Snowdrop walk and Hoe Fen ramble

In hopes that springtime and snowdrops will have arrived by February, let's meet at the main entrance to Anglesey Abbey for a wander round the gardens. Courtesy of Philip Hazel, who is a volunteer guide, there will also be a special opportunity to see the Abbey's snowdrop collection, which is not usually available to visitors!

Also thanks to Philip, there's an afternoon walk to Hoe Fen available in the afternoon. And if you're feeling really energetic, Anglesey Abbey is a gentle 40-minute bike ride from central Cambridge - let Emma know if you'd like to meet up to cycle there.

Everyone's welcome to join in the whole day or any part of it that takes your fancy!

TIMETABLE

10:30  Reception/Visitor Centre opens (car park is open earlier)

10:30-11:00  Penguins arrive, get tickets, have coffee if you want. Wear stout footwear - it can get a bit muddy in places.

11:00  Enter garden; stroll down Winter Walk (some snowdrops, plus other winter stuff); visit Lode (water) Mill - after a recent refurbishment it is now fully operational, and with luck you will be able to see its 18th century technology in action. Once we drag the geeks away from there, proceed along the river and then a side trip out of the normal public route to visit the Snowdrop Collection (over 200 varieties). Supposedly I [Philip] will be able to talk a bit about them if anybody cares to listen.
             
12:30  Arrive back at Reception/Visitor Centre no later than this; the restaurant can also get busy, so early is good for those that want to stay to lunch there.
            
13:30 approx  If anyone is still there and wants a longer walk, I will happily take them along the wooded path to Hoe Fen - about 2Km in total, taking, maybe, an hour. Hoe Fen is a wild life wood, with pond and bird hide, containing a growing number of pieces of "land art" made from natural materials.
            
15:00  Finish no later than this, possibly earlier (property closes at 16:30).