I made a decision to pick up some PB's on the way home from work and decided to drop in on this area. It was instantly worth it from a personal point of view and gave up a few unexpected surprises for me which put a smile onto a very tired face. I came off night shift after already being up 24 hours and decided to break up journey home with what turned out to be a 7 hour stroll from Stockers Lake nature reserve through to the River Colne / Hempermill where it was sadly cut short by a 'get off this land moment'. That was a first for me but i shall be back to pick up those two PB's missed as a result at a later date. All in all i took in 10 out of the 12 sites intended so not too bad a days work.
Working my way off google earth i decided to leave the PB located in Garret Wood (located between Springwell Lock and the Chalk Pit) until last as it gave me the incentive to walk back to the car!!
Anyway after a short walk to Stocker's Lock there is the evidence of an AT Hairpin on the opposite bank to the cottage and leading to Stocker's Farm.
ANTI TANK HAIRPIN: S0000534
The view looking down the lane showing the positioning of the AT rails.
Some strange looks from the people out walking their dog as i stood staring deep in thought at the road.
TYPE 22: S0000533
The first view of a PB on the run i came to. Completely hidden as you walk down from the Lock and across into the outer farm buildings. As you walk around the corner of the field and into the lane heading towards Stockers Farm Road. Compared to some of the PB's further towards Nerthwood this is in very good condition. Not accessible internally sadly.
TYPE 24 : S0000539
I should have taken the direct approach to this one as i caught my privates on the barbed wire fencing. A nice stroll behind the gardens of the barge owners and heading towards Hampden Hall Farm. This PB is being used as a storage area.
Gently cutting over the planted area i got to the low entrance.
TYPE 24: S0000542
Strangely a gem of a PB. Enhanced and used as part of a plot for someone. Next to it is a chicken coop and i kept the lively while investigating. The first real evidence of frost damage on a PB but not the worst one from this trip.
TYPE 24: S0000546
Into the rough land and the first sensation of stinging nettles. Ahhh that familiar feeling.
The condition of this PB is the worst out of the lot. The outer skin of bricks is both falling away and as is show below - very very fragile.
TYPE 27: S0000540
Skirting around the edge of the River Colne and located centrally after a bend in the river. The first time i have seen evidence of an outer shutter mounted outside of the embrasure.
Testing the hinges - the frame still moves into position though one of the screws is coming away.
How i tried to get onto the roof for a view of the LAA pit.
ANTI TANK BLOCK: S0004953
The view of the blocks located to the side of the approach to Moor Lane. There is evidence of more AT blocks on the other side but this was heavily overgrown on my visit and not worth photographing.
TYPE 27: S0000541
Over the fence and into the Nature Reserve. The sound of excited kids in the playground of the nearest school ringing in my ears.
Again the entrance is sadly locked up so it was a quick skirt around and moving on.
ANTI TANK BLOCK: S0004955
The line of 12 blocks. 7 on the west side and 5 on the east side of the embankment. I had considered jumping the fence but as it turned out - the right move was made for one.
The view of the 5 blocks on the East side.
TYPE 27: S0000544
Buried but not broken. Apparently on private ground as i was to fine out later. There is me thinking the nicely mown grass was put on for my welcome visit!! This site offered up the first of a few surprises for me personally.
The buried porch. As tempting as it was to crawl in i decided better not.
Leading out from the PB and parallel to the lane i found evidence of a roadblock?
Checking over the opposite side of the lane, i couldn't find any further evidence. There were at least 4 of these blocks in a line.
TYPE 27 : S0000547
I loved this PB. It offered me up so much. Very very tidy.
The view looking under the LAA pit base.
There were no rungs leading up into the doorway to the pit, only two eyelets on either side.
The view looking out to the shore of the lake.
Sadly at this point i was challenged by two people. One let my by after explaining what i was doing. The second bloke, though perfectly within his rights to tell me to leave was just an aggressive person.
I was so close to getting to the other two PB's listed. S0000548 and S0000553 but i am not too hopeful on the second PB. A hint of an outline does not look good. I shall return to pick these other two PB's in the near future. Early doors this time!!
Something i missed due to my unusual approach into the fishing area.
And finally, cuts scrapes, stings and almost giving up hope. The hardest PB to get too due to my indirect route:
TYPE 24: S0000532
Fighting my way through the triffids. Sat on the South bank of the Grand Union Canal.
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