Absolute classic moorland lane, popular with commercial groups and the like, its a dead end lane and can take longer than expected. Starts at SH874530 but crosses another lane at SH878538, where the well known "One arm bandit*" hangs out. Not that difficult, but due to the remote location best not done alone. The lane changes over the seasons and well as the last few years. As of 2006, look for the deep dis-used track on the east side, for in 2004 this was the main track.
With plenty of washouts, deep side dips, we have had many incidents on these sections over the years, popular with novices its not damaging nor scratchy. Its the bog just before the end which causes the most problems ,don't try to reach the boat house. Stop well before you start to go down the hill., However there's always someone, who has the best "Mud plugging" tyres, who tries. I have never seen anyone who has done it, but plenty of bogged down trucks. Recovery is difficult since only the track can be used, the bog gets deep very quickly.
The farmers are not helpful, and I have known of charges of £200-£500 for a few tractors. Also because of the location a delay in recovery expect a 3 day wait.
Stay well away and that includes on foot, people have no idea, they seem to walk straight in it and sink, once the surface breaks they just seem to get sucked in. A good tip is for the rescuers to use Series bonnets as steps, and I've even seen someone pulled out by a truck using a rope. Still a great lane, in the dark there is no light pollution so often you are unable to identify someone just feet away.
* The "One armed banidit" can get nasty, his arguement is you cannot turn round at the end, I can see where he is coming from but somewhere in the RTAs there is a section dealing with dead ends. You are allowed to use within reason grass verges to turn round in, to pass and to park.
