Looking at some routes in Teesdale/Weardale for a future trip I came across the following symbols

Parallel dotted lines with red dots in between (like a road with red dots)

This is on a 1:50,000 scale OS Memory Map (landranger series) and the legend denotes:

Parallel dotted lines = Other road, drive or track

Red dots = Other route with public access (not normally shown in urban areas)

Now I am presuming I can drive these routes (subject to them being passable !!)

Am I correct?

For those with MM
it is MM Region 8
54deg43.259'N, 2deg 15.857'W should put the track in centre screen (if I read position right :blink: )

George
Sounds like an ORPA so MIGHT have legal access to use, but only if it
doesn't have some other RoW on it, such as Footpath, Bridleway or RB.
Should be list on the List of Streets, held by the CC Highways Auth.

Can you give a map ref, don't have MM?

OK, here goes (remembering scout map reading lessons :rolleyes: )

NY 825 355

or try clicking here for OS web map

fairly obvious I hope, but if not, it's the track running from mid left to top right.
If you follow the road NE, it links up with a better road and joins Teesdale to Weardale.

Yes, that's indeed an ORPA. Technically these are shown on maps when the OS are told that the particular 'street' is recorded on the 'List of Streets' which highway authorities have to hold. The full name is 'list of streets maintained at public expense', and 99% of them have vehicular status.

That one in question is called ' Grasshills Causeway' and the comments in GLASS Wayfinder (wayfinderproject.co.uk' are -

'Often described as the highest road in England. A well made track over very high, bleak open fell. Fairly straight forward although one gulley section is rocky and may not be suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance. This gulley can also fill up with drifted snow in winter. Although generally OK to drive alone if you do have a problem this can be very unhospitable country and you are miles from help'

'Much of this road was resurfaced recently (including the rough gulley section) and can easily be driven, although take care in winter. GW'

'Travelled with novice group Jan '03 in snow. Surface sound and passable by road vehicle 4X4, once drifts moved by leading vehicle. (SB)'

There's 1/2 a dozen user evidence records entered, the only one with an associated comment was 12/05 and said - 'Nice leisurely drive out over the top of the moor. Very recent work carried out resurfacing the causeway at the Weardale end. No major difficulties encountered at all.'

Sounds like a cracking route to me !! I wish I lived closer ..

Cheers Simon
I used to do a lot of laning around that area 'way back when' and started looking again at a 'circular route' from Weardale, over to Teesdale and back via that lane.
Would be a mix of on/off road with nothing too serious.
Hopefully I will publish details once I get it finalised and sussed out.
The intention is to organise it as a NE Section run (when I speak with Jon). probably for when we get some better weather! Snow forecast this week.