'This little ford is only a couple of feet across and an inch or so deep, there are signs and a footbridge, though.'

'This is an Irish bridge on a back road with no warning signs or depth gauge, just a small footbridge.'

'This 350 yard stretch of tidal road is unusual in that it is suburban: the village of Alverstoke now forms part of the borough of Gosport. The road runs along the North side of a shallow basin at the end of Haslar Creek, and slopes down to the edge of the water. Image 1 was taken just at high water close to a neap tide, with a barometric pressure of about 1020 mb, and the sea is barely touching the road.

At spring tides the water may be 80 - 90 cm higher, and even greater if the barometric pressure is low. On these rare occasions the water covers the low white wall that runs along the side of the road. Images 2 and 3 show the road during spring tides Image credits to Bernard, Taff and Ian (02/08/2004)

Ball Hill (x3!)

'The first ford is an Irish bridge on the road between Ball Hill and Gore End (Image 1).

The next crossing of the River Enborne, on the Berks/Hants boundary, is at the end of a tarmac lane from the village. The ford only gives access to a field of Christmas trees. It’s about 15 inches deep and 5 yards wide (Image 2).

The final ford is a short distance downstream on a byway to the north of Yew Tree Farm. At the time of my visit the ford was about 2 feet deep and the byway was extremely muddy (Image 3).'

'Ford signs at each end of the road. Posts on either side of road may be meant as depth markers but they do not have any markings on them . Concrete bottom. Depth about 9 inches which will be about average. Footbridge on side'

'Bishop's Sutton is a shallow little ford on the edge of the village, in Water Lane. I didn't see any signs; small footbridge, fastish concrete bottom.'

'Basic ford, concrete bottoms, culverts & Footbridge.'

'Crossing the Lymington River just to the north of Lymington, to the east of the A337 on the UCR road to Boldre after the roundabout (about half a km to the south of Boldre); the road leading down to the ford from this end is "Shallow Lane", which is the name of the lane after the traversing of the ford. Shallow Lane is itself nothing more than a muddy track by the time you reach the ford, with few opportunities afforded to turn a 4x4 around in, save for the fact you can ride up & down over the narrow lane's banked sides down by the waters' edge to do a 5-point turn; else it's about a 100yd reverse back up the lane to where you can turn around.

However this ford cannot be forded by anything other than an intrepid (snorkel equipped) diesel 4x4, which my 4x4 has not, nor has it got such a daring driver either (had I had an older than 2003 4x4 with a snorkel I may have tried with an intrepid, half dumb passenger!). Else you'd need a submarine!!!!!!

I thought, judging by the lack of obvious entrance in (on this the west bank side) and prodded (stick) depth of at least 4 foot at a point below the middle of the narrow footbridge across it, that it had not been forded by vehicular means for some time - perhaps many years; it's exit on the east bank is more obvious, although evidence again of lack of use is evident by a branch / part trunk hanging down barring exit to all 4x4 other than by one with an ability to force its' way out from under this branch onto the bank (some of my fellow club members are quite proficient at making their own routes with brute HP-force!).

It did have ford ahead warning signs on the main (UCR) road which I turned off to go down to it, but no further signs exist to say any more of it; also no depth marker. The OS map doesn't even mark it as a ford on it.

The image shows the entrance I think from the west bank (bottom right of shot) looking eastwards; presumably you'd "drive" onwards till you got alongside the footbridge then dog-leg left towards the facing east bank, ducking (literally) below the tree's horizontal branch hanging out across the river to get up the opposite bank! I think more photos are called for - words cannot do it justice! '

'Bit of a nasty one with a gravelly approach, looks like a part tarmac, part concrete base, but rather eroded and the depth gauge was showing 2 feet - bit too deep for most vehicles and my bike. A BMW approached, turned and then waited while the driver looked at what I was going to do - a big skid on the gravel as I glanced in disbelief at the depth gauge! Looks like the river forms the county border too between Berkshire and Hampshire.

Image mouseover shows Jon Swan attacking the ford (20/04/2003) and would like to add a warning that the bump visible in both pictures is severe. This bump makes this a 4x4 only - I was with a Vitara (not shown) that scraped its bottom (gently) on the bump. Otherwise this has an OK bottom - but is deep off the main path though'

Image 2 shows the ford as in 1997 in a much better state of repair! (mouseover sent in by Keith Cross, 23/02/2007)

Brockenhurst (x2!)

