Snowdrop Valley a special treat on Exmoor for nature lovers

February on Exmoor is the season for Galanthophiles - perhaps you are one? Snowdrops are bursting up and into flower, in gardens, woodlands and hedgerows all round Exmoor, providing a welcome reminder that Spring is not far off. Galanthus Nivalis is the botanical name for the common snowdrop, though there are dozens of varieties. Every year visitors and holidaymakers head to Snowdrop Valley, a special treat on Exmoor for nature lovers.

Staying at Woodlands House or Woodleigh Cottage you’re likely to see your own display of snowdrops in your private garden, but for a great walk and a larger display, we recommend a visit to Snowdrop Valley, a short drive from Dulverton.

There you’ll find a delightful hidden valley where drifts of snowdrops stretch up and away along the banks of a small stream cascading down the hill. The snowdrops, which were thought to have medicinal properties, were planted there long ago by a religious order and have since spread naturally across the stream’s banks, filling the valley with delicate white and green flowers. The land is privately owned, but opened up in February so the public can enjoy this marvelous spectacle.

From Woodlands House or Woodleigh Cottage it’s a 15-20 min drive up the A396 road north, along the Exe Valley, to Wheddon Cross where you can park.There’s a signed footpath to guide you down - good boots and warm clothing are recommended. The walk is about one mile each way and takes around twenty minutes if you are an able walker. Some of the paths are steep and can be muddy.

A ‘Park & Ride’ scheme usually operates, but this year a Land Rover service can drop and collect you, run by local Exmoor Safari operators for a fee. Book these by contacting Andrew Turner 07791 717058 and Daphne Brace 07977 571494. The cost is £5 per person each way (sorry they can’t take dogs).

Maps of the walks are available from the parking kiosk.The kiosk is staffed from 9.30 – 4.30.

Snowdrop Valley is well worth visiting. We make sure we visit every year and it’s a great opportunity to take a wonderful range of photographs of this beautiful landscape.

Get in touch, if you would like to know more about Snowdrop Valley and Exmoor and to book your stay at Woodlands House (sleeps up to 8 guests) or Woodleigh Cottage (sleeps up to 4 guests).

Bill & Jane

Find out more

https://www.facebook.com/SnowdropValley/