A Proper Yorkshire Mooch
Back in 2024, after visiting Peli UK to pick up a few cases for review, it would’ve been downright rude not to explore a few rights of way while I was in that neck of the woods. You don’t drive all that way just to collect boxes and go home… we’re not animals.
Over the last 12 months or so, a few of my favourite lanes over in South Yorkshire have been hit with TROs. Now some of them have been lifted, I was curious to see what Kirklees Council had done to them. So from Glossop, I pointed the nose of Deux Smurf, our ‘96 Hilux Surf, over Woodhead Pass towards Holmfirth.
Lane 1 – The Old Gate Track (SE1005-05) Glass’ Trailwise 2 ref
A few years ago, this short lane had some properly deep opposing ruts and was good fun to drive. Then it got graded (filled in)… and, well, the fun went with it.
At the bottom, where it merges onto the second lane, there are now deep ruts carved into the banking where people have clearly been messing about. It looks a right mess and, frankly, doesn’t do the rest of us any favours. We all get tarred with the same irresponsible brush.
Lane 2 – SE1005-06 to Riding Wood Reservoir
Heading east, this lane eventually turns into Holme Woods Lane and takes you over the dam at Riding Wood Reservoir. There are a few puddles to splash through, but nothing Muddy Madam couldn’t handle in her Skoda Fabia.
Arriving at the reservoir is usually a cracking spot to pull over and admire the view, especially in autumn when everything turns golden. This being a grim January morning, though, it was more “fifty shades of grey” than postcard-perfect.
Lane 3 – Ramsden Road
Ramsden Road starts off innocently enough — a narrow track between stone walls and trees. A few years ago, bollards were put in to discourage drivers, confusing plenty of people in the process… but now they’ve disappeared altogether.
Unfortunately, what used to be a simple dirt track has turned into a bit of a challenge. Deep opposing ruts had Deux Smurf cross-axled — two wheels off the ground and open diffs meant we weren’t going anywhere fast. A quick rethink, a careful reverse, and a tighter line (uncomfortably close to the wall) got us through. No scratches, no tears — result.
Further up, the lane opens into a rocky section… and this is where things get disappointing. There’s clear evidence of off-piste driving, with new lines carved into what used to be a perfectly good route. Totally unnecessary.
After a quick scout, I tackled the rock steps. They weren’t impassable — not even close. A bit of minor “track maintenance” (repositioning a few loose rocks) and Deux Smurf scrambled up nicely on her BFG KM3s. Honestly, not sure what all the fuss was about.
If you’re heading up here, stick to the lane. Maintain it if needed, but don’t go carving new routes — we’re better than that, at least most of are.
The famous tight 90-degree left-hander is still there, complete with its off-camber water channel that looks ready to swallow your pride whole. It’s been slightly flattened at the entrance now, so it’s less intimidating — though still enough to keep you honest.
Lane 4 – Cartworth Moor Road (SE1305-02)
At the end of Ramsden, you hit a staggered crossroads. Straight on takes you onto Cartworth Moor Road — technically a green lane, but really more of a long farm access track. You could drive it in just about anything… probably even your nan’s Micra if she’s feeling adventurous.
Lane 5 – Scar End Lane (SE1708-04)
Scar End is a steady climb — narrow in places with the odd rock to keep you awake, but nothing too dramatic. I’ve done it before in a Subaru Forester press car during torrential rain, and it felt like driving across a Tesco car park.
The real reason to come here? The views over New Mill and Holmfirth. Absolutely stunning. Worth stopping at the top for a brew and a moment to pretend you’re in a car advert.
Lane 6 – Cheese Gate Nab Side (SE1607-02)
Yes, that is its real name. No, I don’t know why either.
This lane has changed massively over the years and has become significantly more challenging. There’s still a one-way order (east to west, downhill), and trust me — you wouldn’t want to be going the other way anyway.
It doesn’t take long before things get properly gnarly. Steep, narrow, full of ruts and rock steps — this isn’t one for your average soft-roader. Deux Smurf made it look dramatic, lurching about with wheels in the air like a dog chasing a wasp, but it was all under control… mostly.
This is definitely a lane for properly prepared vehicles. Ground clearance, decent tyres, and a good departure angle aren’t optional — they’re essential.
You’ll barely notice the views because you’re too busy concentrating, but if you do glance up, the Yorkshire countryside puts on a proper show.
After what felt like an eternity in low box, feathering the brakes and picking lines carefully, I reached the final tight bends and rocky drops before rolling back onto solid ground. Terrafirma never felt so… flat.
Despite the evidence of off-piste antics — which is always a bit disheartening — it was a cracking afternoon exploring some classic Yorkshire lanes.
And best of all? Not another soul in sight. Just how we like it.
Note.
This trip was back in 2024 and I believe some of the lanes have been graded / sanitised even further.