'The more northerly of the two fords in Brockenhurst is the more fun. Situated on a residential side street, it's about one and a half car's lengths across, and four to six inches deep, with a concrete bottom, footbridge and signs (Image 1).

The southern one is on a wider and busier street, but is smaller: about six feet across and an inch or so deep, with a footbridge and a couple of depth gauges (Image 2)'

Broughton (x2!)

'Nice shady ford on the edge of an attractive downland village. About 20 yds across, concrete bottom, footbridge, Ford signs. The depth gauge read 1ft on my visit, but (like several others in Hampshire) the actual depth was more like six inches (Image 1).'

'The next ford is about 35 yards long as the road travels upriver for a distance, and 10 inches deep. There’s a tarmac approach from the south and gravel for a short distance to the north before rejoining the main road. The base is natural but not too rough. Could possibly be attempted by ordinary cars but not recommended (Image 2).'

Burghclere (x3!)

'The first ford is on a byway (Ox Drove). It has a natural gravelly base and a depth of about 4 inches in winter. The byway is passable to ordinary cars (Image 1)

A little further north on the same stream is another ford (Image 2) on a different byway (Brokenway). This is about five inches deep, with a gravel base and passable to ordinary cars.

According to maps, Sheepwash Lane, on which the final ford lies, is only a public footpath. But I didn’t find any impediment to my driving through it. It’s about 5 inches deep with a natural gravel base. The lane is unmade but motorable. (Image 3)'

Burley Lawn (x2!)

'2 basic fords within 100m of each other. Both with footbridge and markers.'

'A year round ford. Rarely deep - normally one to three inches, it runs right next to a farmhouse and is a car length long. A clean and even concrete base makes for an easy crossing. If approached from the south, it is possible to floor it once the bend is encountered around the farmhouse. Given the homemade sign, not something the residents appreciate!'

'Hidden away on an asphalt cul-de-sac close to a National Trust beauty spot, this watersplash, about 10 yards across in summer, has a concrete bottom from which Nature has taken a big bite - keep well over to the upstream side! Ford signs, footbridge.'

'This ford is found on Crampmoor Lane which is a restricted bridleway off Green Lane near Crampmoor.'

'The smooth gravel beds of Hampshire's famous shallow, crystal clear trout streams must have made excellent cartways, cheaply maintained by nature. Here the bed of the River Meon forms for 183 metres part of Mill Lane, which links Droxford to Brockbridge. It is best approached from the north end at SU609184, via Mill Lane from Brockbridge; there's more room to park without upsetting local residents.

The roadway drops down a ramp into the stream (Image 1), while the footway crosses a bridge which gives a good view down the length of the ford (Image 2). In summer, the river is otherwise mostly screened from the asphalt path by a jungle of tall nettles. Just below the bridge is a metric depth gauge with measurements from nominal river level (Image 3). The ramp shows little sign of vehicular traffic.

This stretch of river is shaded by trees (Images 4 & 5). If travelling down it, look out for the exit, shortly after the mill race (keep well to left past this), as it is overgrown and would be easy to overshoot. In Image 6 it is between the clumps of reeds in direct line with the "marker buoy" of a floating plastic container - but don't count on that being there! On the exit ramp itself, at the time of my visit there were motorcycle tyre marks in the mud (Image 7 , but little other evidence of regular use.'

'I'm aware that Mill lane, on your site as Hampshire: Droxford SU609185 has been blocked at the Southern end with two vertical railway sleepers, since the summer of 2007. Motorcycles can pass, but I understand 4x4's can not. Dave Tilbury of the Trail RIders Fellowship has been in continual correspondence with Hampshire County Council to have this illegal obstruction removed, but to date, this has not been achieved.' Russ McDermid

'This one is about half a mile long, never measured it though and is on a rocky base throughout its length and deeply sunken. The real gem though is that you can still see old cartwheel marks worn into the rocky base!

The base of the lane is solid rock throughout this length. During winter months a smaller stream follows the course of the byway (Image 1) which increases the length of the ford.

The remaining two pictures show the bottom end where the main stream runs over the rocky bed.'

'A small stream from a nearby spring, one of the headwaters from the western Rother, pauses on the Upper Greensand before plunging down to the Weald Clay below. The ford is a metalled road, and unlikely ever to be more than an inch or so deep - certainly not worth getting out the 4x4! '

'On an overgrown green lane off the A32 with very deep ford (18 - 24 inches in summer) across the river Meon. Stick close to the barbed wire for the shallowest passage but if the water is up to the level of the wire, go home!'

