Uphill on the steps - past the tricky bit
WARNING READ THIS AND TAKE NOTE
A lane you must treat with respect, long steep rocky lane on the side of a hill with a nice drop below. Worst part is near the bottom with a large rock to get round, but just before it is a step that faces out (towards the drop), novices can do it, but will need expert guidance from persons who know the lane. Best get out and view the ground, also a good photo shot here, I've know experienced laners to end up in the pheasant pens before now, hence the name. Neither is the farmer happy here so expect no help. Downhill (north to south) is easier, but up hill can be achieved, you can expect the lanes at the top to be difficult, with deep mud filled ruts.
Warning in winter ice easily forms on the rocks due to the water running off the hillside and the aspect. Recce it first, at the top there is a place to turn round. If done before do not be over confiancent. Still a great lane despite the warning, just be careful! Pleasant place to stop at the bottom, lane takes about 1/2 hour. Serious damage if you roll both to yourself and your truck, otherwise expect minor body damage underside and rear quarters.
Added Dec 2006
Footnote : There has been some damage to the bank around the "rock" at the bottom, laners who have been doing this section for years are coming to grief on this bit. We don't think any worse than before, its the water which is making the the stones in the bank loose. This happens most wet winters, as the run off is turning it into a slag heap. Whats needed is careful guidance from people who know what they are doing, those who do trials (RTV's) seem to have less problems.
There also seems to be more laners prepared to do this lane in winter, and without an experienced person on hand who knows the lane, we have come across groups with no idea as what to expect, so have listed it's location as a warning. If you never done this lane before I would advise you to view it from the south, stop at the sheep pens (two gates close to each other) just over the stream and walk up its about 100 yards up. There are some nice lanes you can use to get there if coming form the north. Then go back round if you want to do it.
I've counted 3 recoveries I have done or come across in 2006, and I don't tend to travel it much.
Grid ref. South@ SJ 178 299; north @SJ177 335 the steps are @ SJ 174 304
Don't go though the farm on south end, farmer often blocks the lane, use lane to the west
1 comment:
hi man that my truck
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