By Gill Stewart at
At this time of year, there is nothing better than spotting your first snowdrops of the season! It’s actually become a major event for some of our Nordic Walking groups who make pilgrimages to their favourite local spots to welcome these plucky little blooms which always give us hope that Spring is not too far away.
We asked our groups to share their Favourite SNOWDROP walks with us and here are their top five just a few to whet your appetite.
Bart Piotrowicz and his group in Lytham St Annes in Lancashire sent us this picture from their favourite snowdrop walk at the stunning Lytham Hall. The snowdrops are beginning to make an appearance right now but soon they will cover the ground with swathes of white blooms and the hall attracts people from miles around for its charity snowdrop season and the chance to enjoy a cuppa in the cafe too. Eileen Moore ones of the Instructors says “At the beginning of the year, when we are all looking forward to spring, we bring our Nordic Walking groups to the beautiful grounds of Lytham Hall where each visit our walkers are excited to see more and more of the legendary Snowdrops bursting through the frosty soil . As the weeks progress they cover the ground of the extensive woodland until they become a white carpet heralding the end of winter.”
If you are in the area, why not join Bart and his team by checking out their schedule of walks and you can see the snowdrops as you enjoy a bracing Nordic walk with great company.
2. NATIONAL TRUST SALTRAM – near Plymouth
Pauline Beare and her team of Instructors from On the Go Nordic walking in Devon have voted for Saltram which is one of their bases for both lessons and regular walks. Saltram is famous for its snowdrops too and they host a number of attractions such as plant your own snowdrop towards the end of the season in March. If you fancy joining Pauline and her friendly group on a walk in this stunning location you can view their walks here
3. DUNHAM MASSEY – CHESHIRE
Another stunning park that is literally brimming with snowdrops at this time of the year. This gem in Cheshire also hosts its own regular Nordic Walking sessions with NWUK delivery Partner Anita Lobban who offers beginners courses as well a regular walks in partnership with the National Trust. Check out what’s on offer here
4. SHIPLEY COUNTRY PARK
Graham Beech the Instructor and his group who regularly walk in this glorious park in Nottinghamshire are currently putting plans together for their annual snowdrop walk. Mind you, you can catch Graham and the group in Shipley Country park at any time of the year because its such a a great place for Nordic Walking – find out more here
5. ICKWORTH – SUFFOLK
Ickworth has been a favourite with Nordic walkers for many years – first featuring in our blog way back in 2013. Kevin from Positive Steps Nordic walking regularly walks there with his group and there are plenty of routes that capture the carpet of snowdrops in their full glory.