to follow on foot for that and slippery to reverse in order wheel so that the gate closes distance when travelling the to fill the with logs and Gates across a are either an illegal obstruction, behind me always takes twice as other way. This is also a frequent rocks so I had to jack it up and because they should not be there, or a limitation on the long as doing it by hand would problem with heavily overgrown push them underneath. This was have done. I never do this when lanes, which are no problem to difficult because the axles were public’s right to pass and repass. there’s stock around since I drive along but whoever gets already resting on the ground then get out to check that it’s out to open the gate gets stung, between the ruts so there was properly closed which defeats scratched and possibly bitten by nowhere to put the jack, and As we all know most gates across is an offence under section 146! on a track enclosed by good stock- the purpose completely! the insect life as well. no way to get under the vehicle byways or UUCRs are actually However, the previous section proof boundaries, but I make no c) It is a common problem that from the side to position it obstructions as there is no legal (which the mathematically inclined assumptions about these except in I’ve never made a New Year the muddiest bits of a lane without digging the hard, stony mechanism for authorising a new will instantly recognise as section my own local area. I never leave a resolution in my life but I’ll make are around the gateways ground away. gate as a limitation to vehicular 145) says that any gate across a gate open just because I cannot see a summer one – never to do the which means that where you e) Murphys Law, as applied to gates rights - there are some that have carriageway must be at least 10ft any stock or the land appears to be above three things again! want to increase speed to use and posts, says that the ones ‘always’ been there from before the wide. Pedantically speaking it is not arable. Some people take the view momentum is just where you that you need to move are the Highways Act nearly 170 years ago the gate, nor the clearance but the that because a particular gate is an Other gate problems that have to manoeuvre between two solid, concreted, chained and and hence may be lawful. 170 years posts which must be 10ft between unlawful obstruction and that they are not as easily avoided unforgiving posts. Sometimes locked ones whereas the one is a long time in the life of a gate. them and I have no idea if anyone would technically be breaking the a) On one of my favourite you have to do this whilst you want to use as an anchor is It Is the duty of the landowner has ever been prosecuted for law by closing the gate, they should lanes on the Worcestershire/ retreating backwards down a rotten, loose and fragile (what?!!! to maintain the gate in a condition restricting a significant part of that leave it open. In my experience this Gloucestershire border there is lane much to the distress of any Editor 2020). There was one on that is convenient for the public to l0ft with unreasonably big hinges. only leads to more bad press for a gate which opens into a steep, passengers. Keeping control Red Lane on the Herefordshire/ use. We have all come across gates Suppose a road is recorded as a green laners and the possibility of narrow, slippery holloway. The should always take priority over Powys border which I first came that take three people and a hi-lift bridleway on the definitive map but finding it locked next time. gate doesn’t stay open on its keeping momentum. to a few years ago looking like an jack to open, gates that take half also recognised as having vehicular own, because of the slope of the d) There’s a track near the average traditional wooden five an hour of lateral thinking to figure rights (remember this was written Gating tales ground. It is three feet off the Alternative Technology Centre barred gate. As I lifted the string out, gates that only open half way pre-NERC Act when the law was the Some problems I’ve had with gates ground when it’s open so you at Machynlleth which has been from the post the entire gate fell (wide enough for a walker but not other way around, Editor 2020), are self-inflicted. I’ll relate them can’t put a rock or stick against used as a forestry track and is into a couple of dozen pieces and a vehicle), gates that won’t stay perhaps on the list of (a only because I’m confident that I’m it, there’s nothing close by to made of compacted chippings I was left with a pile of rotten open, gates that won’t close again. common occurrence in some parts not the only wally out there! tie it to and there is not enough which has been made worse pieces of wood with which to Each of these examples is a of the country) then: room for anyone to stand and by water erosion. The water form a barrier to keep the nuisance at common law and also a) If your wife offers to open the hold it open. It needs an agile flows down one more than sheep in. where the landowner would not a) gates can be authorised by the gate, don’t run her over while have complied with section 146 highway authority because it she’s holding it open. It may have of the Highways Act 1980 but this is a bridleway. only been a slight tap on the section only applies to footpaths b) the gates have to be maintained with the mirror but I and bridleways. However, if a gate by the landowner, under haven’t been allowed to forget it. is unlawful this provides a strong Highways Act 1980 s146, b) Putting the vehicle in low 1st lever for the Highway Authority because they are across a and letting it drive itself through to get the owner to repair it or bridleway. while you open and close the remove it. All we need now is a c) the gates have to be at least 10’ gate is asking for trouble at strong lever to use on the relevant wide because it is a carriageway. the best of times. When the Highway Authority to make them gate turns out to be 20ft wide use their strong lever! What do we do about gates? and you only realise when it’s At this point it gets silly since the My view is that in the real world we halfway through you need to run law does not allow for authorisation have to live with them, shut them fast, especially when the gate of gates on carriageways – if they were shut and leave them won’t stay where it is and you Parliament presumed that there open if they were open. There are have to close it before leaping was no need to make one – yet blatantly some gates which are back into the driving seat. I was GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 failing to maintain such a gate only there as a deterrent, such as fortunate in having an alert 9 8 2000 2000 TIME TIME MACHINE How to make MACHINE Some gates are only there to favoured by the landowner as well at the time that as I turned, one prevent green laners from passing. as users of the track. Gates across a wheel was high on the far bank of A prime example of this are the carriageway are almost always bad the holloway and the diagonally steel gates at Aymestry in north news; however gates from a lane opposite wheel was up into the By our cookery correspondent, the very crafty cook, in the kitchens of Shropshire Herefordshire which Chris Marsden giving access to adjoining fields can gateway so I got cross-axled. At this County Council Catering, Highways and Utter Confusion Department. has been fighting to get removed. provide a passing place or turning point the grip provided by the two Although still obstructing the space on lanes which are only as remaining points of contact was lane with these locked gates, the wide as your vehicle. insufficient and I slid backwards landowner, with the support of I recently came across a large into the gatepost with two wheels certain councillors, is planning to oak on a narrow track near dangling over the track. My gear is prevent access with a stopping- Abergavenny. Generally I recce stowed with the assumption that up order. These are the Van each lane on foot as far as the best it is reached via the back door but Hoogstratens of the laning world place to turn round (unless it is one this was against the gatepost so it which will not give up without a which would be easy to reverse had to be extracted through small fight. on). However, I had misjudged this gaps from behind the rear seats. One of the few ways in which tree and it was much too thick Then there was the problem that the 4x4 driver is at an advantage to cut with my bow saw so I had my electric winch was in pieces in over other users (the other main to retreat. I managed to reverse the garage. The hand winch would one being shelter from the British to where there were two gates have been OK for this but there was climate) is that she/he can carry a opposite each other on either side no anchorage point - the hedges toolbox, jack, ropes and winch and of the lane. I thought it would be either side did not contain anything can legitimately use them to open easy to reverse into one, then cross more than two or three inches thick a gate across a highway or remove the lane through the opposite one, and were growing precariously a padlock, in order to exercise their reverse back onto the lane and the out of the top of the bank. There as a member of the manoeuvre would be complete. It was no other vehicle with us, but public. There is a dual status RUPP/ took me an hour to execute this if there had been it could not have There are almost as many origins traditionalist only a vehicular right interfered with in any way it can UCR along the western escarpment three point turn (how long are you got into a position to push or pull. to the green lanes we use as there of way is acceptable. Preferably turn into a can of worms, especially of the Cotswolds where I regularly allowed on the driving test?). Firstly We opted for jacking up the rear are lanes themselves. Always one with no troublesome residents if users are allowed to get in. have to remove the padlock. The the back of the Land Rover did not wheel and packing large slabs historical and sadly, largely no living along it who may upset Once a really good crust has right to abate a nuisance in this want to turn into the gateway since of rock underneath. At the third longer being created today. the cooking process, producing developed and there is no chance way only allows for the minimum the gateway was above the level of attempt the Land Rover moved However here in more remote a curdling which is very hard on of users spoiling the dish it is time action to allow yourself to continue the track and the sides of the slight forwards instead of the rocks western parts of the country old the stomach of politicians. It is to remove the crust by vigorously your journey. holloway did not provide much grip. moving backwards and we were traditions can still be found, and in also important at the outset to stirring with Massey Ferguson. This Often it is easier to lift the gate Secondly it was too narrow to able to carefully shuffle round until one or two places green lanes are try and exclude users, which may removes any traces of the crust to off its hinges and pivot it on the swing the front end round and turned. In retrospect it would have still being made. have a similar effect on the dish produce the wonderful appetising chain than to remove a padlock. get a good angle to the gate, so been far easier to reverse the rest The traditional skill is kept alive as residents, although not as results, which is done to a turn and And there is one such gate near the it took much shuffling. Then as I of the way. Even when gates aren’t by some dedicated highways staff upsetting to the digestive system. ready for the table. The finished Malvern Hills where the padlock is was about halfway round a new across the carriageway they can who insist on cooking their green It is important to avoid the dish dish is best served with lashings so rusty and the hinge pins so clean problem occurred. It seems obvious still cause problems! lanes in the old traditional way. Our being spoilt by users and this is of arable area subsidy and is still that it is obviously the method in retrospect but I missed the fact very crafty cook explains how this usually done in the early cooking traditionally enjoyed in many rural appetising, traditional and almost stages by mixing into both ends areas. lost dish can be cooked up a treat. of the dish the next ingredient; This is an easy dish to prepare ‘unsuitable for motor vehicle’ signs. and it requires absolutely no skill Once the signs are having their whatsoever; in fact any semblance effect it is necessary to stir the of skill or worse, professionalism, surface carefully but frequently can have a disastrous effect on with a Massey Ferguson until the the results. Tradition has it that it top surface is broken up and the is cooked by the most inept and contents can be seen bubbling to negligent of highways managers the top. who, left to their own ends for After this the lane is best left thirty or forty years, can produce a to simmer gently with absolutely wonderful dish to serve up for their no interference for about twenty rural friends to share in retirement. to thirty years. Simply place in a For the recipe you will of course sealed pan and set on one side until need to start with the main the ‘unsuitable for motor vehicle’ ingredient, a public highway; any sign has fallen down or a thick GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION

GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 status of highway will do but for the crust has developed. If the dish is 11 10 the time has come Words: Stuart Boreham. Photo: JJ99 (via TW2).

Bob Dylan’s 1978 album Slow Modern life in the UK is tough and bring metaphorical clouds during this closure. The good with on that entire, sordid project. of it will use this opportunity to Train Coming, his first since his for millions, made even more over the sunny weather, there guys stay at home while the That’s it for me, work has finished. step up and work. The vulnerable, dramatic religious conversion, challenging by the fear and remain a million reasons to be selfish carry on regardless as Now, as the nation’s worker’s, we the overwhelmed, even the ill- was advertised with the line consequences of this unseen grateful. their asbo tyres rip up the verges await, perhaps without much faith, informed and the stupid have ‘Well worth the wait’. I thought viral enemy. As a GLASS rep (Surrey, we treasure. There may be quite the various government grants and needs and these days they might it was a good album myself, We ‘Glassists’ are by and large should you ask) I find there a lot to do when Covid-19 clears payments that have been promised, be significant. a rewarding experience. It is some of the lucky ones - for is a significant sense of duty. off. Brace yourselves - duty will and whilst twiddling our thumbs we Responsible green laning is a shame the same cannot be a start we have a car, often a Although in reality we are call. Volunteering, paperwork, may hear the call of duty again. about doing the right thing and said of that other slow train second one and enough money not the caped guardians of TRO objections, begging and Today, late March, there certainly protecting precious assets for that has just pulled in, the to run it. We all know why we the lanes, nor TRO fighting probably some paying out (if we seem to be plenty of opportunities future generations. Let’s apply the ‘lockdown express’, the arrival green lane - the views, the air superhero protectors of rights have anything left) might all be - local Facebook support groups, same logic to help our neighbours of which means we are isolated and the sense of freedom and of way, it can certainly feel that necessary to keep the network borough wide planning, assisting and our nation as our combined in our homes. There is nothing escape, chugging along the way at times. There is such a alive. meals on wheels charities, backs are truly against the wall. particularly positive to say road less travelled in a vehicle sense of disappointment – hurt, Today, like many freelances, foodbanks, odd jobs, volunteering We all relish the stories of about this particular experience that is often still running (on a even – upon seeing yet another pretty much all my work has with the NHS, keeping an eye on sacrifice and conquest that since - or at least not at first glance. good day) only because of our bloody photo of damage on an stopped. This week I have been the neighbours, 4x4 response and childhood we have read in books For some it will be truly personal fettling. There are few ancient and surely all super grateful for a three day job many more. and watched in the movies. During horrible. Teenagers, for feelings to beat it, and now it’s responsible Green Laners feel standing on motorway junctions This is a time of international this crisis our own wins might be example, can be difficult and clear that we won’t be going the same. We can only look at photographing the astonishing challenge. Historians will look trivial and our sacrifices relatively parents will no longer be able anywhere for a while I really the evidence and think - What quantities of junk that the back and see the corona crisis small, but the time has come to to breathe a sigh of relief when notice that significant loss. is WRONG with these people? Highways Agency and passing as a global turning point with pull together for the greater good school takes them away for a There is a byway shaped hole How dare they? As we all know, drivers leave behind - turd in a consequences those of us currently in whatever form that takes for us. few hours. Even worse, some in my life! the issues have been discussed pizza box anyone? I guess it pays living through it can only guess Tragically, as things progress it may of those parents will lose the Thankfully, when you analyse until we are blue - or green - in the bills and I even got recognised at. These are tough times and it’s even mean waving volunteering respite from an abusive partner, it this is a short term ban of a the face. on the A3 by a passing 4x4 not always easy to know what is goodbye and staying at home. For usually granted while they are lucky privilege, and as much as Goodness only knows what Facebook community friend - pretty best to do in response, but I’d like weeks. Doing the right thing is GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION

GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 both at work - not this month. its absence may disappoint us is going on behind our backs much the only person I interacted to hope that those of us capable always the right thing. 12 13 1998 1998 TIME TIME MACHINE MACHINE

can be useful in that cycles are authority for all highways In their plans made after the valuation was Sources for defined as vehicles. Indeed it is only rural areas, everything from rural complete, available at the Public by special licence in the 1968 footpaths to main roads. As part Record Office, Kew. Two sets of Countryside Act that allows them of the process of hand over the documents were also created: to use bridleways; before that they rural districts prepared maps of all the ‘Domesday Book’ register of were limited to carriageways. These the roads they were responsible properties, and detailed valuer’s green lane types of map only provide evidence for. If they have survived they will field books, both available at the research of repute rather than definitive be either in the local record office PRO. Each ‘hereditament’, or land evidence of the rights, but it could or in the highways department. unit was coloured on the map. This article was originally from an excellent publication called Byway and Bridleway, sadly be said with some conviction that if Whilst the 1929 act used the term If a route was not included in an no longer published. I’ve been kindly given permission by the trust, specifically Catriona in the twenties you bought on OS ‘county road’ to mean any highway, hereditament then, it indicated Cook, to reproduce it here. It’s obviously pre-NERC, but much of it still stands true. Popular Series 1” map, you would do in practice the handover maps that the revenue regarded it as not so with every expectation that you invariably only included roads. Far being in private ownership, and This list of sources is intended footpaths or bridleways or RUPPs worse, which it very often is, then could drive your Austin Seven along from every county has managed by inference, that it was a public to provide on overview of the or BOATs. the information about the route in ways shown as motor roads, good to keep hold of its handover maps road. Additionally, landowners kind of material which may be Brian Pratt (GLASS) holds a letter the walking survey such as widths, or bad. and it is unlikely that they will could apply for a tax reduction if consulted when engaged in road from the DOE which sets out the gates, etc. should be able to be be produced following a simple they admitted a public right of way research. It should not be regarded case for vehicular rights on UC used to determine the extent of Parish minute book phone call. However, if you visit the crossed a plot of land. as conclusive in either the list or roads which has been published rights and limitations on rights. The The civil parish minute books highways or rights of way office Although this was more likely to the description of the documents in Northern Bulletin. The sensible only real cautionary note about should be available at the local frequently to look at the list of refer to FPs and BWs the register of and the list is roughly in reverse interpretation is that routes on the walking surveys is that the record office and can go back to the streets map or Definitive Map you a route in the field book, together chronological order. Some types the LoS have a presumption Definitive Map process did produce end of the 19th century. The minute will soon be able to establish who is with its accompanying map gives of document such as Tithe and of vehicular rights until proven a pretty general ‘under registration’ books, recording the business of the likely to know if they have survived. evidence of the existence of a Enclosure are complex subjects in otherwise. (See also Hand Over of routes, which was due to local parish, can provide valuable insights public right of way, although not themselves to which considerable Maps below). influence and pressure at parish into the way people in the parish Highways boards necessarily its route. academic and legal attention has level resulting in some routes being regarded local ways, especially From 1555 until the 1862 Highways Finance Act evidence is very been devoted. For people interested Highways records, suppressed or under registered. in the early part of the century Act, other than turnpikes, all strong evidence of a highway’s in research then the book by Tim committees, etc. They can also give an indication of when most was horsedrawn. highways in the country were status. Stevens of LARA, Road Research, Should be available to public which routes may have been under As such they can provide strong administered by the parishes. The should be essential reading as inspection at the County Council registered and warrant further evidence of repute if for instance a 1862 act empowered the local Early edition OS 25 inch maps should be a subscription to Byway and older ones may well be lodged research elsewhere. local RUPP is constantly referred to Quarter Sessions to amalgamate (The County Series) and Bridleway magazine. Details of with the County Record Office. as, ‘the road’ or ‘public road’. the responsibilities of several At twenty five inches to the mile both of these publications are given Cyclists maps, Bartholomew parishes into highway boards. these map series are the first truly below together with a list of further Walking survey and maps Ordnance Survey, etc. Where they were created they definitive surveys of the country. reading. Held by the Rights of Way unit or There is a wealth of general Previous authority, survived until the Highways Act The first edition sheets were Highways Dept. After consulting cartographic information, all of rural districts of 1895 when the rural districts published from 1855, second edition List of Street maps the Definitive Map and statement which show roads which may now were set up and given the duty to from 1891 and third edition from Kept by every HA as a duty under for your area these documents can be green or have disappeared. Handover maps administer the highways in their 1904. For our purposes they provide Local Govt. Act 1972. Duty bound to provide useful information. The trouble is most of these made The records of the old rural districts area. Documents associated with a very detailed Illustration of what allow the public from within their Carried out as part of the no authoritative claim regarding and county boroughs should be the highways boards will be in the the landscape was like at the time area to inspect it. That means if you definitive map process following the rights on the roads depicted. in the local record office although local record office and as they and include such detail as location live outside the county they could the Nat. Parks and Access to the The ordnance survey have since county boroughs may well still be are likely to be the earliest formal of gates along ways, varying width deny a request to see it, not likely Countryside Act 1949 they provide 1889 carried the statement ‘the stored with the successor urban recording of highway authority of ways, location of buildings, etc. but legally possible. The list includes an interpretation of how the local representation on this map of authority. These documents such business in your area can provide Usefully, you may also find that all highways maintainable at public people regarded routes at the time. a road, track or is no as highways committee minutes good supporting evidence. your way was deemed to have expense and it is the unclassified The act required that survey maps evidence of the existence of a and surveyors accounts can provide higher status at the time In the view county roads we are interested in and written surveys of all routes right of way’. Having said that useful information although you Finance Act of the surveyor, than other ways and the categories may vary from be provided on a parish by parish the recording of a route by may have to look long and hard The 1909/1910 Finance Act was which may now be sealed motor county to county. Also the 1972 basis. Two maps were produced, OS is definitive evidence of its for little return. What are valuable, designed to tax the increase in roads because at its end it may act defined a county road as any one by the parish and one by the existence at the time of the survey. if they are available, are the value of land when it changed show priority over the adjoining highway and it is this definition users, usually the RA, and the maps Furthermore, some of the 1” series, handover maps. Up until 1929 the hands. To this end a complete road which may have a pecked line which allows some authorities to recorded the assumed routes and notably the Popular edition of the county councils had only been valuation survey of all land In across it. Note that the latter is in claim that a UC road on the LOS their believed status. The walking twenties and thirties record roads responsible for the maintenance England and Wales was carried out the view of the surveyor. These only guarantees FP rights, if the survey of these routes was then in the category, ‘other motor roads, of main roads, developed from the to act as a baseline upon which maps can only provide indicative routes on the LOS are different to carried out by representatives of good and bad’. Many of those turnpikes and the mail roads, whilst to measure increased values. evidence of the status of a way but the routes on the Definitive Map, or the parish. If the information in the recorded in the latter category the rural districts had maintained Two sets of plans were created: they will provide ample evidence shows definitive map routes and UC written statement accompanying are now shown as whites on the minor county roads since 1895. working plans, used for the original of its physical characteristics. roads then they must be other than the Definitive Map is scant or modern Landranger Cyclists maps The Local Govnt Act 1929 made valuation which are available at Collections of the maps will be GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 the county councils the highway local record offices, and the record available at local record offices but 14 15 1998 1998 TIME TIME MACHINE MACHINE

there may be certain sheets which the existence of a route at the time be less detailed than the original deposited for Parliament and/or byroads’, ‘crossroads and lanes’ useful supporting evidence by are missing. The British Library of survey, but not the status. at the PRO. The tithe files contain the local justices. They can be very and there is considerable debate as showing ways excluded from the Map Library holds a comprehensive matters concerning the process strong evidence because of the to the reliability of this definition, sale or in the some fashion as the collection (now also online: Tithe map and apportionment for each tithe district and relate public testing of the information although the research carried out surrounding road network. maps.nls.uk, Editor 2020). The Tithe Redemption act of 1836 largely to the public meetings and they contain by the Act of Deposit. by S. Taylor in her book, ‘What is which transferred payment in goods consultations which were obliged to It was a requirement by statute for a Crossroad’, has increased the OS book of references to the local church into a payment be held by the Act; they do however canal bills to deposit plans with the weight given to this description, but Further reading Also known as area books and field in cash, produced three sets of sometimes mention roads and are House of Lords from 1784. it cannot be regarded as definitive. The titles listed below, whilst in books, these were issued between documents. The tithe map, tithe available at the PRO. By 1803 railways and ironroads Bryant singularly in my experience no way intended to be exhaustive, 1855 and 1888 to accompany the apportionment and tithe files. The were brought under the legislation provides three category of road, provide a background to the 1:2500 scale county series maps. maps are highly detailed records of Enclosure Award and in 1813 it was extended to ‘mailroads and turnpikes’, ‘good history of our road network, an If a first edition county series map land ownership in each tithe district, The first private Enclosure Act include most major civil engineering cross and driving roads’ and ‘lanes introduction to research, various does not have acreage marked usually a parish but sometimes of a was in Herefordshire in 1706 and works including road developments. and bridleways’. The inclusion of specific topics and highways law. adjacent to the plot numbers township within a parish. Each plot the last at the turn of the last From 1838 duplicate railway plans the word ‘driving’ into the second then there should be a book of of land is given an apportionment (20th) century. Whilst for many had to be deposited with the local category should provide additional ROADS AND TRACKS OF BRITAIN references available for it. They number which can then be cross years the number of Acts was a justices, but in practice this had weight. The real worth of these C Taylor (1979) recorded the acreage of each plot referenced to the apportionment trickle it became a flood of 2,500 been done before this date for maps, especially when several are ROADS AND VEHICLES together with a description of land register. This will tell you the acts between 1750 and 1850, the railways, canals and turnpikes. available through time for your A Bird (1973) use, including roads but avoiding landowner, tenant, area and type period known to historians os These documents can be found area is that they may show that ROAD RESEARCH, AN INTRODUCTION the use of that important word of land. The standard of mapping Parliamentary enclosure. This of the local record office and the a particular way is consistently TO RIGHTS OF WAY EVIDENCE ‘public’. Therefore they can only be is variable and the recording process affected a third of all House of Lords record library. shown and defined as a road, albeit Tim Stevens used as supporting evidence. They of roads and other RoW varies English parishes to a greater or only a crossroad. In this way they BYWAY AND BRIDLEWAY are available at the PRO, Kew. enormously. We must remember lesser extent. By 1801 the process Early County Maps can provide valuable supporting Journal of the Byway and Bridleway Trust that the purpose of the tithe map was regarded as confused and The United Kingdom has a wealth evidence. OS boundary sketch maps was not to record rights of way but somewhat crooked in favour of of old cartographic resources but WHAT IS A CROSSROAD S Taylor (1997) These are available at the PRO, property ownership; however the large landowners and the General those of interest to us were the Quarter Sessions South Pennines Packhorse Kew. The Ordnance Survey Act of process was open to public scrutiny Enclosure Act of that date was product of the rapid increase in These were the county justices Trust 1841 required the OS to determine and therefore the information it designed to regulate things and road travel at the end of the 18th which were held four times a parish boundaries by survey with produced can be regarded as of create a standard form of Act. and into the early 19th centuries. year. Prior to the creation of the THE TITHE MAPS AND APPORTIONMENTS OF MID 19th locals, and various documents were good repute and can be legally Again a General Enclosure Act of This development produced a county councils and until the CENTURY ENGLAND AND WALES produced. Field notes and sketch binding as far as land ownership 1845 tried to further tighten up wealth of road books, county Highways Act of 1895 they were JP Kain & RR Oliver (1994) maps in boundary remark books issues are concerned. Whilst the the process but by then it had all atlases and large scale county road responsible for the administration show the parish boundary and the intention was not to record RoW, but come to an end. Enclosure maps. There were a large number of roads and . The judiciary LAND OWNERSHIP AND SOCIETY IN EDWARDIAN ENGLAND AND WALES topographical features it passes some in Kent and one or two others evidence is very powerful in that of private surveyors serving were responsible for diversions, The Finance (1909/1910) Act 1910 through and may show or mention do state categorically the status the commissioners could have this market and the products of extinguishments and the stopping roads and rights of way. Importantly of all RoW. Others may show only powers granted by the Act they several of them may be available up of highways and records were RECORDS 6 Short & M Reed they were signed by ‘meresmen’ roads and with varying degrees of were working under to extinguish, in your area. Greenwood, Cory, kept of legal events associated University of Sussex (I987) from each parish providing the certainty. Some may simply show divert and create highways of all Bryant, Bough, Hatchings and with highways. Quarter session important public verification or test the physical existence of roads on status. The awards can be difficult Burdett amongst others may well records are available at local record MAPS AND PLANS FOR THE LOCAL of the information they contain. the map, others will show them and to follow and to get a clear picture be available in your local record offices and as they were dealing HISTORIAN AND COLLECTOR D Smith Additionally a boundary report, list them individually as a separate it is necessary to understand the office. The maps vary enormously with legal events the evidence map and journal of inspection apportionment titled public roads, powers granted by the particular in accuracy of survey as well can be conclusive. Also, prior to ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS, A CONCISE were produced; again they may whilst others include them together Act, furthermore, the terms used as accuracy of the recording of the creation of the County Courts, GUIDE FOR HISTORIANS R Oliver (1993) contain RoW information and in on apportionment titled roads by commissioners to define the road detail. The problem lies with magistrates’ stopping up orders they were publically tested by and waste. Therefore the weight different category of highway the way roads are described in were deposited with the Quarter MAPS FOR FAMILY HISTORIANS PRO being advertised for comment in of the evidence can vary from may be arcane and difficult to the key, and none of them state Sessions. Readers Guide No. 9, Public Record Office each parish. Of course it was the indicative to virtually conclusive. understand, but you may find categorically what is and is not W Foot (1994) boundary which was being tested, At least three maps were produced definitive proof of the status of a public highway. Most will have Private estate plans AN INTRODUCTION TO HIGHWAY LAW not the RoW but they can provide for each tithe district: the original way. Enclosure award documents a category for turnpikes and and sale brochures M Orlick (1996) good indicative evidence. manuscript map was deposited will be at the local record office. mailroads and there is not much Many of these have been passed RIGHTS OF WAY, A GUIDE TO LAW with the Tithe Commissioners and disagreement with that, albeit to local record offices by solicitors, AND PRACTICE OS 1 Inch First Edition facsimile are now in the PRO, Kew. Copies Deposited plans, canals, most are now sealed modern agents and estates. Some may be J Riddall ond J Trevelyan (1993) Most people will have seen the also had to be deposited with the turnpikes & railways motor roads anyway. It is with deposited with the record office facsimile maps published by David diocese and the parish and it is These documents show the route of the next category of roads as but still be in the ownership of a & Charles which are of the first these copies which will be available a particular transport development described by most map makers particular estate and in such cases one inch maps produced by the at local record offices. As the cost and its effect on surrounding land that the difficulties occur. Most the estate may not permit the use OS. They are available at most map of the mapping exercise was borne and RoW together with a book describe the lesser roads variously of the documents in rights of way shops and can provide evidence of by the tithe owners, the copies may of references which had to be as ‘crossroads’, ‘crossroads and cases. They can however provide GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 17 16 Volunteer Lengthsman Scheme VLSWords: Paul Woodward. Photos: Dale Wyatt. tw2 We often get asked if there’s a facility to map entire routes on TW2 or if you can download lanes. Here we answer these questions and explain why we built TW2 the way we have.

