Hail, Sunshine and Snowdrops

Peplow Snowdrop Walk

Peplow Snowdrop WalkWhen the Peplow Community Group gathered for their monthly walk on Sunday 11 February, the weather was more than unpredictable. The snow and ice predicted in weather warnings during the morning had not covered the county in white. Hoping the afternoon would also remain largely dry, twelve people decided to brave the cold and headed for Coundmoor near Cressage. The wind was biting but the sun was bright as we headed away from our cars. We had not gone far when the sky darkened and hail was being driven into our faces.
Our guide encouraged us to press on and by the time we reached the path which follows Coundmoor Brook [map] the hail had stopped and the steep sides of the valley proved more than adequate shelter from the wind. Here we were encountered stunning displays of wild snowdrops along the banks of the stream – see photos below. They certainly made braving the wintry weather worthwhile.
Once we left the valley our circular route offered us panoramic views first across Shrewsbury, and later of the Wrekin. Thankfully there were no more hail showers, plenty of sunny spells and just one short shower of light snow.
Coundmoor Brook would certainly be a pleasant walk in spring and summer, pity that the snowdrops only bloom at this time of the year.