Saturday, 18 February 2012

Latest News

The snowdrops are still looking fabulous, and hopefully everyone is getting their chance to visit this year. We have had some super publicity - you may have seen us on ITV on The West Country on Wednesday earlier this week.
For the second weekend, there is also a craft market running down at the long stay car park, with a brillient variety of stall, so I'm sure you will find something nice there to take away with you.
Exmoor House Tea Room is not open on Sunday (19th February), but will be open again daily from Monday. Snowdrop Cafe, in the Moorland Hall, the Rest and Be Thankful Inn, and the Market Cafe are all open for business this weekend, and on into next week. You will certainly find excellent refreshments available, and there is also of course the well stocked Londis at the garage.
The buses are running for one more week, and then there is a further week of walking access only, so make sure you get your visit arranged in time.

Sunday, 12 February 2012

Craft Market

As well as sunshine and snowdrops this weekend, there is also a craft market running at the long stay car park. Something else to do on your visit to Snowdrop Valley. This will be running again on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th Feb with different stalls, so if you get the chance, come along and check it out.

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

In business

Well despite a snowy start on Saturday, we have been up and running at full speed since Sunday. The visitors are flooding in, and the snowdrops are putting on a great show.
We are expecting a very busy time next week as the West Somerset Railway "Snowdrops and Steam" trains start running, and we have several other coach parties booked in, as well as everyone on half term holiday.
Hope you all get to come along.

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Snowdrops on their way

Well we are now well into January - apologies for the gap in posts, but we should start to have them a little more regularly now.
Things are all coming together nicely ready for 4th February start date. You should now be able to download our information flyer from the home page of the website, and paper copies will be out an about in the area shortly.
Down to the actual flowers themselves - with the warm weather we have been having, it looks like we may have a bumper crop this year, and in flower by the time we start in February, so if you are wondering when to visit, maybe look at the earlier dates to get the better views?
We are also very excited this year to report that West Somerset Railway are running special trains on three days during half term to include a visit to Snowdrop Valley. (No - extra rails haven't been laid! You ride the train from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and then are transported on a bus up to Wheddon Cross.) Perhaps you could combine your trip with a train ride?
So some very exciting things happening. More to follow soon.

Monday, 5 September 2011

2012 Dates

Well the 2012 dates for Snowdrop Valley Park are now available. The Park and Ride will be running from Saturday 4th through to Sunday 26th February, with Drapers Way remaing closed to through traffic for a further week up to Sunday 4th March to allow walkers to continue to enjoy the snowdrops.
More info as it becomes available! Keep checking in.

Thursday, 18 August 2011

Planning is already underway for Snowdrop Valley 2012. Do keep checking in for updates. We hope to bring you the dates for the Park and Ride Scheme very soon.

Friday, 4 March 2011

Last few days.....

Friday 4th March 10pm
The flowers are getting a bit tired now but should last the weekend.  The road is still closed but walkers can follow the green arrows from Wheddon Cross down to the valley.  Those with limited mobility can borrow a mobility pass from our staff at the information trailer next to the Rest & Be Thankful Inn.
Thank you to everyone who filled in our questionnaire - especially those who left nice comments regarding the scheme as it's great to hear our hard work is appreciated.

Monday, 28 February 2011

Lost and Found

Monday 28th February 3:40pm
Each year we collect a small number of items which have been found either on the buses, toilets or walking route so do let us know if you are missing something!  We have an item of photography equipment (it is NOT kept in the information trailer!) so if you are missing something camera related please email snowdropvalley@googlemail.com with details of what the item is so we can return it to it's rightful owner.  Any items still with us on Monday 7th March will be binned (e.g single gloves!) or taken to Minehead Police Station (hats, glasses, camera equipment etc).  We are happy to report that a walking stick found and handed in to our staff has been reunited with it's owner.

Sunday, 27 February 2011

No more buses!

Sunday 27th February 8:15pm
Today was the last day of the park and ride scheme so the only way to see the snowdrops now is to walk or obtain a mobility pass.  The road down to the valley is still closed and will remain so until next Sunday.  The legal road closure order is provided by West Somerset District Council and enforced by the police so any vehicles using the road without permission can and will be reported to the local constabulary.
The flowers are still worth visiting, but I think the cold weather expected this week may bring them to an end before the weekend. The walking route signs will remain up and our staff will still be on hand in the car park to provide information and assistance.

Friday, 25 February 2011

Last weekend to enjoy the snowdrops by bus

Friday 25th February 8:40pm
If you still haven't been down to see the snowdrops and wish to take advantage of the park and ride system, this weekend is your last opportunity to do so!  From Monday until the following Sunday the road will remain closed with a legal road closure order and access will be on foot or using our mobility pass system available from the car park at the Rest & Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross.  Our staff will be on hand to answer any queries, and the green arrows marking the walking route will remain in place for this additional week.
The flowers are still out so grab your wellies (ESSENTIAL!!) as they are unlikely to last for another week.

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Interesting day

Tuesday 22nd 8:35pm
I have been reading responses to our questionnaire survey today and have been very pleased to see the number of positive comments about the organisation, catering, and staff.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in one of our forms - we read each one and take your ideas and suggestions to our steering group.
There have been a few comments about the mud (which amuses me as this is the countryside and we can't control the weather!) and a few regarding dog owners who have left dog mess on the paths.  PLEASE pick up your dog mess as it's not fair on other visitors, not to mention dangerous.
Only a few days left so if you've not been yet, make sure you come soon before the buses stop running.....