The original TrailWise was in order for data to be as accurate weren’t there before, because The GLASS volunteer lengthsman members should know all about ditch for instance. More serious conceived back in 2006 and as possible, we need people to Ordnance Survey (OS) doesn’t scheme has been running for a it, but for the benefit of all the matters would be reported to your although it was much discussed, keep coming back and leaving choose to show all Byways and number of years now. The idea of new members and those who’ve GLASS area rep or the relevant an upgrade to TW2 was delayed comments. Factual ones. We don’t UCRs due to its restriction on scale. the scheme is for members to adopt forgotten about it, here’s a quick council department, the rights because no-one could decide want TW2 to become a social For example, if a winter path (eg. a lane or group of lanes, drive them recap. of way department for BOAT’s exactly what the platform would media platform... it needs to be a footpath) ran alongside a UCR, regularly to monitor their condition The term ‘lengthsman’ was or the highway authority for be and how many features it would informative and to the point. it’s likely they will only show the and report any problems. coined in the 1800s, originally UCRs (ORPA’s). Your local council have. Many wanted an app, but in footpath. The footpath could be This is a really easy way to put referring to someone who kept website will have a form to use the end this was dismissed as being So it was decided to keep the high up to one side of the UCR, something back into our hobby. a ‘length’ of road neat and tidy. for reporting such things. If you too costly and tricky to comply with system simple and straightforward while the UCR is deeply sunken. No forms, no stress, no financial Lengthsmen were responsible are unsure, either I or your GLASS Mac and PC regs. So eventually it – a research and route planning It doesn’t mean the footpath commitment. Just the occasional for a few miles between adjacent area rep will be able to help you. was agreed that it would be web tool. This would keep costs to a trumps the UCR, just that the email is all that’s required. villages and sometimes their If you would be willing to based, something easier and more minimum. Once you’ve researched OS isn’t showing all the available At the moment there are currently duties encompassed the village volunteer as a VLS for a particular cost effective to update. your lanes, we wanted people to information. 23 Lengthsmen signed up covering itself. Employed by local parish lane then please contact me. I will map their route onto software such 10 grid squares with 68 TW2 UID’s. councils, their job was to keep add your name to the database It was no easy task as MemoryMap, ViewRanger or So when people say you can find all The most popular grid square is TL grass and weeds down on the and inform your area rep who Building TW2 wasn’t an easy choice, other similar platforms, and then green lanes on OS maps, that’s not with 22 lanes covered by 8 different verge and keep drainage ditches you are and which lane you are as it would be a complete rebuild come back to TW2 to leave their entirely true. Nor will the OS show lengthsmen. clear. Litter, such as it was in those watching over. The easiest way is from the ground up. Additionally comments. We currently use Disqus any restrictions to a route on their In England and Wales there times, was collected and even wild to email me at [email protected] we didn’t want to rely on volunteers for this, but may review that at maps, or permissive byways. are x25, 100km grid squares flowers were tended to. All I will need is your name, to build it, as they can move on, as some point as not everyone seems and hundreds of lanes. As you Lengthsmen are still employed your GLASS membership number indeed happened with the original happy with it. So to answer the original question. can see there is huge room for today by some parish councils to and some way of identifying your TrailWise. In the end we only had No, we won’t be doing this because improvement! carry out similar tasks. The focus chosen lane, either the unique one person that could keep it However, it you have a mobile we can’t compete with companies I’m sure there are many members today, however, is on the surfaced identifier (TWUID) of the lane (as running. So we took the decision to signal, TW2 can be used on the like MemoryMap and ViewRanger. like myself who have a few local road network. used in the TW2 database), a grid use a professional third party to do fly, and it is possible to leave But we will continue to make TW2 lanes that they drive on a regular As a GLASS Volunteer reference or a Streetmap link: the build. That way we could build comments as you drive each lane. the best green lane route planning basis. This makes you an ideal Lengthsman you would be asked www.streetmap.co.uk in longevity and ensure updates And since our recent update, we tool out there. candidate for the lengthsman to drive your chosen lanes to It is hoped that the GLASS could be easily scheduled in (as per made it easy to pin point your scheme. Maybe you’ve seen fly check the general condition and Volunteer Lengthsman Scheme the recent upgrade). location as well (assuming you tipping, fallen trees, encroaching pick up any litter. If litter is a can be another way we can have a signal). vegetation or other issues and think problem your GLASS area rep demonstrate our commitment to We also decided that we wouldn’t “I wonder if anyone has reported should be able to liaise with other sensible and sustainable use of allow people to download lanes. We also wanted TW2 to be a that”? The sooner issues are picked members and organise a litter unsurfaced vehicular routes. We as an organisation are here to research tool. We show as many up, the sooner action can be taken. pick. (Always take precautions for Thank you. protect the remaining network of green roads as we are aware of, A Voluntary Restraint can be applied needles etc in fly tipping, Editor). unsurfaced roads, and we need but research is adding more all if required, TRO’s can be avoided Any minor problems can be dealt Paul Woodward an income to do this. TW2 is one the time. Not masses but a steady and negative press reduced. with there and then, clearing fallen GLASS VLS officer of our assets and helps keep the trickle. So keep looking and you organisation running. Additionally, may find routes on there that

Those of you who are long-term branches or unblocking a drainage 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 19 18 LARA34 years and counting… Alan Kind tells the story

LARA is the Motoring Organisations’ Officer, and we set about building there was a lot of post-industrial sport, and the system works well. we knew that the ‘antis’ intended to to accept that even the smallest Land Access & Recreation a presence on the national forums regeneration money sloshing about. There was no evidence given as try to use this as a stalking horse club trial (if it touches public paths) Association, and it was set up and committees, and made sure that Most of these sites never realised to why the rules should change, for taking away the unsealed roads must have both council and MSUK in a side-room meeting at the motor sport and recreation (that their ambitions and potential, and rather some subjective references we retained after the NERC Act in authorisation. What started in Motorcycle Show in 1986. The Motor is competition, and recreational the Teesside (Langbaurgh) site was to nuisance and illegality. This all 2006. Again, we came through that, Wales has spread into England, and Sports Association and the principal driving) had a view in responding believed to have swallowed more happened just before the start of with the Minister instead setting up we have worked with councils and motorcycle organisations were the to consultations, putting forward than £2,000,000. It is still there and the competition season in Spring. a Motoring Stakeholder Working national parks in trying to get the prime movers, while the Association our own ideas where appropriate. operating, and so maybe it was a Through LARA member Group (MSWG) to look at the whole processes, conditions and costs of Rover Clubs (now ALRC) and the It might sound a bit lame, but ‘just good investment in the long term? organisations we polled all issue objectively. Then a Committee down as much as we can, and we All Wheel Drive Club came on board being there’ is so important over the These projects, where we worked competition clubs for a prompt of the House of Lords started to believe that the outcome is better within the next couple of years. long term: if the House of Commons closely with the Sport Council report about all their events on investigate the effectiveness of than it could have been. GLASS succeeded the AWDC in Rights of Way Review Committee (as Regional offices, led to a significant a particular weekend. We said to parts of the NERC Act 2006, and Cash-starved highway authorities 2003. it was then) had a meeting and we grant award from the Sports tell us about any complaints they again the ‘antis’ were there in the are currently less keen to go for What brought these organisations were not there, then who was going Council, and for a period spanning got. Then we wrote to the planning blink of an eye, trying to get the traffic orders, although we have together? It was a conjunction of a to watch our back? the turn of the century LARA was authority for each place where an rights of way provisions revisited no difficulty with proportionate number of threats in an increasingly As LARA matured through its well funded and, in my view, gave event happened and asked how and extended. traffic management. With not hostile environment for recreational first few years we engaged with very good value for money. many complaints they got. You Then Brexit came along. The a lot happening on the national motoring. Moto-cross (scrambling) a lot of individual cases – more It was around this time that we probably will not be surprised to MSWG, and the Stakeholder government scene, we have been had increasing pressure due to than now, because this is largely a scored what is probably our most know that with dozens of events Working Group (SWG) dealing taking the opportunity to revisit and noise. riding was under regular resources issue – dashing around effective ‘win’, although it is seldom on that weekend you could count with implementation of the expand the reports and guidance attack from walkers’ groups, the countryside to try to head-off really win or lose, but rather adapt complaints on the fingers of one Deregulation Act 2015, were put available on LARA’s website, but do with the Great Ridgeway being a noise abatement notices, appear and fit in. Out of the blue there hand, and all but one of these on hold over 18 months ago. The not be fooled – the threats will come particular issue. The Wildlife and at public inquiries, and talk with was a government consultation on related to cowboy motorcycling Rights of Way Review Committee back again. Nothing is more certain. Countryside Act 1981 had started to council officers to avoid anti-motor proposals to withdraw ‘permitted anyway. We took our findings to the followed these into abeyance, while One last point. LARA has had make BOATs a political hot potato policies. In conjunction with the Trail development rights’ (PDR) for motor Minister and it all went away. The DEFRA countryside officers were Honorary Chairmen (no female just as recreational 4x4 driving took Riders Fellowship and Byways and sport events. Every weekend there issue came back again some years redeployed. Whether all or any of post-holder as yet) from car sport, off from a low base. Car rallying Bridleways Trust we formed a team are dozens of motor sport events later, and this time, armed with these come back remains to be motorcycle sport, and trail riding, in Wales also came under critical to oppose the proposed Ridgeway that take place on farmland, or Freedom of Information powers we seen. but not yet from the 4x4 world. Is it scrutiny, and the MSA decided that TRO on Sundays and bank holidays. old quarries, by permission of the stopped that one in its tracks too. Since 2014 LARA has been back time for GLASS to find a candidate? it needed to stand with the two- Successfully, too, but we’d gladly live owners. This is a change of use of Over the past 10 years LARA’s working where it came in: rallies wheelers and start to engage with with those proposals instead of the the land, and to avoid the need for income has declined to the level and enduros in Mid Wales. After land managers, other countryside post-NERCA situation we have now. every event to have to apply for where we remain worthwhile nearly 50 years when the MSA Alan Kind was LARA’s main officer from users, government departments, But you cannot see the future. planning permission, PDRs provide and effective, but inevitably (now Motorsport UK) authorised 1986 until he took about three years away, and agencies. For our first decade we put a lot of deemed planning permission for constrained in what we can do. events on the ‘road’, and local returning around the turn of the century. And that is just what we did. LARA time into the development of ‘trail up to 28 days a year (only 14 for We threw maximum effort at the authorities authorised events on Other contracted officers over the years appointed me as its first Principal parks’ – off-road driving sites – when racing). This is crucial to competitive Deregulation Bill in 2014 because public rights of way, we now have include David Kersey, Caroline Garfield, Tim & GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 Mary Stevens, and Dave Tilbury. 21 20 unlawful

Discrimination?Words: Rob Elliott. Photo: Matt Roberts.

Our illustrious powers that be on discrimination…and apparently of NERC in 2006, a disastrous within UK Government Plc recently the United Kingdom has some very and heinous act implemented released an online document strict rules on that. by the then Labour Government entitled ‘Statutory Guidance For example: You are partaking (remember that when you vote, I Framework: Controlling or coercive in a lawful pastime such as green do) in which we lost a tremendous behaviour in an intimate or family laning, yet someone else such amount of once legal to drive rights relationship’. as the Ramblers Association or of way. Within this document it states GLEAM is hell bent on stopping We should also look at the ratio that ‘Controlling and coercive you or trying to stop you from of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) behaviour in an intimate or family enjoying your hobby, because available for use by walkers, relationship is a crime, it does not they don’t like what you’re doing, bicycles and horse riders in relate to a single incident, it is a even though what you’re doing is comparison to motor vehicles. purposeful pattern of behaviour being conducted in a lawful and They have 100% of access to which takes place over time in professional manner? routes which motor vehicles can order for one individual to exert Cast your mind back to how use, yet the amount of PRoW power, control or coercion over a recent campaign of focused available to motorised users another.’ character assassination and constitutes probably less than 5% I have myself been a victim of discrimination was aimed at of the entire PRoW network, it is domestic abuse (yes, it happens to recreational vehicle users in the not a reciprocal arrangement… guys as well as gals) and therefore Lake District, think of the lies, walkers already have access to have no desire to discuss or deceit and the false claims made 100% of the entire PRoW network, belittle such a sensitive topic… against us in a well-orchestrated how much more do they want? yet somehow it got me thinking and well-funded effort to discredit We are already being about what happens outside the us. What about the online petitions discriminated against by these scope of an intimate relationship, which gave rise to over 300,000 bigoted and blinkered bobble-hat when it concerns a difference of signatures, many of which from masses. They already demonstrate opinions by opposing groups or people who have never been to the controlling and coercive behaviour organisations; when those opinions Lake District… it was controlling in their relentless efforts to control also transgress into what could be and coercive behaviour over the us and ban us. What a shame construed as an attempt to exert masses to gain sufficient support to that it isn’t an intimate or family power, control or coercion over exert power and control over one relationship and the new law could another? entity… the legitimate green laner. be applied to them. Why should that be any We already have a degree of But we are wise to them and we different? What if it also borders control imposed upon us because shall fight them… GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 23 Ray Clayton

How did you get What was your of NERC. Restricted Byways, into laning? favourite truck you’ve gave rights of way officers an GLASS To be honest I got bored with ever laned in? easy way out. Ban them, restrict off-roading and going around Land Rover 110. Great all their use and avoid having the same track all the time. rounder and a very much to repair them. Peak Park on I did enjoy comp safari, and missed motor. Regret selling it, the whole took the side of the trails, but needed a change of having owned it for 22 years. ramblers... peace and quiet in direction, and something all the countryside. Stop them, ban the family could enjoy. How many laning them, ban any quarry, stop tree Reflections vehicles have you felling, stop working and living When did you first owned? List them in the national park because We thought we would pose a few join GLASS? if you wish. you may annoy someone from I didn’t, I was in GLOW which Series 2, 2a, 3, 110, Discovery 3, outside. became GLASS so I suppose Discovery 4 (current vehicle). The National Parks also have questions to people that were laning 25 I joined on the first day along people born and bred in them, with yourself Dale, Dave Wright, Do you still enjoy and we’ve bowed down way to years ago and still laning today, and see Gren Thomas, Kev & Bev, Shaun laning as much as much to visitors, losing much in Seabrook (membership), Rachel you used to? Please the process. Strange that, when (secretary), Chris Marsden and elaborate either way. they say enjoyment for all if you what happened. Here are their insights... Andy Bush, to name a few. You Yes I do. I have a Disco 4 so only fit the current profile vision (and Dale, were National Rights of do tame lanes as it’s not ready that’s not only against us may Way officer then. All this was to be a full blown laner yet, but I add). Keep an eye on Cumbria born out of the AWDC as we it’s getting that way slowly. My – let’s see if they stick to their were bored with off-roading. lad Joe and his mates go once a guns – at the moment and have month laning in Disco 2s. I really no intention to ban us. Rant What magazines did you enjoyed the camping weekends. over! read at the time? Maybe I should do a reunion of LRM, AWDC magazine and the the Derbyshire weekend (you Have you any GLOW newsletter. No Internet should Ray, Editor). They were thoughts on what then with access to all the good days. the situation might be lane information! like in 25 years with What’s the best laning regard to recreational How is laning accessory you own or vehicular rights? different today than have owned? Christ, what a question! when you started? My Land Rover. With all the tree and climate A lot less lanes now I guess, change huggers, along with all but saying that, there are still a Name your favourite the do gooders out there, we lot to prove rights on, and also lane or area. will not be bloody driving any challenge councils over. But as Got to be my home county of form of car capable of going always it is the time and effort Derbyshire. Still get out but not laning anymore. But I hope I am needed to achieve that. Drive as often as I should. wrong on that one. them or lose them was the saying. We drove them and still What’s the best or worst Keep safe everyone, bloody lost them, so that did not thing that’s happened in Ray quite work out for us all. the laning world in the last 25 years? Well I’ve laned for 34 years now in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I suppose the worst thing was the introduction GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 24 25 Robin Payne Andy Bush

