Just come back from some night laning and a spot of fording. Started off by driving the lane below.

It has just been made drivable again after been under a TRO for clearing and maintenance. Between Coughton fields lane and Spernal Lane (arrow 1) the lane is in very good condition and could be driven in a normal saloon car. However between Spernal Lane and Great Alne (arrow 2) it is slightly more tricky, although i would not say difficult. It is quite narrow and has a few boggy areas, while a high clearance 4x4 is not required to drive it, I would like to have AWD. I drove both in 4H mode.
I then went to have a look at this lane.

It is part of the Mary Arden Way. The OS map suggests it is a UCR but when checking for signs to this affect on both the entrances to this lane there was just signs indicating cycle access. There are gates on both entrances to the lane, the caughton end one open while the gate on Spernal Lane was closed but not locked. The track itself was loose gravel. Can anyone shed any light on whether these are legal to drive?
After that went to Great Alne ford and went through it 4 times. It was a little over a foot. However there seems to be a drop off of around 1/2 foot towards the bank from the B4089 (great Alne) side. It was not an issue today, but could catch you out if the overall water level was marginal and put it over the bonnet.
Decided then to have a drive on the island in the middle of the ford. Can see it has been well used by 4x4's as there is a route going round the outside of the island, overall quite good fun.
Sorry there are no pics, didnt have my camera with me on this one, but prob will go back at the weekend and have a look in the day. Maybe sunday if anyone is interested. (Andy/Steve?)
TC