Valleyfield snowdrop walk

Eleven walkers and a few gremlins headed for High Valleyfield in three cars, all travelling by different routes! It was kind of a long way to travel today for a walk that would normally take a couple of hours. There was a bit of dithering before we left Kirkcaldy, and wee bit more when we arrived at the appointed parking spot at Newmills. Once assembled though, off we jolly well went up through Valleyfield woods, splodging through the glaur at the start. Our boots were well and truly tested for being impervious to water!

It was actually great walking weather and once in the forest, we got into our comfortable strides; some long legged strides at the front and wee pint-sized ones bringing up the rear. 

At the first spotting of snowdrops, I snapped a couple of pals - note the other snapper at Isobel's heels. I wasn't expecting our pic to be photobombed by a wee dug! 



The walk through the woods is part of the designed landscape of Valleyfield House estate, the big house long since demolished, but remnants of the estate still are visible; the long high wall which surrounded the flower garden, the remains of the gardeners cottage, garden kitchen where there are carpets of  beautiful snowdrops. I regret not taking the short detour to see these flowers. 

We stopped for a quick pic on the bridge over the Bluther Burn which was dark, muddy brown and flowing fairly fast, the photographer having to teeter on the edge of the bank to get the tottie wee people in.
Clumps of snowdrops were scattered throughout the woods and we got that 'first sign of spring' feeling. Emerging from the woodland we took a downward trend towards Culross, then a left towards the old railway line which was part of the Culross - Kincardine line. It was good to read that there may be a possibility of it reopening in future. Safely across the tracks we noted the area in front of us is called Preston Island (not exactly an island). Ah, would this be the same Preston whose family owned Valleyfield Estate? I get it now.
We then had a rather long, and actually boring, straight path to walk for about a mile which took us back to our cars at Newmills. 
Who said the rain was to start at 4pm? Well predicted, Jennifer. 
Scooting up to High Valleyfield, we were in search of our coffee stop. Gremlins at work again, we got a bit lost, but eventually spotted a small cafe called Village Delights which we descended upon with our tongues hanging out.



Just a very ordinary wee place with lovely staff. We were well sorted for our coffee and scones today. As we left the cafe, the gremlins were at work again as the heavens opened and we darted for our cars, with one of us shouting, 'What about our prayer?' Aw.
And I lost my new hat. Pesky gremlins.


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