Dry alternative to Wash Lane (NCN 12)

The occasional flooding of Mimmshall Brook at the M25 can be avoided by using an alternative route via Bentley Heath Lane, Baker Street, Dame Alice Owen's School and Bridgefoot Lane.

This route is relatively dry, but includes long stretches of off-road path which can be narrow, rough and overgrown in places. There are also difficult right turns onto Baker Street, a 60 mph road.

Dry alternative route

The alternative route from Ganwick Corner to Wash Lane is 4.2 Km, of which 1.0 Km is off-tarmac.
The reverse Wash Lane to Ganwick Corner route is shorter at 3.6 Km, as it uses the one-way Sawyers Lane.
The established route 12 between these points is 3.6 Km with only 135 m is off-tarmac.

Bentley Heath Lane off Dancers Hill Road

The alternative route turns right here into Bemntley Heath Lane. There is limited forward visibility, but the large driveway on the left can be used as an informal 'jug handle'.

Bridleway 74 at the end of Bentley Heath Lane

Bridleway 74 runs along the south side of the M25 for 150 m to Baker Street. The entrance is prone to dumping and has encroachment by brambles and dog rose.

Bridleway 74

Brideway 74 is a pleasant route with a concrete base, although this is narrow and overgrown with brambles in places.

Bridleway 74 joining Baker Street

The concrete runs out 20 m before Baker Street, where there is a narrow earth path with brambles each side on a slight slope down to the road.

View of Baker Street crossing point from Bridleway 74

Baker Street is a 60 mph road and visibility to the right is limited by the bridge and a bend. Without a safe crossing, it is probably safer to avoid this by staying on Dancers Hill Road and turning right into Baker Street.

Under the M25 on Baker Street

On the west side of Baker Street, there is room for a segregated cycle track under the bridge and on the verge up to Sawyers Lane.

Baker Street north of the M25

Sawyers Lane is a narrow one-way street and no-entry here. Westbound cyclists have to proceed 500 m along a 40 mph stretch of Baker Street to reach the left turn into Santers Lane.

Entrance to Bridgefoot lane

Bridgefoot Lane is a quiet country lane opposite the entrance to Dame Alice Owen's School on Dugdale Hill Lane, which sees a lot of traffic at drop-off and pick-up times.

Bridgefoot lane becomes Bridleway 73

At the end of the lane Bridleway 73 slopes gently for 425 m to reach Mimmshall Brook. The width is variable but the surface is generally dry and firm, with some rough stretches and the odd patch of mud. Brambles encroach at the sides.

Access notice at the west end of Bridleway 73

The Countryside Premium Sheme is obsolete, so it is not clear whether access away from public rights of way is still permitted.

Bridleway 75 starts at the bridge on Mimmshall Brook

The right of way follows the bank of the brook to Wash Lane, however it is totally overgrown and hasn't been used for years.

Gravel farm road from the bridge to Wash Lane

This wide track is not marked as a right of way. It runs for 425 m to Wash Lane near the junction with Swanland Road and is used by cyclists as it is the only rideable route.

Gate on Farm Road at Wash Lane

There is room to get around the side of this gate to reach Wash Lane.

A more complete set of photos is available.