How did you get What was your Name your favourite How did you get to the AGM. There they were Do you still enjoy into laning? favourite truck you’ve lane or area. into laning? talking about getting out of laning as much as I bought an old Series 3 Land ever laned in? I love the remoteness of Wales, “Well sir,” said the policeman, green lane activity, because you used to? Please Rover to use at pay and play It’s a difficult one to answer although all my favourite lanes “120mph the first time on the they said it was a lost cause. elaborate either way. sites, then met someone but I would have to say my have had their vehicular rights radar gun and 90mph the From the audience I objected. Yes, nothing changed. through work who went green first Defender 90. It was a bit extinguished. second time. What do you have They said from the stage, “Well laning with some mates, and he of an old shed but it took me to say for yourself?” My reply you do it”. “OK I will” I reacted What’s the best laning invited me along. out on some fantastic laning What’s the best or worst “I think I need a slower way to without thinking and was accessory you own or adventures. thing that’s happened in enjoy motoring”. Sometime immediately designated as the have owned? When did you first the laning world in the later, in early 1994, like a little AWDC rights of way officer and Winch. join GLASS? How many laning last 25 years? boy, my nose is pressed against a member of the board. This I initially joined Green Laners of vehicles have you The best thing is the availability the showroom window gazing was also in 1994. Name your favourite Wales (GLOW) in about 1993/4 owned? List them of information through laning at a brand spanking shiny new, lane or area. after seeing an advert in a Land if you wish. groups and organisations, pub midnight blue Nissan Patrol long When did you first The lanes in Kent. Rover magazine. This group Seven in total. Two Series 3’s, meets, council web sites. The wheelbase 4x4. join GLASS? went on to form GLASS and I two Range Rovers, two Defender worst thing was the NERC Act. A salesman came out to 2018. What’s the best or worst was invited to join. That was in 90’s and my current Defender unstick my nose from the thing that’s happened in 1995 and I’ve been a member 110 TD5. Have you any window and got me to have a What magazines did you the laning world in the since then. thoughts on what closer look at the 4x4. I just read at the time? last 25 years? Do you still enjoy the situation might be could not resist it and bought it. International Off Roader, LRO, Same as always – people trying What magazines did you laning as much as like in 25 years with I had taken a creative writing LRM and wrote for them. to stop other people coming read at the time? you used to? Please regard to recreational course for fun, and it said write near their land. Land Rover Owner International, elaborate either way. vehicular rights? about something you are expert How is laning different Land Rover World & Land Rover Yes, every bit as much, I like to I think (but hope not) all in. I became an instant expert today than when you Have you any Monthly. find lanes I’ve not driven before recreational vehicle rights will on byways and had my first started? thoughts on what rather than continually using be extinguished in this country. article on the subject published Doesn’t seem to have the situation might be How is laning the well known routes. in the Sunday Telegraph, March changed at all. like in 25 years with different today than 1994. regard to recreational when you started? What’s the best laning I bought a copy of What was your vehicular rights? Back then you decided where accessory you own or International Off Roader (IOR) favourite truck you’ve Things have a habit of not you wanted to go and bought have owned? edited by Colin Dawson (anyone ever laned in? changing that much. maps of the area, researched Electronic mapping software know where and how he is Land Rover Lightweight and plotted a route, and then (MemoryMap/ViewRanger etc) please?). The writing course belonging to a friend. It was like planned your trip. These days and a tablet. said to send a copy of your work a fair ground ride – so bumpy most of it is available on the to other publications, so I sent and rough. internet, and with electronic Colin a copy of my Telegraph mapping it’s a lot easier. article. As luck would have it, he How many laning was looking for a replacement vehicles have you for his green lane writer, Liz owned? List them Hurley (honest, correct name if you wish. but not the actress). And that’s One RR Classic, three GMC how I got into the writing. Sierra heavy duty 2500 pick-up Now as a proper monthly trucks, one Chevy Avalanche, contributor to IOR I needed one RR P38 (current) and one material. I joined the All Wheel quad (current). Drive Club (AWDC) and went GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 27 26 how mapping has changed We’ve come a long way since the The maps with which most of us taking another 17 years. It’s hard for Andy Stansfield takes a look at how 16th century county maps of the are now familiar are produced by us to imagine now, but the earliest Yorkshire cartographer Christopher Ordnance Survey, but how many OS maps were only printed in Saxton, collated into the Atlas of readers have ever considered this monochrome, with coloured editions Ordnance Survey mapping of the the Counties of England and Wales rather odd name? After all, the word being introduced in 1887. published in 1579. Could he have ‘ordnance’ actually means ‘military The first series was followed UK has evolved over the last couple even dreamed of the level of detail supplies, especially weapons’. The by a variety of editions exploring contained in a modern Ordnance reason for this is that the mapping different formats, though the Survey map, or the interactive agency has its roots in creating original scale of one-inch to one- of hundred years. mapping facilities provided by an maps for strategic use by our mile (1:63,360) stayed with us iOS or android device, let alone armed forces (for some areas of until metrication. One of these Words and photos: Andy Stansfield, except main photo: courtesy of www.lovemapson.com the notion of Global Positioning continental Europe today, the only developments was a grid system, Satellites? detailed topographical maps at enabling the user to specify precise Close on Saxton’s heels came scales such as 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 coordinates. At first, only military another important cartographer, are still military maps). The term maps were printed with such a grid John Speed, who was also an Ordnance Survey wasn’t used at all system, but after the Second World historian - a fact which influenced until 1801 and didn’t appear on a War this was extended to maps his decision to draw up some rather printed map until 1810. purchased by the public. There are surprising maps such as one of It began by mapping the Scottish various grid systems in existence, biblical Canaan, as well as the Highlands during the aftermath each as valid as the others, and the expected maps of the UK. But his of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, the differences between them cannot be particular forte was town plans, project having been tasked to a explained simply. Suffice to say that some of which were incorporated young engineer named William eventually OS settled on what we into his county maps and some of Roy who described the outcome now know as the Ordnance Survey which were also decorated with as a military sketch rather than National Grid and it is this which is figures in period costume around an accurate map. Nevertheless, printed on the maps we use. This the borders, another element of the it contained the kind of detail the enables us to quote a specific grid historian at work. military needed: roads, rivers, hills, reference for a given point. Representations of Saxton’s land use, and settlements…all at the The seventh series of one-inch or Speed’s county maps make scale of 1:36,000 or 1.75 inches to maps - the very maps which many attractive artwork to hang on your a mile. older readers grew up with - were wall: numerous maps are widely While not necessarily being first published in 1952 using ten available as framed prints. But if a rip-roaring success, such colours, but in 1962 this was you really want something special, exercises enabled cartographers reduced to six colours for reasons a wide variety can be obtained as to visualise ever greater accuracy, of economy. They were, however, wallpaper from lovemapson.com while techniques and surveying also mounted on a cloth base - a company which, incidentally, equipment (notably theodolites) which made them considerably also has a deep interest in our were being improved upon too. more durable. Which leads us to ancient rights of way. With the threat of French invasion, metrication in the mid-sixties and As a tool, however, those early emphasis was placed on mapping the replacement of all 189 one-inch maps were very limited in their our southern coast so that the maps by new maps at a scale of scope, though Speed’s town plans military could assess how best 1:50,000. The task of re-drawing certainly added a whole new level to defend our shores. This map the entire series would have taken of usefulness owing to their scale took three years to complete, and far too much time, so these new and detail. In fairness, these early surveyors worked to a scale of two metric maps were compiled from maps were produced as engravings, inches to one mile, that was reduced photographic enlargements of the usually in reverse on copper plate, to one inch to a mile when printed. seventh series one-inch editions in and it isn’t reasonable to expect the The entire first series of one-inch a 40 x 40 kilometre format, also fine detail we are so accustomed to maps of England and Wales wasn’t printed in six colours. today. completed until 1870, with Scotland The first series of 1:50,000 maps GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 29 The dreaded acronym... TRO Traffic Regulation Order People often ask, “Why don’t GLASS do something about TROs?” But the answer isn’t a simple one. So we’re going to try and explain a few facts.

By the time a TRO is in writing, years, so plenty of time to take joining one and feeding back any it’s almost too late to do anything heed, but in the end the authority information to your local rep. about it. The best you can do is decided enough was enough and find an error in the way it’s written slapped a full fat TRO on the route. Once a TRO has been applied numbered 204 and were published Up to now this article has focused Even though many readers will and challenge it legally. It might Illegal use costs legal users dearly. If a TRO goes ahead on a byway in two stages during 1974-1976. But on the one-inch (1:63,360) and make use of modern technology, work, but even if it does, the local or UCR, the local authority is by 1975 work had already started on metric 1:50,000 series maps but, of such as Memory Map or View authority may decide to apply TROs don’t always work still obliged to maintain the road the second series which was to add course, OS produces a wide variety Ranger, these still use Ordnance again, this time getting it right. And this can be shown quite to a standard that a byway or leisure information and, to finally of maps at different scales. One Survey maps for their coverage of You can get lots of people to clearly on a lane near Bristol UCR requires, which means the complete the metrication process, of these in particular is popular the UK. Personally, I use Memory make objections, but this often gets which had been abused off the authority cannot use a TRO to the change to metric contours, this with those involved with outdoor Map simply because I’m used to it ignored and the authority plough definitive line of the route and into avoid their statutory duty of second series taking until 1987 to be pursuits, and that is the 1:25,000 and have complete coverage of the on regardless. But not always. neighbouring land. Once legal users maintenance. Make sure they are completed. It was during this period Explorer series, an earlier edition UK. That’s all very well for laning were banned, illegal use went up aware of this if any TROd routes that the now familiar Landranger of these having been branded the at home, but abroad is another So how do we stop a TRO? massively, and the amount of land you walk are sub standard! brand was adopted. Outdoor Leisure series. There was matter and demands an alternative The answer is, you don’t. “What?”, being abused increased also. This But technology never stays still also a 1:25,000 series branded as for which I favour Topo Maps+ in I hear you cry! But that’s the crux suggests that legal users actually TRO reviews for long and the next major hurdle Pathfinder maps which covered a conjunction with the best paper of the issue. You need to head acted somewhat in educating and These are almost impossible to was to be the digitisation of all smaller area (I used to have many maps I can find. This provides TROs off at the ‘pass’. Stop them policing while they still had legal make happen, but sometimes Ordnance Survey’s maps, which of these... it was the only way to worldwide topographical mapping before anyone has even thought use of the lane. persistence pays off. We have had was completed in 1995, making the get detailed maps in my early days using a wide choice of base maps of a TRO. some success in a few counties. UK the first country in the world to of laning. I still have them. Editor). plus a snap-to-route tool for plotting What else can be done? achieve this momentous task. How Explorer maps also come in the routes. But how do we do that? The Green Lane Association can’t Conclusion often have you found that the area laminated Active format. So… is it worth spending money Education. Simple. Don’t drive an be everywhere – we just don’t have Education, education, education. you are interested in falls right at The 1:25,000 maps include on paper or laminated maps as well unsurfaced road when it’s beyond enough people on the ground. Both to users and local authorities. the edge of a map or, even worse, more detail than their 1:50,000 as keeping up with technological self repair, or can’t sustain all user This is mainly due to the fact that Problems can be solved in at the edge and near a corner so counterparts and one of the most developments? My own preference traffic. Yet there are people out on the whole we are a voluntary practical ways without the use you need four maps to cover your significant differences, especially is to have both. Paper and laminated there that want to mud plug on organisation. of a sledgehammer TRO, but this route? Well, digitised mapping has when visibility drops to a matter maps are very inexpensive lanes, and ultimately it’s these So we rely on information from involves talking. Unfortunately also meant that it’s now possible of yards, is that the larger scale compared with the amount we people that are the root of TROs. members and other sources. A GLASS can’t be in all places, so you, for us to purchase a map with our maps included field boundaries. spend on our precious 4x4s, and There are examples all over the good way to tackle proposed TROs the member can take an active own specified point as the centre of There are also differences in the they are one hundred percent country, but one that springs to is to be on a Local Access Forum part as well. Let us know if there the map, which solves this problem representation of rights of way reliable. We all know that modern mind is the river crossing at Easton (LAF). Many of our reps are, but are issues out there. Speak to your instantly. when you compare the legends of technology can be fickle and, when Grey on the Fosseway in Wiltshire. we don’t cover every single county local rep. Mention it in a comment As well as the normal paper maps, the two different series. For our it does let us down, it’s usually at The road crosses the river over a and not all reps have a seat on one. on TW2. Contact your local Ordnance Survey now produces an purposes, when out laning, I always the most inopportune time (quite well made stone , yet idiots Often you can only be a member authority. The louder the voice, the Active version for selected areas, to stick with 1:50,000 maps for true, plus you can annotate easily chose time and time again to for a limited period, so you as a more they will listen. Together we which is laminated and will stand up simplicity and consistency (I prefer on paper maps and still refer to drive and ride through the river, member could add value to the can reduce the number of TROs to use in the wind and rain without using both for added detail, and flip them 25 years later! Editor). damaging the banks in the process. association by giving up a few that plague our network. Simple being reduced to a torn and soggy between the two while navigating, Warnings were given over the afternoons or evenings a year by solutions can often avoid TROs. GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 mess. Editor). 31 30 Shropshire, from a Oliver reflects on his journey to date in 4x4 ownership and how GLASS has helped him explore his new hobby. totallydifferent perspective Words and pictures: Oliver Evans GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 32 33 My 4x4 journey began some time working as expected and some Jimny owners, but it was there that Having been laning for a decent fun to take friends and family out years ahead of laning. It’s hard to in July 2018, when I bought a tidy steep descents dashed with loose I met another local Jimny owner amount of time now, my confidence over the lanes to show them the say at the moment what the future 2005 Suzuki Jimny with just shy rock gave me a perfect opportunity that introduced me to GLASS. in both my own abilities and more beautiful side of the hobby of 4x4s is, but as long as I can still of 100,000 miles after selling my to test out the low-range gearbox. After looking into the member the capabilities of my car have and some of the fantastic vistas explore the gorgeous countryside last car to fund it. I’d previously What really stood out to me on benefits and TrailWise2, I joined grown greatly. I’ve since taken that you can get to if you look on four wheels, I’ll be more than been driving around in a 1988 this first trip was just how beautiful and introduced myself on the on some more challenging lanes hard enough. I’d be lying if I said it content. In the more immediate Toyota MR2 and generally had an the surrounding countryside was, forum and facebook group. and even the odd crossing wasn’t fun taking them on the more future, I’d definitely like to graduate affinity for sportier cars, but after and how the tracks were able to At this point I’ve been a member in deeper water. I’ve modified my extreme lanes and scaring them to a larger 4x4 with a few more getting my motorcycle license I give me a totally new perspective for about 18 months and I very Jimny slightly to be a bit more with leans and inclines! creature comforts and perhaps found myself wanting something a on an area I otherwise considered much enjoy being a member of comfortable in more adverse Despite having some time to a more sophisticated drivetrain. I bit more practical that could take myself to be familiar with. The track GLASS. Not only does it contribute conditions but having pushed its enjoy my Jimny, I feel like I’ve also want to continue introducing me and my fiancée on adventures itself for the most part was very to the upkeep and preservation limits at Hawkestone, I’m confident barely scratched the surface in novice members to laning and help through the countryside. easy and could be driven on a drier of the vehicular rights of way, but it can handle the vast majority of terms of lanes to explore, having them grow their own confidence The car itself was in pretty good day by an average four wheel drive it has also provided a fantastic, lanes I come across, especially in hardly ventured outside of my own and share the beauty of Shropshire. condition save for one electrical car on road tyres, yet I bet the vast friendly community that are willing the Shropshire area. back yard in terms of variety. There Joining GLASS has allowed me gremlin causing none of the tail majority of people don’t even know to share their knowledge and In more recent times with this are many lanes I’m eager to try to pursue an all new hobby that I lights to work (fortunately a simple the tracks are there to begin with. skills with others. It also provided confidence, I’ve also started out in Wales this summer, namely can see myself doing for the rest of fix!) and four very worn off-brand After coming back from my first many opportunities that I would introducing others to green laning Wayfarer, which I’ll definitely have my life, and I’ve gained some really road tyres which I can’t imagine outing buzzing for more, I took otherwise have missed such and have taken a few novice to visit once repairs have been good friends along the way and would’ve done it any justice off to social media to see if I could as the GLASS member days at drivers out myself over the very done to the lane. There are also had the opportunity to see some tarmac. Naturally, the first thing find any groups of like-minded Hawkestone park (which is fantastic same tracks that I cut my teeth on. still several great looking lanes in beautiful places. Here’s to many I did after getting it road worthy individuals that shared my passion fun by the way!) which gave me It’s very rewarding to see people Shropshire that I’m yet to visit, so I more years to come! was to fit some all-terrain tyres for the outdoors in the hope that a place to push the limits of my go through the same learning still have plenty of lanes to explore and take it on its first trip into the I’d gain some more information and Jimny in a safe environment rather experiences that I did and to watch in the coming months. Shropshire Hills. The Jimny did not perhaps learn a few more routes. than potentially causing damage to them learn just how capable their I’m still quite young at 26 years disappoint, all 4x4 systems were At first I joined a group for Suzuki lanes and getting stuck on my own. vehicles truly are. It’s also great old, and look forward to my many GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 34 35 Parish Church, or Fields, without owners and occupiers, commonly record the status of rights of way, any Communication with a Great cul de sacs. records of highways were about Road; which is to be repaired by the Both private carriage road and repair. Repair is the most common Village or Hamlet, and sometimes public bridleroad. and repeated topic and is upheld by a private Person; (contra of by every iteration of the highways Highways, the whole Parish shall The last may appear to justify the acts, e.g. acts attempted to limit cart It has long been believed that not all private carriage be charged). If such Way be out of private carriage road as being wheel widths to limit damage and Repair, every Inhabitant may bring exclusive to user, as why else reduce repair. roads are private, just privately maintained with an Action; and for stopping the Way would there be a public bridleway The Andrews case prevailed for (varying) public rights. If a case goes ahead, the stakes to the Church, they may have an coincident with the private use many years declaring that the Action upon the Case. 1 Vent.208” by vehicles. However, it is equally commissioners were ultra vires are high, but the potential rewards are great. consistent with the liability for to award public bridleways at less Awarded Private Carriage Roads: repair being split: if the way was than 30 feet (subject to the 1801 some subdivided private carriage out of repair to pass on foot or Inclosure Consolidation Act). This roads into different classes: horseback (as a bridleroad), then was finally overturned in the appeal Inclosure Awarded For all to use; these were the remedy lay by indictment to the court. The same process now needs predominantly thoroughfares Surveyor of Highways (the whole to proceed with regard to a private Where there was an existing way parish); if the road was out of repair carriage road, meaning the method which continued at either end, for vehicles, then an action could be of repair rather than who could use but was a narrower width than taken against those responsible for them, so we need a case to overturn that laid down for public carriage repair—the village, a person or body. Dunlop and Buckland; which will Carriage Roads roads. In some Inclosure Awards, the mean that those interested in public Private For a section of the public (which commissioners directed the private rights of way will have to dig deep Words: Catriona Cook MBE, Byway and Bridleways Trust. Photos: Dale Wyatt. is not recognised under modern roads to be maintained in like into their pockets. law) some of which terminated at manner to the public carriage roads, a place of public resort such as therefore under the jurisdiction of At the moment the legal roads of diarists and the minor or state, although the public had the church, local mill or watering the Surveyor of Highways, which This extract has been condensed from a interpretation of a private carriage cross roads of the small scale maps rights of passage over the ways. place. indicates public use. And until the fuller paper, which will be available in the future to those interested. road is governed by the Dunlop and of the period. Access to the adjacent land for Definitive Map which aimed to Buckland cases which pronounced 1794 Joseph Granger in The Review Liability to maintain that they are private as to user. But and Abstract of the County Report The distinction between ownership delving into our social and legal of the Board of Agriculture. Public of the soil and the liability for repair history there appears there might Works – Roads‘ “The Public Roads created different means of bringing be another interpretation, that the are in good condition but the private an action by a user when a road was term private is to do with the means or township roads are in a very out of repair: of repair rather than user; which indifferent state… “ Public Roads came under the would have the potential to return 1823 William Cobbett’s ‘Rural Rides’ Statute Duty and the Parish‘s many routes back into the public “These are cross roads, mere parish Surveyor of Highways was liable domain. roads; but they are very good.” for an indictment for out of repair, Rights of way is a legal subject but 1785 White’s Map of the Ainsty of the whole parish (the public) being it is also about the practical matter York shows ‘turnpike and private liable. of people historically going about or occupation roads’ only so the Private Roads were the their business on foot or horseback only public communication across responsibility of the village, and using horses, carts, mules and the whole area was via the private person or body and any inhabitant donkeys for transport of goods. roads, therefore they must have could bring an action of common It is therefore important to treat been public. Some are marked with law nuisance against them. historical documents with social a destination, e.g. “From Wetherby” history in mind and not to view indicating public roads. 1734 The Compleat Parish Officer things through the perspective of defines the difference between the twenty first century. Historical origins highways and private ways. “Before In the days of under-nourishment; Roman Law, which was carried I come to the Office of Surveyors of weary people driving tired laden on under Medieval English Law, the Highways, I shall let you know horses would have taken the easiest explained that the ownership of the what are Highways, and what are gradient, or the most direct route soil determined whether a road was private Ways in the Eye of the Law. even if that was not the main road. classed as public or private, and that And first, Any Cart, Horse, or Foot- Many of these lesser roads were term related to its repair, not its use: way, common to all People, is the awarded as private carriage roads; The soil of Public Roads (via King’s Highway; (whether it directly free passage for all but maintained publica) was public, belonging to lead to any Market-Town or not) and by the village, a person or body. the state; commonly the great a Nusance [sic] in any of the said Examples from the period indicate roads to ports and cities, or Ways, is punishable by Indictment. 6 that private carriage roads were military roads; Mod.255 indeed used by the public, since The soil of Private Roads (via A private way is that which GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION

GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 they were the parish or township vicinales) did not belong to the leads from a Village, etc. to the 37 36 What are your plans for that Yamaha TTR250 Chris? Words and pictures: Paul Chamberlain.

“It’s yours if you want it.” the TRF, who had agreed to show to riding on green lanes wasn’t too And so it began. After a close me the ropes. It was an informative difficult, apart from eating a little encounter with an immovable day. I lost count of my falls at 17. too much dirt. Vision, planning object, and a subsequent ride in an By the end, if not the middle, of and commitment along with subtle Air Ambulance, Chris has decided the day I was totally exhausted, throttle and clutch control are key. to stay off the loose stuff. Being but I was hooked. Six years later However, getting used to feeling the an exceptionally kind man he gave I look back on that day and I’m wheels squirming around under you the bike to me. A little bit of fettling not surprised I came off so often. takes a while. I truly believe though was required after the fall and Riding down Limmer Rake near that it makes for a better road rider subsequent lack of use. However, Hollinsclough was perhaps a step too. A childhood riding my home the TTR is an excellent bike. If there too far for day one. I had been riding built ‘tracker’ bicycle through the was sufficient room in my garage I’d on the black stuff for 40 years. I local woods, and occasionally over still have it. was a year round rider and well frozen park lakes, meant that I A few months later on a cold used to continental touring. Being had developed some of the other

January morning I met Nick, from an experienced rider the transition necessary skills early on, like how 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 39 to fall off. The biggest problem for Not recommended I know, but by avoiding the rarely travelled, me was, and still is, that I’m only needs must. After a couple of years or particularly challenging, lanes. 5’6”. This isn’t a good start for the I started showing new riders around Riding motorcycles is a relatively typically high seat found on a green the lanes and now have a regular risky activity, we have to be sensible lane bike. That said if you have riding partner who’s also a sad old and take precautions, but life is sufficient time, and a will, skills can retired git. More recently I’ve also there to be lived. be learned and developed, even in guided a few groups from further Three and a half years after that your late 50’s and 60’s. afield around the Peak District. It’s a first day I had a different bike. This Following that day I went real pleasure being able to introduce one was also lightweight but had with small groups into the Peak riders to the area and share the a fuel range of over 200 miles, District on an almost weekly basis. landscape. It’s also good to have luggage carrying capabilities and a Developing my skills, falling off someone else open and close the relatively comfortable saddle. Three less, learning where the legal lanes gates. I still do the occasional solo things which are not commonplace were and how to link them together. ride though. Perhaps it’s a hang on ‘off road’ bikes. After a lot of Being retired I prefer to get out over from being an only child who planning and preparation I spent mid week when it’s quiet so riding was brought up to be independent? a week riding the extensive trails partners are not always available. I like to think that I manage the risk around Oliana in the Pyrenees.

For the next 10 days I followed the primarily 4x4 use. Although you wheelers. Additionally, some trails Vibraction Trans Pyrenees Route have to pay for them, they come are particularly narrow so may not 5 to its conclusion in the western with an excellent road book and be appropriate for vehicles over Pyrenees. From there I dipped in notes about accommodation, fuel a metre wide. The GPX tracks are and out of the newly created TET stops, places to visit on, or near, regularly updated by the community (Trans European Trail) going further the route. The TET was launched of ‘linesmen’ who monitor the trails west into northern before a short time before I went and, at with the support of riders. I’ve since heading back to Santander for the that time, often followed the route followed the TET from the Welsh ferry. It was an excellent trip which of the VB5. If you’re not aware of borders, across the Peaks and well I recommend to any bike rider or it the TET is a growing 51,000 km into Yorkshire. A longer trip along 4x4 enthusiast. The Pyrenees have gpx track covering most of Europe. the UK TET is planned for later this miles and miles of continuous trails It’s specifically designed for middle year. with spectacular views and riding weight motorcycle use. While all of which isn’t too challenging. The the track is legal for motorcycles vibraction.org

Vibraction routes are designed for this does not always apply to four transeurotrail.org 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 41 40 DustingDorset Words: Mervyn Taylor, Dorset assistant rep. Pictures: Shazz Cooper.

Although I had led a few trips point. I started planning a few weeks arrived at Moreton Ford (SY8089- up to Nether Cerne (SY6698-03) the overhanging trees and foliage, disappointment was that the ice around Dorset, this one was before, drove some of the question 03). I was so pleased it had been dry which presents a steep climb and it does have an air of another world cream van that usually trades from going to be the longest and most mark lanes to make sure they were leading up to this as it meant that a then opens up to an incredible vista about it. Then onto the impressive there had already left. exciting to date. I rose early on going to be suitable and loaded my standard Duster could pass the ford – certainly one of my favourites and Eggardon Hill UCR (SY5295-03) I would like to thank Shazz for 12th May 2019 to a glorious sunrise route up to Viewranger ready to go. within its wading depth, and it is lends itself to yet another photo where you gaze with amazement at the brilliant photos she took of the coupled with the fact that we had a I had also taken some PMR radios as always exciting to drive this for the opportunity (cue Shazz )! A couple the Iron Age Hill Fort that dominates trip and the great company of the sustained dry spring, so conditions I knew not all had access to CB. first time. And for me, it’s nice to see more lanes and we were at another the northern sky line. Two Gates others which has cemented lasting couldn’t have been better. Joining So here we were in the National the anxious smiles on the drivers’ favourite, Upcerne (ST6203-02) (SY5493-02) followed, and although friendships. me were Geraint Thomas, Geraint Trust car park under the shadow faces. Getting there early meant which again has a nice climb leading short, gives the most amazing view Geriant Thomas has now become Ap Dewi and his wife Angela, Nick of Corfe Castle, sun shining down, the picnickers and paddlers had not up to another incredible view over a over the west Dorset countryside. an accomplished laner and has set Worsfold with co driver Pat and exchanging pleasantries and arrived en masse! All cars passed valley. This was to be our lunch stop, The last lane was Parks Lane up a group ‘Gentle Lanes Wales’ Dorset GLASS’s own professional admiring each other’s vehicles through without an issue and a and it would be difficult to find a (SY5580-04 & SY5587-01) which which promotes GLASS and helps photographer Shazz Hooper. What where I gave a brief outline of great sense of achievement was better one. traverses over Ashley Chase and those, particularly SUV’s and made this especially exciting was what was to be expected today. felt by all. After lunch, we headed west again lends itself to some fine shinies, looking for non damaging Geraint, Geraint & Nick were all It was going to be a long day at We made our way toward the and drove some great little lanes countryside views. The lane passes lanes. Duster drivers, so we were going to approximately 12 hours, allowing for north of the county and to the only before arriving at Common Water Chappel Coppice and if you ever I continue to support GLASS Rep, have 4 Dusters in 1 group and Shazz lunch, photos and the obvious calls lane I had a slight doubt about. Lane (ST4402-02). This can be pass and have time, it is worth Rob Elliott here in Dorset as well as in her Jeep Renegade. Now I am of nature. We set off at 8.00am to This is known locally as ‘Cock a Leg tricky at the eastern end as loose taking a wander through the woods the ‘Dacia Duster Explorers’, who fully aware of group guidelines and a great little UCR known locally as Lane’ (ST7702-02), dubbed so by boulders and rocks means you to the derelict chapel. It certainly again fully supports and promotes I must point out that the route was Rollington Hill, (SY9781-02). This is Dorset GLASS Rep, Rob Elliott, as have to pick your line carefully, has an eerie feel to it and there GLASS, and we actively encourage mainly dry, popular lanes were to be a nice easy climb and descent with those driving monocoque chassis especially those vehicles with a are often offerings left by those of anyone who wants to start green driven early as not to interfere with stunning views at the top, an ideal vehicles will lift a rear wheel up, lower ground clearance. We then ancient belief systems. We headed lane driving to join. walkers or cyclists and these are ice breaker. We then made our way similar to canine watering a tree, on travelled down to Bridport for a South towards Abbotsbury Castle I look forward to another Duster very low impact vehicles. Seeing as around to the ‘Crown Jewels’, Corfe their descent. I had nothing to fear few more lanes before arriving at and just before you reach the excursion later this year, perhaps both Gerraints had travelled down Ridgeway (SY9482-03, SY9382-03 as all vehicles drove with caution Knowl Hill (SY4992-02). I decided B3157 you are met with another Wiltshire this time. from Wales and Nick & Pat had & SY9281-02) which was a little and passed through without any we would descend rather than astounding view of the Chesil travelled from Devon, I wanted to more challenging, but so incredibly issues, only the joyous amazement ascend, but it does not take away peninsular and Portland in the Lanes driven: 23 make the day as special as I could, rewarding. The vista at the top is of watching the vehicles in front of the beauty of this . “It’s distance. We pulled into the layby Miles driven: 110 but also bearing in mind that they just breathtaking, and being a clear them momentarily turning into 3WD like Jurassic Park” came over the at the top of the hill just as the Time taken: 11+ hours had not had a vast amount of green and sunny morning it made it so cars! radio, and I have to agree, with the sun was setting. It really could not New GLASS members: 2 GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 lane driving experience up to that special. A few more lanes and we A bit of a tarmac stretch took us ferns growing out of the side and have been a better day, the only Smiles: plenty 42 43 mid life

crisis?from buggies to a Jeep

Area Rep John Askew looks back on his choice of laning vehicles from his first buggy, through to his latest Jeep Cherokee.

