Originally these lanes were at ground level, but over the centuries, millions of feet and hooves have worn them down below the level of the surrounding landscape, giving them a magical beauty and mystery. Some were also carved into stone!
Holloways and Sunken Paths, the Mysterious Ancient Highways - Here's a few of the most intriguing sunken lanes in Dorset, England.
Sunken Lanes of Southern England - Photos from British Geological Service.
Hollow Ways of Europe - There's sunken lanes in many places in Europe.
The Vie Cave of Italy - These amazing 2500-year-old sunken paths were hacked into stone by hand! Take a 2-minute video tour of the Vie Cave of Sorano, Sovana, and Pitigliano.