Calke Abbey and Dimminsdale snowdrops

AT this time of year, with the first signs of Spring around, I generally go to see the snowdrops at Shipley but last week I stumbled accidentally on a link to a snowdrop walk at a local National Trust property, Calke Abbey.






The walk led from the hall through the parkland with its rare breed sheep to Dimminsdale Nature reserve - once the site of quarries and kilns, now, particularly in the misty light, almost a magical grotto.

The best of it was saved till last - a wonderful array  of snowdrops.

... and the next week we went back to Calke to see more snowdrops, this time inside the gardens