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Guest
Guest
I was at a loss for what to do today for a few hours after taking my daughter (Ladyinred) shopping at Meaqdowhall (I hate the place).
So we decided to go and recce a few lanes in Derbyshire, that I know of and are legally open but are not driven much, if at all.
The first one was good, easily uphill to a pair of stone gates, mirrors in and breathe in for that bit, still caught the mirror on my side tho. Then an akward side slope with a huge drop off to the left - about 12" from the wheels. Not for beginners that one but worth the effort.
The second was good, I was challenegd at the top by a half wit and just baffled him with the truth. It helped that a new byway sign has just been erected and a notice attached stating the lane is reopened to vehiclar traffic! and a phone number of the local rowo (Oh joy) Obviously he was unable to read. I approached the ford with a bit of trepidation as I bottled this a few years ago when it was in flood and had a horrendus reverse out from it. No ford - its gone, perhaps someone pinched it in the night? But gone! at least till next flood. Just a little dissapointed there, but its a new section for us at some time.
I then went up Pindale, turned around at the top and headed for nearer home again.
Took in Leeside on way just for the fun of it and cos I can.
Found another new section I wanted to try and it was worth the effort, bit marshy in places, but a nice moorland drive with good views before being challenged again passing through a farm. Once I explained to the lady farmer that I knew where I was and what I was doing she was quite happy with us passing and offered me a short cut down her tarmaced driveway. I declined and kept to the right of way, shes worried about motor bikes and illegal useage as they grouse shoot on this moor. The right of way is indistinct here and needs carefull driving as the next landowner on has removed the byway sign, tarmaced the last 100 yards and cuts the verge.
All that and still home in time to fetch the Boss from work.
So we decided to go and recce a few lanes in Derbyshire, that I know of and are legally open but are not driven much, if at all.
The first one was good, easily uphill to a pair of stone gates, mirrors in and breathe in for that bit, still caught the mirror on my side tho. Then an akward side slope with a huge drop off to the left - about 12" from the wheels. Not for beginners that one but worth the effort.
The second was good, I was challenegd at the top by a half wit and just baffled him with the truth. It helped that a new byway sign has just been erected and a notice attached stating the lane is reopened to vehiclar traffic! and a phone number of the local rowo (Oh joy) Obviously he was unable to read. I approached the ford with a bit of trepidation as I bottled this a few years ago when it was in flood and had a horrendus reverse out from it. No ford - its gone, perhaps someone pinched it in the night? But gone! at least till next flood. Just a little dissapointed there, but its a new section for us at some time.
I then went up Pindale, turned around at the top and headed for nearer home again.
Took in Leeside on way just for the fun of it and cos I can.
Found another new section I wanted to try and it was worth the effort, bit marshy in places, but a nice moorland drive with good views before being challenged again passing through a farm. Once I explained to the lady farmer that I knew where I was and what I was doing she was quite happy with us passing and offered me a short cut down her tarmaced driveway. I declined and kept to the right of way, shes worried about motor bikes and illegal useage as they grouse shoot on this moor. The right of way is indistinct here and needs carefull driving as the next landowner on has removed the byway sign, tarmaced the last 100 yards and cuts the verge.
All that and still home in time to fetch the Boss from work.