'Now closed with big signs up saying so. Still passable as a footpath. Sam Paskins

'The ford is just off the South Sway Lane, it is roughly 2 yards across and only a 4 inches deep (under the present extremely dry conditions). The byway is solid gravel and passable with cars with a higher ground clearance or every 4x4.'

'A ford on a Byway at Cradle lane, Frithend Just in Hampshire. It varies from about 12 in to 6ft! When this image was taken it was 2ft deep as indicated by the fact that the water came in the Landrover and the floor is 2ft above the ground! The bottom is sandy and firm but a bit rough, able 4X4 only for this one! 15 to 40 feet wide depending on depth must be a 4 to 5 most of the time!' Image mouseover sent in by Gordon Baron (26/02/2007) 'The road has now been blocked and is no longer officially a byway' Neil Dudman

'The track is easy going and no challenge. The ford can be approached easily from either direction. There is a dilapidated wooden footbridge to one side that is just about usable. The bed of the ford is gravely and is about 6 inches deep although it dips to around 12 inches nearest the footbridge. I would suggest 4x4 only or car with high ground clearance. There is no warning of the ford or any depth gauge. A lovely tranquil spot.'

'Attractive but sizeable ford, about 35 yards long, on Green Meadow Lane. In the absence of a depth gauge, I estimated a depth of about 18 inches in the middle. The base is the stony bed of the River Anton. There is a smooth approach from a stone road in the north, but the southern exit has a lip of about 4 inches where the concrete has been eroded. Signs near to both ends warn of a ford 'unsuitable for motor vehicles', but tyre marks leading into the ford were evident. A good footbridge crosses the river. Plenty of ducks and fish in the clear water.'

'I thought I’d try this ford last Summer (2009) in my Hyundai Terracan, and there was no way I could have crossed this one, without a snorkel. Must have been over 4 foot deep in the middle. Didn’t fancy even attempting it. However I have crossed at Moreton (Dorset) in the Terracan with no problems.' Tristan Burn

'Concrete bottom on gravel track!'

Link to geograph

Hamptworth (x2!)

'This is a pretty decent ford on a RuPP at Hamptworth, near Landford. On most occasions, it passable in a 4x4 and off-road bike, with depths averaging 0.3 - 0.4 mtrs, unless there has been heavy rain where it can be tricky and only snorkel equipped 4x4's could make it. There is a footbridge along one side, but not shown here. Image 1 shows Keith Mouland crossing in his diesel Discovery. NOTE: Hampshire CC have now made this a ‘Restricted By-way’, so that it is no longer a through route for motor vehicles.'

'The second ford is in Lyburn Lane just south of the one already described on the website. Simple Irish bridge, will be dry except after very heavy rain.'

Holmsley (x2!)

'2 basic fords within 100m of each other with footbridges and markers'

'The ford is situated on a properly maintained gravel byway, it is 2 yards across and roughly 6 in deep (under the present dry conditions). However directly after the Ford there are two serious potholes, but no problem for a 4x4.'

Link to geograph

'Big ford across the River Test, with footbridge.'

'Gravel bottom probably suitable for 4x4 only, footbridge.'

'This road only floods during the highest spring tides. There is a floodgate at the north-eastern end of the tidal stretch where the road passes through the sea wall, while at the south-western end the road rises sharply so no gate is needed. The first picture shows the road looking south-west during a flood. The next 2 pictures show the road at low tide, including a view from the nearby shingle bank. The final image shows a proper flood!'

Kings Somborne (x3!)

'The image shows the normal water level during the Summer months and the most you can hope for is 2-3" after heavy rainfall. The water level indication is a bit optimistic. '

'Once the only way of accessing the Island, it is still shown as a bridleway on the map. Unfortunately it's very slimy and when they built the Portsmouth and Arun Canal part of it as cut away to make a channel. Image 1 shows it from the Langstone end at a very low tide.'

'Unfortunately, it now consists of two dead-end causeways, the centre part of the structure having been dug away when the London - Portsmouth canal was built (circa. 1820) and tidal scour having widened the gap since. Although there is technically a right of way across the channel, there are dangerous mudflats in the central part and it would be foolish to attempt to cross these on foot or in any vehicle (except a hovercraft). For this reason I strongly suggest that the crossing should not be attempted.' Jonathan Gurney

'Beside the Wadeway (disused), there is a short stretch of tidal road (about 150m) leading from Langstone High St (Image 2) to the mill (Image 3) and a couple of other properties, and is indeed the only road access to these. As you drive down Langstone High St ('Langstone High St to harbour') and enter the tidal area, the Wadeway branches off to the right, while the road in use hugs the shore to the left. The picture of the mill shows the exit from the tidal section. The tidal road - actually more of a hard beach - passes in front of the Royal Oak (Image 4 with mouseover).'

