Strolling into Spring

SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE finds a selection of places to wander where we can enjoy spring flowers during the next few months

- SIMONE STANBROOK-BYRNE

February: long nights, cold and dreary days. Winter at its grimmest. Will it ever end?

Then suddenly there is a glimmer of something bright. A little botanical angel sent by Mother Nature to remind us that spring is round the corner and the world will wake up again.

Snowdrops are often regarded as the early heralds of spring but sometimes primroses and daffodils appear even earlier than snowdrops, with bluebells coming later in the season.

Whatever appears first, and wherever they are found, they are a welcome signal that the days are lengthening and that somewhere, up there above the clouds, the sun is shining.

Two things to remember: Firstly, the flowering times for any plant can vary according to conditions each year, as can the abundance of the show they put on for us.

And, secondly, these spring flowers are not for picking: they are to be left for others to enjoy after you.

For each of the following walks check the website/map prior to setting out, so that you can tailor your visit to suit how far you wish to walk.

THE ROUTE

Snowdrop Valley, near Wheddon Cross, Exmoor

One of the best-known places in the county for snowdrops, this privately-owned valley is open to the public each February, when the snowdrops appear in a shimmering confection to carpet the woodland floor.

The original plants here were probably introduced by monks from Dunster, for whom the flowers were a symbol of the Feast of Candlemas on 2 February; snowdrops are sometimes known, rather musically, as Candlemas Bells.

The Snowdrop Valley website gives details of several walking routes from Wheddon Cross to the valley, and buses run for those who prefer not to walk. It is an extremely well-organised operation and deeply popular – so expect mud.