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Snowdrop Valley

Exmoor, Somerset

Location Guide

Wheddon Cross near Cutcombe is the highest village on Exmoor and is situated on the crossroads of the main routes that run between Minehead and Dulverton in Somerset. It is a good centre for walking and riding. It is in beautiful countryside and has an abundance of wildlife. This includes the Exmoor Ponies and Red Deer which can be seen throughout the year.

There are many woodland walks and plant life includes snowdrops, primroses and daffodils in the spring, followed by bluebells and heather is abundant during the autumn. The focal point is Dunkery Beacon which is 1704 feet above sea level.

It is thought that Snowdrops may have arrived in Britain with Benedictine Monks in the 11th century. They were introduced into Snowdrop valley in the 13th century by monks from Dunster as a symbol of Candlemas (2nd February).

Snowdrop valley is in North Hawkwell Wood just outside the village and during February a Park and Ride scheme runs from Wheddon Cross every half an hour form 10.30am to 4pm to take you to the start of the valley walk. The circular walking route is waymarked with snowdrop symbols and you should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for winter walking. There is a footbridge at one point to get you over the River Avill. The path passes the site of an old sawmill which was powered by the River and originally processed larch and oak for gates and railway wagons, the course of the water channels can still be seen and in fact the path from the bridge runs along the bank of one of them.

During the Snowdrop season 'Snowdrop Cafe' will be open and run by volunteers in the Moorland Hall from 10am to 4pm on some dates during February, see the website link of the days it will be open.


Further information Grid

 

Location:

Snowdrop Valley, Exmoor, Somerset

Ceremonial County: Somerset

Grid Reference:

SS924387

Map Link:

Google Maps      Bing

Aerial photo:  

Route(s):

 

Best Times to Visit:

February for the snowdrops, because of organised tours try to get there early to avoid the bulk of the crowds. Autumn for changing colours of the wood.

E-mail:

snowdropvalley@googlemail.com

Website:

Wheddon Cross

Other useful websites:

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor Park Visitor Centre - Dulverton

Nearby Locations:  
Other Relevant pages: Where to see and photograph Snowdrops
 

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Planning Grid

Location:

Snowdrop Valley, Exmoor, Somerset

Grid Reference

SS924387  OS Map Landranger 181

Getting there:

9 miles from Minehead and Dulverton.

Access:

On foot once off the Park and Ride bus.

Parking:

Public Car Park in Wheddon Cross. A Park and Ride scheme from Wheddon Cross takes you to Snowdrop Valley and this will run from 2nd-24th February and will leave every half an hour from 10:30am to 4pm.

Facilities:

Rest and Be Thankful public house has refreshments on hand all year round. Exmoor House Tearooms will be open during February.

Toilets in Wheddon.

Things To Do, See and Photograph:

Lots of nodding snowdrops cover the woodland banks on the side of the River Avill. Close-ups and wider views of snowdrops, ferns, mosses, moving water in the river, arched road bridge.

What to take:

Camera, macro lens for close-ups, wide angle lens for vistas, tripod for low light levels, ND Grads for shots which include sky, suitable walking boots for muddy conditions underfoot, and suitable clothing for the weather conditions.

Nature watching:

Snowdrops in February, Bluebells in May and Heather in Autumn

Address:

Wheddon Cross & Cutcombe

Postcode:

 

Telephone:

07531 680445

Opening times:

Daily except for 25th and 26th December, January 1st and 2nd

Charges:

Adults: £4; Seniors: £3; Child (5-15) £2; Children under 5 free.

Photo Restrictions:

None

Other Restrictions:

Allow at least 1.5 hours for return trip. During Snowdrop season access is only on foot or via a park and ride bus service from Wheddon Cross.
Special Needs Access: Disable drivers can enter the valley which is closed to all other traffic during February as long as a permit is obtained in advance.
Special Needs Facilities:  
Children Facilities:  
Dogs Allowed:  

Please let us know any other information that we can add to the Further information and Planning Grids or page and any errors that you discover. Before making a long trip to any location it is always wise to double check the current information, websites like magazines may be correct at the time the information is written, but things change and it is of course impossible to double check all entries on a regular basis. If you have any good photographs that you feel would improve the illustration of this page then please let us have copies. In referring to this page it is helpful if you quote both the Page Ref and Classification from the Grids above. To print the planning grid select it then right click and print the selected area.

Please submit information on locations you discover so that this system continues to grow.

 


By: Tracey Park Section: Key:
Page Ref: snowdrop_valley Topic: Nature  Last Updated: 12/2010
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