Monday, 21 February 2011

New visitor

Monday 21st February 9:25pm
Although Wheddon Cross has been stuck in a bank of fog all day today, there were still a few visitors around - one of which was non-human and covered in feathers.  Today an Egret popped along to see the snowdrops so keep your eyes peeled and camera at the ready......

Saturday, 19 February 2011

Half Term Begins

Saturday 19th 6:45pm
The half term holidays have begun and we even saw a bit of sunshine this afternoon!  Just a reminder to those people with children, under 5s travel on the bus for FREE but do remember to bring wellies and puddle suits.
We have just over 100 of the limited edition jute shopping bags left so don't miss out - buy now!  They are amazing value at £4 and include features such as long handles, a mobile phone pocket and a zipped pocket for change.
The park and ride closes on the 27th February so come and ride the bus while you still can!

Friday, 18 February 2011

Water Water Everywhere.....

Friday 18th 3:30pm
Unfortunately the ladies loos in the car park have decided to give up on us today and the work required to rectify the problem will be carried out later today or tomorrow.  It appears that something has been flushed into the system that shouldn't have been so thank you to the person who did that.
Fortunately the landlord of the Rest and Be Thankful Inn has very kindly said that ladies may use his facilities but may I ask you to please be considerate and wash your boots off first so he doesn't have second thoughts....thank you!
My wonderful staff and the bus drivers are preparing themselves for the forthcoming schools half term holidays so please be patient if you arrive during a busy period - the snowdrops aren't going anywhere!

Thursday, 17 February 2011

Watch your step

Thursday 17th 1pm
Please be aware that it is still very muddy on the walk down to the valley and with large numbers of visitors expected for the school half term holidays it is unlikely to improve. 
WELLIES ARE ESSENTIAL for those wishing to walk down to the valley and walking poles or walking sticks may come in handy too if you have them.  Exmoor National Park Authority are going to be carrying out some works to the worst section first thing in the morning, but the weather conditions are not going to help the situation. 
If you want to ride the bus down and back please also be aware that walking boots or wellies are advisable because of the puddles and sticky sections.  We strongly recommend not wearing sandals, trainers, high heeled shoes or anything that cannot be washed off in a bucket!

Wednesday, 16 February 2011

Mud mud glorious mud!

Wednesday 16th 5:20pm
Even though it has been very wet today there have been lots of people around.  We are trying to get the message out that wellies are essential, but we've seen some 'interesting' footwear!! 
Please be patient if you happen to arrive during a busy period and have to queue for the buses.  We try to arrange the schedule to take account of peak times, but can't get it right all of the time.
Thank you!

Monday, 14 February 2011

Snowdrops selling fast!

Monday 14th 7:10pm
Even though we had a hail shower this afternoon, Valentine's Day at Snowdrop Valley was bright and sunny with lots of people around enjoying the good weather. 
The good news is the School Garden Club's snowdrops have been selling like hot cakes; the bad news is that there are not many left - at the moment!  More snowdrop bulbs are on their way and will hopefully be available for sale during half term (the last week of the scheme).  At only £1.50 per pot they are a bargain so bring plenty of change when you visit!!

Sunday, 13 February 2011

Return of the rain!

Sunday 13th 5:40pm
Even though it has been raining most of the day there were still quite a few people walking and busing down to the snowdrops.  Obviously the puddles are bigger and the muddy sections muddier so PLEASE WEAR WELLIES! 
The Snowdrop Cafe is not open on Monday or Tuesday this week however the Exmoor House Hotel Tea Room and Rest and Be Thankful Inn will be.  The Snowdrop Cafe opens again on Wednesday and will be available to customers until the park and ride shuts on the 27th February.  The Market Cafe will be open again on Saturday right through to the end of the scheme too.
Don't forget the Garden Club run for the school children is still selling potted snowdrops and useful carry bags too available from the information trailer in the pub car park.

Saturday, 12 February 2011

Busy busy busy!

Saturday 12th 5pm
Cars everywhere today so lots of people taking advantage of the good weather.  I'd like to thank the bus drivers on duty for their hard work and also to my staff at the information trailer who dealt with all sorts of incidents including two lost elderly walkers (returned to their hotel by Digger) and queues of passengers waiting to travel down into the valley and back out again.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is very wet but the snowdrops don't mind it so put on your wellies and raincoats and come out anyway.
Oh, one last thing.  If you've got little children, I can highly recommend putting them in a puddle suit  - not only to keep mud off clothes, but also so they can enjoy the big puddles.....!!

Hail!

Saturday 12th 2pm
I enjoyed a visit down to the snowdrops this morning and they are opening out nicely.  We didn't see any wildlife, but plenty of people on foot and by bus enjoying the spectacle.  One unwanted site was a pair of racing quad bikes and riders ignoring the road closure order so their number plates were noted and reported to the police.  Driving into the valley without a Residents Pass or Mobility Pass means drivers are breaking a legal road closure order which is enforced by the police.
We enjoyed a cup of tea and slice of cake in the Snowdrop Cafe and managed to get home just before a sudden hail storm!  Don't forget to bring wellies and rain coats - it is Exmoor after all.....