'A very nice ford, with a broad concrete bottom about 15 yards across. The depth gauge said nine inches. A small sign said that the adjacent footbridge is not a public right of way, but clearly the locals all use it, man and dog.'

Details from Ian Glading
'Quite wide & spreads over 2 car lengths. One way traffic east to west-- turn off from the B3004 straight into it .. BUT public buses can come in the opposite direction....'

'A small Irish bridge on a cul-de-sac, with a footbridge and warning signs.'

'Crosses the River Test and is too deep for a car (it is about 2-3 car lengths long) and with a pebbly bottom. Has a depth gauge, showing about 2-3ft a few weeks ago. Roadway to the side of ford has been restricted to only allow horses/pedestrians. Easy road access to and from it.'

'The depth was about half a foot but the access on the southern side has eroded and the tarmac gives way to a 6 inch drop to the pebbly bottom. Fine in a Landy but a sump-cruncher for most others. Also very overgrown. James Grey (Images 2: 04/11/2010)

'Long (45 paced yards), deep (18"), and fast flowing. Just a couple of miles upstream from Bramshill (both are across the Blackwater and on the Hants/Berks Border). Smoth and solid bottom - nice concrete ramps. Footbridge, signs (Ford - unsuitable for motors).'Image mouseover sent in by Peter D. Smith (21/10/2004)

'A caution for bikes doing the lower common ford, there is an old metal channel post in the water to the north end, near the middle of the base, about 2 thirds of the way across. I suggest anyone takling this for to take a look from teh brige before crossing the ford to locate this peice of metal.' Keith Cross

'Small concrete watersplash running obliquely across narrow lane; footbridge. No Ford signs or depth gauge.'

Mapledurwell (x2!)

'A permanent ford (Images 1 & 2) and part-time ford (Image 3) on a short stretch of byway. the permanent ford is at the north end of the byway, immediately adjacent to the westbound A30. This enables easy access for anyone wanting to find the ford in a normal car. The ford is concrete bottomed and quite pretty - marred by the proximity of the A30. It is just a couple of inches deep and a car length long, although it can be slippy due to algal growth. From the other side, just before the part-time ford, the byway becomes rutted and is only suitable for a 4x4. The part-time ford is located at the bottom of a steep dip and has a nasty rut which needs avoiding. During recent heavy rain, I went through this with 2 foot of water in it, only to find that the passenger side was four foot under!'

'On a three-ply tarred lane, shortly before it becomes an overgrown ORPA, is this concrete part-timer which, dipping sharply towards the stream bed, looks as if it could be a proper ford in winter, especially as the bridge alongside, made of concrete beams, is wide and strong enough for light vehicles. No signs.'

Minstead (x2!)

'The first of two fords in Minstead is only a part-time ford, although it does have a full complement of Ford signs, depth gauge and footbridge (Image 1)'

Image 2 sent in by Andrew C. Westall (19/11/2002):
'Nice ford with concrete bottom, footbridge and markers.'

Nether Wallop (x2!)

'Firstly, in the village there is a small watersplash, surfaced with concrete cobbles and with a footbridge to one side (Image 1). It was completely dry when visited, which I should imagine is normal, but it’s a case of the stream drying up, not the ford being an Irish bridge.

To the south of the village there is a substantial ford on an unmade road (Image 2). There’s a nasty step at the junction with the main road, which is right next to the ford. It crosses Wallop Brook and is about 20 yards across and a foot deep, with a rocky base.'

'On the edge of the attractive old town of New Alresford lies an excellent example of a stretch of Hampshire trout stream which is also an old cartway. At the western end of the fine High Street, turn right into The Dean and drive to the end. Ahead of you for some 200 yards, the River Itchen was formerly a ford, although there is no evidence on the ground of modern vehicular use, and in fact the ramp at this end was probably where there is now a brick-faced culvert.

It would be insensitive today to drive a vehicle or ride a motorbike up the river and disturb the tranquility of what is obviously now a cherished part of the town, although I think it would be acceptable to ride a horse there. If you are not thus equipped, you can park and follow the raised asphalt walkway, now part of the Alresford Millennium Trail as well as the Wayfarer's Walk long distance footpath. (Image 1).