Words and pictures: John Askew GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 44 45 Midlife Crisis? I ask you!! with a change of membership to owner in Monmouthshire, mainly tyre kicking for me and I took a and some are a downright rip off, Yes nearly everyone has ribbed I first started laning back a different group of like-minded due to lack of use. £500 punt on the ‘Heap’. Fairly or expensive to import and buy in me and taken the mick along the in 2006/7 after moving to individuals, many of whom I am The problem is I have always had light at 1.5 ton, boxey, narrow, and the UK from a handful of specialist way. After all, it is a Jeep, and much Carmarthenshire, and at the time I still friends with today and remain a least one toy either sitting on with a low roofline, comfy and a Jeep dealers. of it is made of chocolate. However, knew next to nothing about green part of my current group. After the , or moored up, since good project to give me something Some 12 months later I had it in a how did it perform? Fine for a first laning. After doing some research becoming a GLASS rep, and a my early twenties, and the empty to do, the Jeep was acquired. state where I was confident enough run. Switchable 2 to 4WD with I joined GLASS and tied up with short stint as magazine editor space on the driveway began to Opting for a 2.5TD version for (and had a spare day) to give it a high and low, and a rear LSD. With the then area rep Ed Percy who before Dale, I became more and grind away at me. Even though my laning requirements I roped test spin on some of my favourite a moderate 2 inch lift I dragged checked me out and eventually more involved with Treadlightly! circumstances had changed a bit in a club friend of mine Martin to and trusted Powys lanes. That was no diffs and cruised about fairly showed me the ropes. Several and invested a lot of spare time and I didn’t have anywhere near come along with me and trailer it in September 2019, and the wallet confidently in comfort all weekend. months later I set up a club of into repair projects, research, as much play time as I used to, it to Rhayader for inspection in his was severely dented to the tune of Now it’s back to the ‘To Do’ list to buggy enthusiasts and tested LAF membership, countryside began to niggle me. So, I tossed garage. around £4k, due to steel bumpers, weld on new box sills for the next out some group trips along the volunteering and green laning. around a few mad ideas of building Originally I thought the issues new suspension and tyres, new MOT. For the money I have spent Claerwen byway, and the open For a few years this was fine something ready for when the were just a clutch slave cylinder, cooling system, servicing, welding, it will now be with me for a while. section of Sarn Helen. However, but then I had an itch to move kids were a bit older, which let’s however this was just the start, and a host of new parts and Even the kids have helped with after blowing a whopping £6-7k on to something a little warmer and be honest would probably still be anyway several months of swearing upgrades. Yet there is still plenty I bits and one of them has been out a newly imported ’07 plate 650cc quicker, so after some brief owning in boxes now, and chatted to a few later, a complete new clutch, and want to do, and even today I have in it already. Prices are rising and 2WD Joyner I soon realised this of Jap vehicles I invested in a nice people before being persuaded to with thanks to Land Rover loving been tinkering around on it. Again some say they are future classics. was not the most sensible choice tidy ’98 Disco 1 (50th anniversary the dark side! Yes no green oval. Martin and a helping hand from thanks to another laning friend We shall see! Since writing this of vehicle. edition) which became fairly well Mid life crisis? my old buddy Andy, the Heap Chris at #ExploreTheScenicRoute article I have now dissolved Wales After shopping around I decided known in some green laning circles So, just over a year ago I had a fresh new MOT for me to for helping me get it this far. Not & Wye Laning Group in favour of that a move to a 4x4 vehicle and magazine articles. I upgraded plumped for a 1999 Jeep Cherokee drive home from Rhayader to one nut or bolt has come off downsizing to a smaller group for would be much more suitable and ran ‘Rhiannon’ for a decade (XJ) non runner near Llandovery. the Forest of Dean… it just about without a grinder or swearing, 2020. Times and people change, so purchased a very tidy Series before the kids and work changes Now living in the Forest of Dean I made it before exploding coolant nearly every one had to be snapped and a refresh was needed. 3 short wheelbase landy, and came along, only selling her on dropped a quick line to Ed Percy everywhere. One thing I have found off or be drilled out but it has been Update: Engine died at end of continued running the club but about 18 months ago to a new who went and did the obligatory is some parts are hard to come by, good fun. March after a green lane run. GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 47 46 unusal laners Mark Spencer

Ian Kent Andy Bint

Neil Gantely

Ed Matthews Ian Willis

Steve Varley Michael Nash

Adam Turner

Dean Baker John Lucas

René Ruf GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 48 1996 Back in the 90s, I was leading a trip, had cut its way through the surface feet above us. The stone hardcore TIME one of my classic ‘Wild Weekends’ of the road. The only way to bypass that they used to build their roads MACHINE trips. We had camped wild for a it was to gingerly creep past to one formed an unassailable bank, not couple of nights with pre-agreed side, yet it was on a grassy wet side dissimilar to a railway embankment. permissions sought. Breaking camp slope over the gully which made Our lead truck had a winch, on the final morning I decided to your bottom clench! something we only ever used as a take a look at a nearby lane – a Leaving that behind we dropped last resort. It seemed appropriate RuPP (Road Use as a Public Path), back onto the firm surface once to use it now, considering what lay which were legal to drive at the more. However the respite was behind us, and the fact we were time. Local knowledge was hard to short lived as the road took a sharp almost at the end of the lane. come by pre-internet, but the left turn to the right and over another However the stone debris from turn we would take ahead would bog. Lack of maintenance left it the embankment just acted like THE turn out to be a really bad choice. unclear where the route actually sludge, making forward momentum ran, but taking a careful line saw us impossible. Into the unknown reach a solid section of road once LANE FROM Moving away from camp, an old again – an obvious line etched into Decision time farmstead gradually falling back into the contour. We decided to reluctantly turn the environment, we followed the back, knowing the hardships we well trodden route before turning The woods would face on the return journey. north into the unknown. Initially the By this time we were all soaked, the Finding a place to turn, we made road started off ok, until we reached mist saturating us. This line took our way carefully back. Eventually the first bog. A diversion up a firm us into forestry – firs not natural to we reached the well trodden route bank with scary lean over the drop the landscape soon enveloped us. that we left that morning. In the took us around it, dropping back The road meandered through the intervening time, seven hours had onto a firm surface. The weather forest, mostly in a good condition, passed. We changed into dry clothes started to deteriorate at this point, until the route ended in a trough and headed for home, vowing never with the mist coming down and full of water, similar to a canal lock. to return to the Lane from Hell visibility falling away. Walking ahead, it became clear again. I checked out the legacy layer what the issue was... the Forestry the other day and the first entry A long, long time ago in a land far A washout Commission has built a forestry states: “Has been known to take Then ahead of us, we found the road that bisected the right of way. many hours to complete depending has been washed That would normally be ok, but upon local conditions”. It is now a hellaway, a few of us took the last exit away. More than that, a deep gully the forestry road was perhaps 30 Restricted Byway. to nowhere... it was a bad decision.

Words and pictures: Dale Wyatt GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 51 50 The draw of the open

(green) Having a job that allows him to drive green road roads the length and breadth of Great Britain (yes, including Scotland) Neil Watterson finds any excuse to venture off tarmac

Words and pictures: Neil Watterson, Editor, Land Rover Owner International magazine GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 52 53 myself, before rounding the corner then it’s probably not in the right day and while most of the other and finding a Peugeot 207 bellied condition to be driven. And though crews were in sports cars of various on a water run-off bar. He was a some of my Land Rovers have vintages, we were in a Citroën 2CV, delivery driver for Amazon and additional kit, like trick diffs, I apply with the roof peeled back. I was had been stuck for 45 minutes – a that to every lane, irrespective of plotting the route and spotted that bit of work with a jack to lift the the vehicle I’m in. we could cut off a sizeable chunk of body clear of the ground and a bit If you’ve been paying attention road if we used a byway, so we did, of packing around the run-off gave so far, you’ve probably realised the 2CV’s suspension soaking up him the clearance he needed to that this means that much of my the undulations. extract himself. green laning is done solo; I know Despite my driver’s reservations, Of course, not every green road we advise against it, but if you’re because the conditions were dry shown on the maps is driveable as sensible, know both your own and and dusty, the Citroën’s suspension the above drivers found, and there your vehicle’s capabilities and the smoothed out the bumps and we are plenty I’ve taken a peek down, terrain, you can do it. made the finish just in time. It had but reversed out. My rule of thumb I was navigating on a treasure proved to be a shrewd move – not is if you can’t drive a lane in a solo hunt in the Marlborough area in the only did we get back in on time, standard 4x4 on all-terrain tyres, mid-1990s. It was a warm summer’s but as we were in joint first place

Which is your favourite green road? wear off a bit; it feels like a long so I’ll scan my destination and see if I was struggling to think how to slog to get to the descent. there are any lanes nearby – if they start this piece off and it occurred Maybe I’ve become a bit blasé are, and I have the time, I’ll have to me that I don’t think I’ve ever as I get to drive such a variety of a look at them. They have thrown been asked that question. I know lanes, or maybe it’s because I get up a few surprises, and on several I’ve been asked which the best is, bored easily, that I like the thrill of occasions stuck vehicles where and which are the toughest, but exploring a new lane and immersing owners have ignored their satnavs ‘favourite’ is a subjective one. myself in fresh scenery. And I’m – though I have been impressed at I’ve done plenty of green laning lucky that my day job as editor of just how far they managed to get trips where the roads that look like Land Rover Owner International before ceasing traction. they’ll be the best have turned out magazine allows me to indulge in One was the ford on an to be so-whats, while others have just that. unclassified county road (UCR) been real gems. Take Rudland Rigg, It’s on trips for the magazine in Mineshop in Cornwall. I first for example. I’m fairly sure that that I get to travel along some real drove this back in the mid-1990s it’s the UK’s longest uninterrupted gems. I remember heading out and remembered it being a ford green lane and it’s definitely one of with Dale, editor of this erstwhile followed by a mud-covered stony the ‘bucket list’ lanes to be driven, publication, exploring some of climb. Which it was. But I didn’t but even before the recent repair the lanes in Gloucestershire. He expect to find a stranded Ford Focus work on the rocky descent towards headed off the tarmac down a halfway up the hill. We managed Ingleby Greenhow, I’d only drive it tiny lane near Painswick; I hadn’t to get it down and back to tarmac because it was there, rather than even noticed it on the map, but without recourse to winches or because I wanted to. it was there. Just 160m long, but ropes, just some careful driving. This isn’t to say it’s a bad lane – for me it was my favourite lane of There was a similar occurrence so if you’ve plans to include it in a the trip, simply because it was so on the UCR crossing the River run, don’t be put off – it has great unexpected. Washburn near Otley. I was on my scenery, and the northern descent Others are just ones I stumble way to navigate on a road rally, and where you get views towards upon. As I only drive Land Rovers, decided to include it on my route Middlesbrough are fantastic, no matter where I go, I’ll be in the to the start. After crossing the very especially if you’re driving under a right vehicle for the job, and my rocky ford, I noticed some tracks moody sky. But once you’ve driven phone has full UK OS Landranger left by a decidedly un-4x4 vehicle. it a couple of times the novelty does mapping on the MemoryMap app, ‘They were brave,’ I thought to GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 55 54 Rather than wondering why the and appreciate why the road goes And that’s the beauty of green road wiggles around, they see it as where it does. Sure you can get laning. I have quite a hectic work an inconvenience preventing them places faster by other routes, but is life and my leisure time is very from cramming more into their speed everything? I travel along the precious. If I could, I’d spend every busy lives. A34 corridor in Oxfordshire quite a day green laning, but sadly I can’t There are some corkers of quirky lot and, when the ground is dry, I’ll (though I am planning an epic tarmac roads around, though, like drive the byway along Shrill Down trip later this year, just for fun, the sunken lanes just south of near East Ilsley, stopping to watch assuming everything works in my Dinnington in Somerset, where you the traffic thundering along the favour), so those stolen moments descend into a maze of steep-sided A34 below me. And if I’m travelling and brief encounters with the lanes. It’s like you’re entering a east on the A303 on a summer unsealed road network help redress different world, especially on a hot weekend, I’ll turn off at Yarnbury the balance. summer’s day when the contrast Castle and make my way across So, to answer my own question between the bright daylight and Salisbury Plain on byways, rather of what is my favourite green road, darkness afforded by the dense than adding to the traffic jams at I’d have to answer: ‘the next one’: tree canopy high above is so acute – Stonehenge. These diversions may That’s the one I look forward to daytime running lights are almost a add to my journey time, but they’re driving most. must, as is slowing down. certainly more relaxing as I can On green lanes we can slow down dawdle along at my own pace.

on scores, distance travelled would held at night, lights would illuminate non-stop when the first Land Rover be the tie-breaker. Because of that the skyline and we’d be sure they tried in 1948. The Land Rover didn’t green road we had travelled fewer would find us, but often we’d only manage it as it didn’t have the miles, so we took the trophy. see a fraction of the competing steering lock, but a supercharged In fact, the link between vehicles – map reading obviously trials car did within a couple of competition and green laning has wasn’t their thing! weeks of the Land Rover’s attempt. been strong in my world since the Other events use unsealed roads These sort of roads hold their 1980s. Like a few other current to access parts of the events – I history simply because they have GLASS members, I used to marshal marshal on The Preston in Thetford remained unsealed – as soon as some of the big military driving Forest, where byways are the best they are coated with a layer of competitions which were held on way to get to the test sections, tarmac they can lose a lot of their the Salisbury Plain Training Area. and other unsealed roads, like charm. Because people are busy The routes would be set out and Simms Hill near Newton Abbot are trying to get from somewhere they marshal points allocated – we would used on long-standing trials. Even didn’t need to be to somewhere then use the rights of way to make Dunlop’s Dividend near Brechfa in they do, they don’t slow down our way to the check points and Wales was seen as a true test of a enough to appreciate what is GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION

GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 wait for the crews to arrive. Being vehicle, and hadn’t been ascended around them or under their tyres. 57 56 Going Dutch in Cornwall Words and pictures: Jim Hancock

It always takes longer with more vehicles than just yourself so whatever you think is doable, double it.

November 2019: directly to Devon. I would get four R/V points, times and full As Cornwall rep, I got an email local GLASS Members to lead two instructions, as well as hints from Dale Wyatt asking if I could groups over two days. Within hours and tips, were issued to the four accommodate an overseas member of putting out the shout (the first guides and regular contact made and his group for a long weekend after only 10 minutes) four names to ensure they were happy and of green laning at the end of were pencilled in and confirmation had all the relevant information January 2020. made with the guys from Holland. regarding their routes. I made a Contacting Klaas Jan Breedijk ‘Lanes Tracks and Trails’ routes final contact the night before to direct, he told me they would be were issued to Paul Cavanns and ensure everything was lined up and arriving at Harwich and departing Matt Maisey (Dartmoor & South ready. Communication channels from Southampton – a long way Devon) and Brendan Stevens and were open during both days to from Devon! My vehicle was out Mark Morris (Tamar & Tavy Valleys) ensure everything ran smoothly, of commission so in a light bulb two weeks prior to the event to which it did. Here are a few shots moment a plan was hatched! allow familiarisation and practice from the day. We take sandwiches. Klaas and his group would drive runs if they wished to do so. The Dutch took grills for steak!

“Hi Jim, we had a perfect day! Thanks, now we drive to Southampton...” Klaas GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 58 59 We’re looking to raise £30,000 to help fund the repair of four iconic Welsh lanes

PLEASE www.glass-uk.orgDONATE NOW

Cynghordy 4x4 & Green Lane Holidays - Mid Wales Llandovery Carmarthenshire, SA20 0NB Family run Guest House & Self Catering Tel: 01550 750274 e-mail: [email protected] Cottages with spectacular views, en-suite bedrooms, comfortable lounge bar & excellent home cooked food. www.cambrianway.com Ideal for individuals and groups with space for 35 people. Pressure washer, drying room, map room with local lanes marked, on-site 4x4 course & guides available. Extensive network of lanes in the area with at least 4 days of routes available Although GLASS will be submitting a substantial sum from the farm. to the repair of these lanes, we need considerably A very popular venue for both individuals more cash, hence our crowd funding initiative. and groups of 4x4 enthusiasts. Green laning for me started three Now I really enjoy green laning… compact SUV and it had a nice I’M NOT years ago when I had my previous I feel like I can ‘get away from it ride height. It has a ‘Trailrated’ Jeep Renegade Trailhawk (16 plate). all’ and the views along some of badge like the Wranglers meaning I had never heard of such a term the lanes are fantastic. One of my a certain level of capability in as ‘green laning’ until a friend got favourite lanes is up on Rollington five specific areas: water fording me to join a local Facebook group Hill, Isle of Purbeck, as you can (wading depth), suspension run by the local GLASS rep Rob enjoy a wonderful view of Corfe articulation, manoeuvrability, I’M Elliot. After entering and winning Castle. As a photographer, I can get ground clearance and traction. lost a competition of getting the most some beautiful landscape shots. The ground clearance is 1.8 inches ‘likes’ on a photo of your vehicle Also the wildlife, wow the wildlife! higher than the standard Renegade on a lane, I won a one to one green Last summer I had partridges and and has much better departure laning day trip around Dorset led pheasants running alongside the angles. It also has skid-plates to by Rob. The trip was refreshing and Jeep, which was quite amusing. protect the underneath, 4x4 low exploring! amazing. I already loved driving and I joined GLASS two years ago. It’s box and hill descent. I’ve watched have a long-held passion for vehicles nice to meet up with other GLASS Youtube videos of tests out on (would drive my parents mad as a members; ‘like minded’ people out some tough trails in America and child; calling out what car was going on trips. I have made lots of new there isn’t a lot it won’t do. When Shazz Hooper tells us about her first past us every five seconds). friends. Going out in a small group my warranty was going to run out I realised green laning had is great fun! Lots of banter and fun on my previous model, Jeep gave three years exploring some of our opened up a whole new world for is had by all. me a good deal on the one I have me and I was hooked. Some lanes TrailWise2 is a great tool to have now. It is the latest model with a ancient roads in her little Jeep. did feel challenging, and had me too! I can check out what lanes are better spec like Apple Carplay, blind worried – like the feeling of losing near to me on a road trip or use it spot monitoring etc, plus I fell in balance – as if my little Jeep was to help me plan a nice route for a love with the OEM matt green paint. Words and pictures: Shazz Hooper going to roll on its side. It was a day out and also check what other It’s well over a year old now and I bit daunting but I soon got used to members who have driven the lane have recently added BFGoodridge it. Rob made sure we only drove say about it (eg. SUV friendly, any A/T KO2 Tires and a Teraflex 1.5” lanes that were SUV friendly and obstacles, non-scratchy/scratchy lift to it so hopefully I can now put non-scratchy; after all I hadn’t had etc). I also use ViewRanger to map it through more challenging lanes it for long and it was my ‘every day’ routes. this year. Although I love my little road vehicle too – I didn’t want to I got the Jeep Renegade Jeep I would still love to own a Jeep damage it. Trailhawk because of it being a Wrangler one day. GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 62 63 1996 TIME ENCOUNTER AT MACHINE farpoint Rediscovering an article I wrote 24 years ago, I even managed to find the original packet of photos that accompanied it.

