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Snowdrop Valley
Exmoor, Somerset
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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.
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Planning Grid
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Location: |
Snowdrop Valley, Exmoor, Somerset |
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Grid Reference |
SS924387 OS Map Landranger 181 |
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Getting there: |
9 miles from Minehead and Dulverton. |
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Access: |
On foot once off the Park and Ride bus. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Nature watching: |
Snowdrops in February, Bluebells in May and
Heather in Autumn |
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Address: |
Wheddon Cross & Cutcombe |
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Postcode: |
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Telephone: |
07531 680445 |
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Opening times: |
Daily except for 25th and 26th December,
January 1st and 2nd |
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Charges: |
Adults: £4; Seniors: £3; Child (5-15) £2; Children
under 5 free. |
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Photo Restrictions: |
None |
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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. |
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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. |
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Special Needs Facilities: |
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Children Facilities: |
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Dogs Allowed: |
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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
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