The ford ended at the ancient thatched Fulling Mill, now a picturesque black and white cottage (Image 2). Along the way, an interpretive panel has a picture of the ford in use as a cartway, circa 1900 (Image 2 mouseover).

There are exit ramps signs each side of the mill, which would have meant that there was a short ford across its face too, provided you kept clear of the deep tail race water.'

'Wide but short ford on a T-junction with footbridge and markers.'

North Poulner (x2!)

'Pair of basic fords on a Y-junction with culverts and footbridge.'

'A shallow (inch or two) ford with smooth concrete base and ramps across Mill Brook. Spoilt by rubbish in the brook. Just 500 metres from J5 M27. Though this is a byway (hence public access) the approach from the west is on well maintained very smooth concrete - suitable for any car. The concrete finishes a little beyond the ford with enough room to turn round - for those not wanting to travel the mud byway. Footbridge. No sign, no depth guage.'

Ober Heath (x3!)

'It is on Foresty commission land, and public access is restricted to those vehicles that can travel on bridal paths only. However, forest management contractors do drive around the tracks and as such this ford has a concrete base. Nice enough setting though... '

Two other fords are marked on the map, presumably with the same restrictions.

Ogdens (x3!)

'The southernmost ford survives alongside a bridge which now carries the yellow road over the brook. (Image 1)

The second is a straggling New Forest ford where a byway open to vehicles (at the end of a tarred road from Hyde Common) runs along the bed of Latchmore Brook for 60m. Footbridge at west end. (Image 2)

Finally, near Ogdens Farm is this good gravel ford on New Forest byway, open to vehicles, 9m across and 4in deep. Footbridge, no signs; close to Ogdens official car park. (Image 3)'

'Nice simple concrete bottomed ford, often a few inches deep (3-4). Complete with ford signs and footbridge. Very nice if run north to south, with the Bush Pub in Ovington a very good for a starting & end points for walks.'

'About 6 inches deep in middle and forms part of the village duckpond - mind the ducks! The image was taken mid April with no rain for maybe two months, I expected it to be completely dry. It has been in the past. There is also a roadbridge right from where the picture was taken.'

Plaitford (x2!)

'The first is a basic ford with concrete bottom, footbridge and markers (Image 1), the second is on a nearby byway (Image 2)'

'Concrete bottom, bridge & full signs/new depth board.' Check out the ford in flood on the link below:

Shire Land Rover Club

'A good ford with concrete bottom and footbridge.'

'Despite the nice new brickwork and walling, there's been no water here this winter, and not likely to see any until next year. It would be a genuine ford, not an Irish bridge. I nearly passed it by and then did a double-take!'

Sandford (x2!)

'Two fords lie just off the yellow road that passes north-south through this parish. Image 1 shows the more northerly . It is a simple watersplash within sight of the road, on a sharp bend, a few yards down a rough track.

Image 2 depicts the more southerly. A small paved ford about 100 yards along a newly gravelled private forest road. A barrier prevents vehicular access, but there is a footpath sign, and room to park at the gateway.

Neither ford has signs, depth gauge or footbridge.'

'Channels of Pillhill Brook pass either side of a house, presumably once a mill, and a third passes under the building, all to meet again in this rather overgrown ford. The base is the pebbly bed of the stream. The ford is up to a foot in depth (no depth gauge), and about 40 yards long. A sign forbids parking, but does not warn of the ford.'

Link to geograph

'Simple ford with a concrete bottom, footbridge, markers and culverts.'

'Close to the village green and the Robin Hood pub is this excellent gravel-bottomed ford on a short unmade link road. The road is easily motorable, but the ford is 25 yards across, and the depth gauge reads 2 feet (or is this the customary Hampshire hyperbole?) Footbridge, Ford and Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles signs. Image 1 mouseover sent in by Marcel Fleming (08/05/2005)'

Note this is on a private road so is not drivable although it is on a footpath

Link to geograph

'At each end of this lane between watercress beds, Ford - Deep and No Through Road signs warn of this fine gravel-bottomed example, about 20 yards across. The depth gauge indicated one foot of water, and no doubt there was at least that in the middle, but close to the wire on the opposite side to the footbridge there was only about 6 inches. 'Went to Tichbourne Ford today. Its about 1.5 ft deep and rutted in places. The approach from the west now has a servere drop due to the tarmac being eroded away. Only suitable really for 4x4.' Neil Dudman

'Good ford with concrete bottom, footbridge and markers.'