Words and pictures: Dale Wyatt

The traffic roared by as I jacked Maxine!”. We couldn’t be certain you sure?” on the CB (this question up my aging Range Rover. Colin, what he was on about, but I had a became increasingly common as my passenger for the weekend, damn good guess! And talking­ of the weekend progressed: next manhandled the spare wheel, ugly, John was on the look-out for time some other mug can do the which was quickly fitted with a sheep’s skull to take back for his research and navigation). the help of John, while I happily son (something to do with school The road presented no real watched! We had set off from he assured us) so we were all fore­ problem, give or take the water Middlesex around 7.15am, heading warned to keep our eyes peeled. which came through the door seals for the hills on another ‘Wild Eventually we left the motorway on one short section. Weekend’. It was usually only in the for a more civilised A road, and After dropping off the mountain mountains that we encountered soon had to stop for petrol (well, we used a couple of short and the punctures, broken­ fuel pumps, if you’ve got a V8...). Getting back rarely used byways to connect with collapsed swivel bearings, small into the car after filling up a turn our next long mountain road, and electrical fires, etc that had of the key produced­ no more than it was along one of these that we characterised previous expeditions: a click. Now the starter motor had spotted the sheep’s skull we were getting a puncture only an hour packed up, and still not a green after. As it was still connected to into our journey did not bode well. lane in sight! A push start later we the (fortunately lifeless) body, Dave Shortly we rejoined the other were on our way again and finally, eagerly volunteered to detach it two vehicles of our party - John several hours later than planned, with a machete. Ugh: I moved to passengering with Dave upfront in reached our first byway. a safe distance and looked the his diesel powered ‘C’ reg 90, Kevin I had driven this road earlier in other way. Still slightly fleshly, the and Rommel behind in a petrol 2.5 the year - an old mountain road in severed head was duly attached to ‘D’ reg 90 - in the slow lane of the the north eastern comer of Powys the spare wheel on the 90, each M40. that has become hard to follow on bump causing the jaw to oscillate We passed a fleet of smartly the ground through lack of use. as if in macabre laughter. Double liveried lorries, all individually At one point the definitive route ugh! named - ‘Emily Gay’, ‘Rosemary veers off to the right although We were looking forward to the Anne’, ‘Marie-Louise’. When a the track (a bridleway) continues following lane, as we had all been short while later an ugly old ERF straight ahead. Somehow it doesn’t here some years before and had rumbled past, all rivets and bolts, feel right leaving the ‘track’ and met a none-too-friendly “What John’s voice erupted from the driving up through the heather, are you doing coming down my

CB speaker: “That one must be especially with John shouting “Are track?” farmer, later nicknamed 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 65 1996 1996 TIME TIME MACHINE MACHINE

‘Balaclava Bill’ owing to his right of the lane. Impassable due wet Cézanne. This lane was also drainage ditch on the passenger has the time to devote to research us through a pretty brook, past a overdressing in the heat of the to the width (and illegal - ten feet easy to drive, with just a couple of side of the vehicles ensured that into the county archives while still couple of cottages to where the day, and were looking forward­ to wide is the minimum on a byway) tricky bits waiting to catch out the crossing would still be interesting. ensuring that his 1991 Discovery byway turned hard to the left up renewing our acquaintance. Alas we are forced to use a non-legal unwary or the speed merchant. Taking the lead, it was impossible looks in almost as bad a condition an impos­sible-looking bank. I held he let us down, although we were route. Whenever encountered, After refuelling we set off for to see a thing - the road dropped as my 1972 Range Rover [note: the back while Chris drove a little challenged on another section such events must be reported to our camp site, taking in two more away beneath me and the ditch Disco was only five years old at this further up the track and turned (clearly marked Byway) by another the relevant highway or rights minor byways en route. The first was out of sight, so I relied on the time, Editor, 2020]. around to get a bet­ter approach of BB’s profession, the sort who of way authority to counter any saw quite a change to the previous directions of John standing on the When Chris and his colleague angle. This part of the lane hadn’t seem merely to want to test that application the landowner might mountain roads, with dense opposite bank. My Range Rover Brian arrived, they showed us been driven in years, as it was you are certain of your legal right make for a stopping up order of hedges clawing at the paintwork leant over to the left, the nose where we were on an enlarged possible to avoid it - in fact if you to be where you are. Once satisfied the legal byway due to lack of use on both sides as we squeezed our dipped forward alarmingly; then I photocopy of an ‘Enclosure didn’t know the precise route, you of this and that we weren’t stealing of the (inaccessible)­ narrow gate. way along the over­grown road. was at the bottom and beginning­ to Award’ for the area. Although wouldn’t have even considered his sheep, he happily waved us on If their application is successful, After a short distance we reached accelerate up the other side. This many public carriage roads were it a road. Chris slowly edged our way, a grinning sheep’s head the road is then lost to all. a gully where the road dipped was what we came for! clearly marked, only the one we himself up the bank, his Discovery bidding him a fond farewell. Once up on the mountain the extremely steeply into an almost All too soon we were back on the were on was still physically open, articulating­ to an incredible extent. Just around the corner the views were superb. The heather dry streambed, then climbed a tarmac heading towards the last the rest being completely over­ Unfortunately, he couldn’t maintain definitive­ route passes through a was just beginning to change with smaller bank on the other side: in lane of the day (as we thought), grown or illegally obstructed: this traction, his rear end skidding five foot gate at the bottom of a the season and the oranges and wet weather, it would be well-nigh which proved to be half tarmac, is typical of many of the county around to finally come to rest on small gully some distance to the reds were shimmering like a still- impassable. In its dry state a deep half grass, and wholly boring. Back roads in the area. With approval the tow hitch. on the road again a bit of skilful from the council Chris has opened Surveying the situation gave us navigating saw us pulling into our some that haven’t been driven in two possibilities. One: squeeze past camp site; to be more precise, decades, and has many more plans below him, attach a tow rope and into the green lane on which we for the future [this was before any pull. Two: attach the tow rope to proposed to set up camp. In my UCRs or ORPAs had been added by the front of my vehicle and pull him defence I had been informed the OS, Editor, 2020]. around to 180°, in effect turning that it was a wide UCR, which I’ll Having established our route for the Discovery around to face the allow as an accurate description if the day with the benefit of Chris direction­ he had come from. Option you include all the brambles and and Brian’s local knowledge, and Two seemed the best course of bushes either side of the track! In with the addition to our numbers of action, with less chance of a roll the course of a lively discussion on ‘Inspector Gadget’, an old friend of over. It worked! the merits of planning we found a mine from West Wales, we headed We then set to work to modify length of the county road where off into the unknown. Our group the bank. Digging a rut for the there was just enough room for was now five vehicles: I felt this to driver’s wheel to sit in would stop three vehicles plus tents. be too many, and wanted to split the vehicle sliding off the bank, and [please note, wild camping is illegal into two groups, but Chris argued for additional­ security, we put two in England and Wales, although if that the lanes were so ‘forgotten’ of Gadget’s homemade bridging done quietly and tidily, a blind eye or over­grown we would be unlikely ladders on the downward side. “Okay is generally given, Editor, 2020]. to meet anyone. Where there might Dale, want to give it a try?”. Here I awoke the next morning to the be con­flicts with landowners, we we go again - let Dale try it, don’t sound of Dave making sure no- would make sure that we split into want to risk a dent in our pretty 90’s one slept any longer than he did, two groups twenty minutes apart. do we? Fair enough I suppose, it’s ie. loud and regular time checks Many of the roads we planned to not as if my truck had set me back interspersed with comments on drive were not marked at all on six grand! [About double in todays what a glorious morning it was. It the OS map, and some were only money, Editor 2020]. wasn’t. The previous­ night’s drive marked as footpaths [dual class Turning around I approached the had taken us into Shropshire (or roads being legal to drive at the angled bank (side slopes... I do not was it Hereford & Worstershire?), time, Editor, 2020], but they all like side slopes!). I engaged low and I had arranged to meet Chris carried vehic­ular rights and Chris first and crept forward lurching Marsden, a local laner who is one had the evidence to prove it. horribly to the left, but didn’t lose of the fortunate among us who The third lane of the day took traction, and then I was up. Next! GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 67 66 1996 1996 TIME TIME MACHINE MACHINE

Of course the coilers walked it - personal biosphere behind. Colin tame and well-kept green lanes, save what is left, if the county will got out and guided me through the more even ground where I could didn’t even look like it was really was still in want of sleep, owing to apart from one bank that looked be prepared to spend some money, worst, and just as I thought I was make some modifications. difficult from the outside - until the combined­ snoring of Gadget impossible until Dave launched but it’s a big job. Perhaps this could clear, a branch caught the door Anyway, a weekend doesn’t Gadget had a go in his Series and Ian, his passenger. Poor old his 90 at it with a speed highly be the flagship of Green Lane day handle, the door came open, and qualify as wild unless something III. Gadget has a binary driving Colin had kindly offered them room unusual for someone who normally next year? jammed itself into the bank [those gets broken: and like hard-won technique: ON or OFF, flat out in his tent (a slight packing problem takes it extremely carefully and Walking back down, we realised that know RRCs, will know why, scars of battle, a door that won’t or stationary, with stationary on Gadget’s part) but had to run for methodical­ly. I followed with that this would have to be our Editor, 2020]. Bollocks. I moved shut unless you lift and kick it gives generally meaning the Land Rover cover in the Range Rover when the much more control of the throttle last lane of the day if we were to forward slightly to unstuff it, then the Rover a fond memory of the is on its side, nose or rear end. The welsh male nose choir became too proving it was just as easy with a get back to the south east at a got out expecting the worst, but great outdoors, and just that little approach was enthusiastic, to say much to bear. We resolved Colin’s little care! reasonable hour. I climbed back was delight­ed to see that it was still extra edge of character. the least, and oh, it was so close ... complaint in the fairest manner Our final (unplanned) lane of the into the Range Rover and as there attached at the hinges. A bit of a [RIP Inspector Gagdet. but on the third attempt he made possible, ie by totally ignoring his day saw Chris and I plunge into was nowhere to turn, prepared for lift and a shove got it sufficiently We all miss you, Editor, 2020]. it! Oh well, there’s always next time. pleas for additional rest. dense undergrowth after passing a long and arduous­ reverse. Colin closed to let me get back onto Kitted up again we followed a Chris surfaced to discover that the last field gate. Oddly enough wide enclosure until a severe side he had mislaid his map, so the the others­ decided to hang back slope developed, and of course it day’s plans had to be slightly after watching us force our way was here that Gadget decided to revised with a lot more mileage on through briars that clawed at the take a short break. Unfortunately, the black stuff in order to get onto paintwork, sounding like nails on a the float chamber wasn’t too happy the next map [only paper maps blackboard from inside the vehicle. about this, and promptly stopped back then, Editor, 2020]. On the The surface began to deteriorate, feeding the cylinders with fuel. way we managed to fit in a couple where years of water erosion had Can’t remember­ who got out with from memory, the first being a done its worst, testing our axle the tow rope, (although I’m sure I road that hadn’t been driven in articulation to its limit. Eventually heard Dave wielding his machete) many years. Chris had walked it the surface became a deep gully but I’m glad it wasn’t me. some weeks before, discovering and shortly after, impassable. As the day progressed we that the farmer whose farm the We decided to walk the rest of encountered a number of illegal road passed through had been the lane to see what it was like. obstructions (usually fences) using the lane as a dump, as well The road began to steepen and the and had ‘discussions’ with a few as ploughing a cross field section. water damage got progressively people living adjacent to the We split into two groups, as Chris worse, until in places the gully was lanes we used. The most common anticipated a confrontation. He five or six feet deeper than the expression was “What do you think wasn’t wrong, and this was not a edges of the lane that we were still you’re doing?” closely followed happy farmer. After much waving walking on. Many large tree trunks by “I didn’t know it was a road”. of arms and pointing of fingers had also fallen across the track, Each time, we were well within­ our we reckoned we almost had him some having been there for many rights, and with a little explaining cracked, at which point Chris years. Then came the surprise: (and perhaps gently pointing out mentioned he was going to report near the top of the hill, we found that it’s illegal to plough a vehicular the illegal ploughing of the road to a cobbled surface. None of us had right of way) we were soon on our the council. Whoops! More waving ever seen cobbles on a lane outside way. of arms ensued, but we had him a village or town: quite incredible. By the time we pulled into our on the retreat. As a last resort he The weather has taken its toll, and camp site it was well and truly asserted it would be impossible although there is a section that is dark. Chris had kindly let us use ever to get a vehicle through there in near-perfect condition most of his field as well as laying on a large (pointing to the rubbish filled the stretch has been washed into bonfire - great stuff - and en route sunken lane): a fair challenge, and the gully: each time it rains a few to his field he had also taken us I wouldn’t be surprised if Chris more of the cobbles will disappear. through his own personal off road makes this his next project. At last It was sad to observe that, and course. He’s a lucky sod, that Chris. the farmer walked off, shaking his because the highway authority After camping two nights rough head and muttering obscenities, have done nothing to maintain this I was eager to get moving the and we continued on our way. road, we have lost something very GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 following morning and leave our The next few UCR’s were very rare. There may be still time to 69 68 1998 TIME THIS LANE MAY BE MACHINE long and

windingbut where is it going? Words: Mike Taylor. Pictures: Dale Wyatt.

which seemed to indicate that the destination was getting further away, rather than nearer! Perhaps this has a lot to do with the attraction of travel in its purest sense, being a means in itself, arrival being an incidental and rather deflating necessity at the end of a positive and rewarding process. I think there is a lot of truth in this, that and a hefty dollop of nostalgia for roads that were more sedate and travel that was both slower and more rewarding than today. For my pains I have to travel Whilst out enjoying a day’s laning a selection of real ale designed some 25 thousand miles annually in the South Shropshire hills to make you write off the rest of for work and family in my little with a like minded Land Rover the day’s good intentions! Sitting anonymous tin eurobox. For anorak recently, we had stopped outside in the afternoon sun someone who enjoys the physical for a lunchtime pint when we listening to the trusty Series One act of driving this should be began talking about why we go ticking gently as it slowly cooled good news. It is not. It is a boring, laning and what we regard as the down, we began questioning why stressful and sometimes downright GLASS BULLETIN most acceptable, user friendly we go green laning, what we get out frightening way of getting through and sustainable approach to the of it and the way we feel the activity modern life. Indeed the only truly hobby. Basically an alcohol induced should be carried out. enjoyable motoring is the two or philosophical discussion, albeit the We both have pretty standard three thousand miles I complete Archive Bulletins and all new Bulletins are now in the driver only had the statutory one Rovers with very unaggressive each year in my Series One and of pint. tyres; my Series One in fact runs this the best is undoubtedly along Members Area of our website. Please take your time to It had been a superb morning, on 600xl6 Traction Mileage so the green lanes. log-in, noting that your log-in details may be different from early autumn sunshine illuminating challenge for us isn’t thrashing From the point of view of the wonderful Marcher landscape through bog and up mountains, physically driving a vehicle, the other GLASS log-ins that you might already have. of South Shropshire. We had but more a sedate potter through demands of driving unsurfaced explored a variety of byways and the countryside, with perhaps a roads are considerable, providing a UCRs on and around the back of the healthy paranoia for tractor ruts! very rewarding experience. Where GLASS BULLETIN GLASS BULLETIN GLASS BULLETIN GLASS BULLETIN Long Mynd. All had been in good But, more than that, there is a else does one have to be so aware THE GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION DIGITAL BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2019 THE GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION DIGITAL BULLETIN JANUARY 2020 THE GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION DIGITAL BULLETIN MARCH 2020 THE GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION DIGITAL BULLETIN APRIL 2020 condition, mainly old stone surfaced fascination with old, lost minor of the exact placement of each roads and we hadn’t met a soul, no roads, tracing them on the map and wheel and be so aware of gear other vehicles, no walkers, no horse trying to follow them on the ground. selection and speed? But perhaps riders just the occasional buzzard I can remember as a child when more importantly, where else on soaring over the hills and dicing holidaying in the West Country the public highway these days can with the hang gliders above the being fascinated by Cornish lanes you proceed at your own choice Long Mynd. which were so alien to the ordered, of speed and have the ability to We had stopped at the Horseshoe straight and wide urban roads I was stop when the whim or the view Inn at Bridges, just down the road used to. I became the bane of my takes you, without worrying about from Ratlinghope. A good solid Dad’s life constantly urging him to the following traffic? This is one traditional country pub with a explore the most obscure, grass reason why most of my laning is Photo: Courtesy of LRO Magazine of Courtesy Photo:

stone flagged floor, open fire and grown roads and following signs done alone. I am not under any 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 71 1998 1998 TIME TIME MACHINE MACHINE

pressure from the vehicle behind being used by horse and trap, of the efficiency of the modem journey by coach from London to OK, there is mud about but I am command of the moral high ground to keep going, an attitude which cyclists, horse riders and so on. So 4x4 and the myriad technical aids Petworth in Sussex. Not only did afraid that if we let the rest of the and helped towards securing the can pervade a convoy of even why do we need enough gear to get developed to drag and propel the fifty mile journey take three world believe we regard conditions future of our hobby then I, for one, two or three vehicles. Why do we us through the Darien Gap? it through the most impossible days but the Emporer’s coach was which will stop a Land Rover as would support it. always recommend vehicles travel As well as unaggressive tyres my terrain. If we look at the history of overturned a dozen times and acceptable, or even preferable, then in convoy? I would recommend only other concession to equipment the roads it is obvious that until only reached it’s destination by we lose the moral high ground. We This interesting and thought provoking exactly the opposite. It is, I find, is a capstan winch, spade and bow well into the 19th century most being physically carried through may be right legally but morally article was written 22 years ago. Luckily much easier to stop and chat to saw, whilst my mate’s Rover has became impassable to wheeled the mire by sufficient stout Sussex we do not stand a chance and this magazines changed their attitudes, but other users or locals when alone, a high lift jack in the back. If the vehicles during the winter and in Yeomen hired for the occasion! is the fight we need to win the not before we were hit by the NERC Act, you seem to be regarded much Queen’s highway is in such a state wet weather. Unfortunately for Now what was his attitude to this? hearts and minds of the public and wiping away over half of our resource, and more as part of the scenery rather that a standard example of the ‘best those travellers at the time it may Did he immediately take up his politicians. We all know that the fragmenting it in the process. Sadly this than an urban intrusion in it. It also four by four by far’ is having trouble have been necessary for them quill and scribe an article to ‘Coach agricultural community continue to still hasn’t filtered down to many people helps to be driving an inoffensive then something is wrong. “Wait!” to undertake journeys in these Owner International’ saying how use green roads when conditions who take the most selfish of attitudes little Series One or other mature I hear you shout, “But that’s what conditions, tolerating the bad state challenging and rewarding had are not suitable but does that mean which threaten our remaining network vehicle (Rover, of course) rather the roads are like, you need that kit of the roads, but when the roads been his struggles with the Sussex we have to as well? Surely it is of lanes. Indeed we are still losing some than something tooled up with role to guarantee getting through.” Yes, are used purely for recreation we roads? No, he went to great lengths more important to be able to stand through Traffic Regulation Orders, often cage, snorkel, air lockers, et al. Our we all know that many a highway need not tolerate such conditions to lobby anyone he could over the back and say there may be seasonal because of this attitude. When they are national magazines seem to be the authority treat their maintenance but simply leave the roads alone bad state of them. damage but we are not part of that gone, they are gone. We must look after worst practitioners of this habit, responsibilities with criminal until the weather improves. Unfortunately I believe that we and we oppose it wholeheartedly what’s left and continue to educate those wandering around the countryside, negligence but I feel there comes Dare I say it... have a closed are seen by others as enjoying because it denies other users their that need educating. I went out with usually mid Wales (is there nowhere a point when founderous roads season in a similar way to other and even glorifying in such bad legitimate right to use the highway. International Off Roader Magazine as a else?) in a convoy of vehicles which should be left alone, for several sports which need to conserve a conditions, especially in our Why not support a closed season, or passenger about this time (1998) and looks like it’s got lost from Camel reasons. Not that the highway natural resource for the future of magazines where hardly a month at least make it abundantly clear to everything had to be a challenge, as you Trophy. Is there any wonder the authority should be left alone, their activity. Another issue is the goes by without gory photographs the public that there is a clear and can see from this picture I took at the locals get their backs up? they should be harassed politely way others perceive our attitude of vehicles up to their door handles unambiguous ethical code which time. The road has since been TROd. If a Whilst I am firmly on the soap box but mercilessly. They are, after all, to such conditions, especially the in mud and being winched through presumes against the use of these certain minority carry on abusing lanes, this brings me to the other bane of tasked by Parliament to ‘protect attitude shown by our national terrain more liquid than solid with roads in winter? At the moment I then we will lose more of them. We tread a my life. Do we really need all this and assert’ our rights to use these magazines which seem to thrive by lines such as, ‘off roading on the do not believe that the message fine line and need to respect other users. hi-tech equipment to attack the roads and I for one take that legal in mud. When the traveller in the ancient highways of Wales’. Has is either getting through or Editor 2020 countryside with? We are, after all, duty very seriously. past encountered founderous roads no-one told these people that if you necessarily carrying the support of engaged in recreational motoring But getting back to these what was his response? Emperor are ‘off road’ you must, by definition all laners. It may reduce our laning on the Queen’s highway, a highway founderous roads. I feel that we Charles VI visited England in be on something other than a opportunities somewhat but if it which should also be capable of are in danger of becoming victims 1703 and he foolishly decided to highway, ancient or otherwise? enables us to be seen to be firmly in GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 73 72 &tight

scratchyAcross this green and pleasant land GLASS working groups are busy giving the short back and sides treatment to some of our lanes, ensuring that they stay green without scratching the heck out of our paintwork, pleasant without losing their character. Andy Stansfield talked to some Jimny owners to find out why that doesn’t suit everybody.

Words: Andy Stansfield. Pictures: Jimmy Jaunts. GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 75 74 Those of us who drive newer and they are very capable, as some of Cooney, explains the thrill and the Parkamoor and Tilberthwaite stick front left wheel disappeared off the A few more yards and ‘bang’ wider vehicles really appreciate these photos clearly demonstrate. appeal of a typical Jimmy outing... in my mind: lanes as tough as I had tarmac, following Dave Jones, and there goes my passenger wing the efforts that working parties put The Jimmy is only 63” (1600mm) ever driven, but I really enjoyed the lurch to the left as I fell off the mirror.... into repairing lanes and trimming wide compared with 85” (2150mm) My Jimny was in perfect condition them. Still high from my conquests, tarmac into the lane was a bit nervy I suddenly discovered the back of back the vegetation. But there are for my own Nissan Pathfinder, bodywork wise, barely a blemish. I we stopped at the start of another for me. Dave just disappeared into Dave’s car. He was proper struggling others who prefer their lanes tight for example. That’s almost 2ft was happy with my newly modified lane and one of the very heavily the brush in front of me. Probably and pushing hard against the brush. and scratchy, and the tighter and narrower! And their wheelbase vehicle and was itching to give modded trucks pulled aside and the tallest fully-caged Jimny I had He stopped and got out a chainsaw scratchier the better. One such is just a fraction over 88” (mine it some proper use. Luckily I had Brett Dukes who was leading the ever seen just disappeared in a few to remove a branch snagging his group is a band of Jimny owners is 112”) so a foot shorter than the joined a group of very experienced group approached me. “This one is seconds. Where had he gone? cage. My own car, being nearly a who take pride in conquering lanes 100” limit on the iconic Gatesgarth green lane drivers for a day’s a bit tight John, you might want to There was a wall of brush in foot shorter, got through without as that are simply impassable - or in the Lake District. The short driving in the Lake District. give it a miss... Riccy (the truck that front of me that appeared all but much trouble, thankfully. should that be impossible - for most wheelbase makes equally short We were all driving Jimnys, but had pulled aside) is going around, solid; the only hint of a byway Only another few yards and wow, of us. work of challenges like the Bomb mine was the small one... the other you can follow him if you want.” was what looked like a footpath in daylight! Once a month they get together Hole on Strata Florida (see photo). cars were very serious machines “Well,” I thought, “Riccy is driving the centre of the wall of foliage. I The scars and damage that you to put their diminutive Jimnys “And Jimnys have great approach with huge lifts and massive wheels. a Jimny with over 6” of lift, 33” folded my mirrors in and centred pick up on T&S lanes don’t bother through their paces, with group angles,” says Brett Dukes, owner My little Jimny looked like Aunt mud tyres, ARB lockers in both myself on the path, pushing on very me; it gives the car character and a members from far flung places of one he has named Jalapeño - Daisy’s shopping trolley next to axles.... What could he be avoiding gently. The noise of hundreds of little validation I suppose... it looks converging on their destination. presumably because it’s hot stuff. them. Despite a small lift and that the others aren’t bothered branches, big and small, dragging like it lanes. It’s cool to look back at These members live as far afield as But the issue which dominates a Quaife diff, I felt very under by?” The answer proved to be Town across your paintwork is definitely a lane and say, “Never would have Redcar in the north to Ashford in the supremacy of the Jimmy is equipped. Yeat, that’s what! (Town Yeat is a not a good noise. The only thing got down there in a Landy” and, the south, though the majority live that of tight gates and lanes. At I gained in confidence as the day tight lane in the Lakes, Editor). comparable is maybe a classroom more importantly, we leave little or in the north west and Midlands. this point it’s better that another progressed and we drove some In for a penny, in for a pound, of kids, dragging their nails on the no sign of our presence. While their vehicles may be tiny, member of the above group, John challenging lanes - at least for me. has always been my motto. The blackboard all at the same time. Jimnys tread lightly.

“On the right was a 15ft drop off down an 80 degree slope to a river. We If people are interested in joining the measured the gap between the wooden gate and the upright post and group they can make initial contact with decided Jalapeno would fit. But a ‘wooden floor’ (which turned out to Brett Dukes via Facebook or email at be an old door) was all that was stopping the ground from disappearing. [email protected] With excellent spotting from Rob, I gingerly crept through the gap and across the wooden surface. After I got through, someone decided to see what lay beneath the old door, only to find that it was completely rotten and covered a 15ft gaping hole to the river….” Brett Dukes

“After the waterfall and more tricky rocky declines, we approach a particularly narrow gate… out comes Alan’s tape measure. The gap in the gate was around 65 inches and my Jimny is 66 inches wide….” Brett Dukes GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 76 77 not just black and white Dead Ends Words: Dale Wyatt There is nothing more frustrating correct, but not in this case. BOAT holds the dominant length than looking on TW2 and finding I would suggest it’s legal to use. dead ends, especially when they Why? Because on the balance look to once have been a through of probabilities, it’s likely to be a route. Of course, there have always through route, not two dead ends. have been dead ends that look like they don’t go anywhere, but roads like this might have once led to an upland area where peat was cut or to a quarry, or even perhaps a view point. And there are plenty of dead ends that lead to the coast for obvious reasons. But why are there A while back Ordnance Survey so many dead ends that look like decided to change the way it they should go somewhere? depicted yellow roads, and opted to Well, we can firmly point show yellows that were narrower Of course, it’s never clear cut when our finger towards the NERC than a certain width, as white roads. it comes to unsurfaced roads, and Act introduced in 2006 which Odd seeing as other whites don’t you would potentially be taking created masses of dead ends, and necessarily carry vehicular rights. a risk. However, in my opinion a fragmenting the road network. But However this one does and I’ve prosecution would be very hard. it began happening long before verified it’s on the List of Streets. I that, with the two most noticeable will get TW2 updated accordingly, milestones being the hand over of and have been doing this for a the county roads in the 1930s and number of other similar roads. Don’t the introduction of the Definitive all rush there tho, because you Map (DM) in 1949. After that, when won’t get a 4x4 down it currently. it was decided to tidy up various Bikes can. definitions on the DM, many routes Let’s look at a different scenario. were reclassified, and if there wasn’t How about a UCR running into an enough evidence, they lost their RB? Does that make it a ? vehicular status. As this was done Well yes, correct, since NERC made on a parish by parish basis, rather it illegal to drive RBs. But that’s the than road by road, we ended up with black and white view, the one that even more dead ends on boundary highway authorities like. However There are many examples of this changes. if you can prove vehicular rights up and down the country, just like Come 2026 when applications were not lost in 2006, then they are the one shown above. The NERC to change the DM are cut off, we still legal to drive. Again, that’s a Act introduced so many stupid and may find ourselves with a few more, completely different article, and one illogical anomalies, and the following assuming they go ahead with it (but I’ve touched on before. is one of my favourites. that’s another article entirely). So, is there anything we (that’s you, dear reader) can do about these dead ends? Well yes, there is, to a certain extent at least. I suppose you want me to explain, right? Thought so. Okay then, we need to look at a few examples, but first we have to The Fosseway in Wiltshire shares narrow it down a bit. Let’s first look a section with Gloucestershire. at dead ends because the road turns In the example above it looks like You can see the county boundary into a Restricted Byway (RB). the UCR terminates on a RB. It touching the end of the byway Just like in Blue Peter, here’s one does, but this one happens to have above and then it runs up the centre I made earlier. The UCR looks like a retained its vehicular rights as it of the road. It’s RB on the Glos side dead end terminating in a RB. But leads to many houses, has a 30mph and BOAT on the Wilts side! Crazy I no, if you look closely there’s a white limit and is all tarmac. Sometimes know. road to the north and a dotted white you need a bit of local knowledge. But unfortunately we’ve reached a linking it to the UCR. But ‘white In the following example, we have dead end in the magazine because roads don’t have any rights’ I hear a similar scenario, but this time the I’ve run out of space!

GREEN LANES SUMMER 2020 you cry! Well technically you are RB is unsurfaced, yet because the Food for thought anyone? 78 Wales by Jonathan Mills