'Suitable for all, it is 10 yards across with a concrete bottom. Downhil from Grayshott, it is a tarmac road to the car park. After this it is a UCR up the hill to the A3, suitable only for off road users.'

Warnborough (x2!)

'The two Warnborough Fords are located less than 1 mile from J5 on the M3. The fords of similar depth and length, deep and long with a smooth gravelly bottom. Will always be a challenge because the water depth stays constant all year round. Now has a TRO, so no motor vehicle access is permitted.'

'Shallow grassy ford along rutted overgrown byway. 4x4s only. Easiest to find from western end (currently blocked by large mound of mud).'

Waterditch (x2!)

'First is a basic cobble base, usually less than 10" of water. Slight yump if approached from the SW, can be interesting trying to slow down during the winter! Second is very picturesque, with trees, silt, mud, and a house all in close proximity. Full compliment of signs'

This ancient crossing of the Hampshire Avon gave its name to the whole locality, and was part of a Roman road (see here and here), perhaps because it was the river's lowest crossing point before the sea.

Although it is marked on the OS maps as a RUPP, it is not exactly usable as a road, let alone as a public path. The approach from the Hampshire (east) side is now heavily overgrown with 6ft reeds, becoming impassable before the river bank is reached (Image 1); that from the west is a rough track which ends in a rubbish-strewn turning circle, a few feet from the stream itself. There is no sign of traffic of any kind crossing here; perhaps the gravel bank on which swans now nest was once part of the roadway (Image 2).

Are there any hardy Hampshire or Dorset 4xfordies out there who are willing to have a crack at this one?'

Yes there is! The Graham Trolls (20/09/2004) organised a weekend challenge to cross "Wattons Ford". 'A local resident told us that his last recollection of a crossing was by his grandfather in the early 1900's with a horse and cart! We waded the river to find the shallowest path across and then made our entry into the ford from the west side. The river bank was soft and the descent steep with the initial drop into the water about 4 ft deep. Keeping up momentum straight towards the middle it became shallower, about 1ft deep. As we approached the middle we turned right down stream towards the exit, the end of the RUPP on the east side. We had to investigate exactly where the exit was before hand, because the bank was heavily over grown with reeds and undergrowth. From the middle of the river to the exit the water became deeper once more, approximately 4 ft. Nearing the exit we had to make sure we followed the correct path as the river bed shelved steeply to the right with the depth unknown, as we could not touch the bottom. Turning left towards the exit from the middle using momentum once more, we drove as far up the river bank as we could before coming to a stop. This got the vehicle half out of the water and had to be winched the rest of the way. The river bank this side was very soft, boggy and being heavily overgrown it made the exit extremely difficult even with a winch and further crossings are not recommended. (Image 3)'

Info from Russell Hanley
Friends of Dorset's Rights of Way (FoDRoW) and Southern Counties Off-Road (SCOR) went down there in October, a few weeks after the other chaps. The water level had dropped by about a foot so the deepest part was 3ft deep and there was a dry island in the middle. You need to wait for a dry period to attempt any crossing or you risk being washed downriver. We sent a single Vitara through from the Dorset side drove across to the Hampshire bank and drove back again.

The only problem is that the Hampshire bank is virtually impassable, except using a very big winch. The lane leading down to the Hampshire bank is actually a Byway and is normally well maintained, although it can get boggy. FoDRoW and SCOR are hoping to arrange some work next year to make the banks passable so that this lane can be used more often and by less capable vehicles.

'From the A27, follow the modern signpost for "West Wellow via Ford" along Dandys Ford Lane (sic - no apsotrophe). A bit further on, an old cast iron fingerpost repeats the direction, and the first Ford sign appears - there are others at the ford itself. This is a fine example: about 25ft across, with a paved bottom. The depth gauge indicated the standard Hampshire foot of water, but there was only about 8in and my Audi road car was not threatened.'

'Its got one of those bases comprising squares of concrete with large gaps in between – they can be lethal for mountain bikers if a tyre gets into one of them. I think it’s worth mentioning this and the fact that there are often children playing there so caution is advised, especially as the approaches are quite narrow.' Peter Cooper

'The West Wellow ford in Hampshire with persistant winter rain can get to 4 to 5 feet deep from what I have seen. I have been through at 4 feet in a Pajero, and even though the bed of the road is about 10-12 feet wide, the river certainly takes up more road than this at these highr depths. Did it at night and water up over the bonnet with it forced up over the screen and roof.' A Dickinson

'Nice small ford with concrete bottom, footbridge and markers'