16th February Annual Snowdrop trip to Launde Abbey. approx 5 mls.

After an early 9.30am start from Cosby we arrived in Loddington around 10.30.  

Someone had arranged to collect the key for the church. What a whoppa!

Out of the village and over the fields to the church.

Inquisitive sheep keeping an eye on us walking by. Mr Mole underground keeping out of the way.

First sighting of the snowdrops leading up to the church.

Masses and masses of snowdrops - spring has arrived!

About to open the church for a quick look around.  

St Michael and All Angels Church is about 800 years old.  It has no electricity so services are candlelit and the organ has to be pumped manually.

The organ, an essential part of any church.

Curious faces on the plasterwork.

We signed the visitors book, interesting to see who has popped in recently.

Back outside having a good look around the snowdrop covered church yard.

Getting down to it.

Dewdrops sparkling on the snowdrops.

The church now

 and then.

After locking the church and returning the key we continued our walk to Launde Abbey via the lanes.

A tradesman's signature - a thatched tea pot.

Great to be out in the country - pity about the hills here and there.

Muddy fields - not too pleasant for the livestock - or us!

At this time of the year we usually find this particular tree underwater - it seems to recover in the summer.

Boots off before for lunch at Launde Abbey.

All lined up.

 I guess they were expecting us.

Delicious tomato soup with crusty bread and a great selection of cakes to follow.  Who can resist? 

After an excellent lunch we went off to explore the gardens leaving the resident cat behind to safeguard the abbey.

Leaving Launde and its gardens we walked through the car park and couldn't help noticing the window wipers on one of the cars  looked remarkably like a pair of boots.

The landscape around Launde has a beauty of its own.


After a very enjoyable lunch this is the hill  that we all look forward to (I don't think!)

Setting up for some great photos.

Smiles all round as the summit is nearly achieved.

Yes, we've made it - hi everybody.

Time to catch our breath before setting off for the last mile back to the cars.

A great walk was had by all. We've made a note to return in the summer when it is warmer.


Just had an email from down under.

Willie, Sheila and Naire are still having a great time apparently.

 Still enjoying the beautiful scenery. However, Naire was getting a little anxious about leaving NZ so Willie and Sheila agreed she could have a pet! 

Very hairy with a big beak - have to agree Naire is looking very happy.

Looking forward to seeing them all when they arrive back home soon.  Any name suggestions for their new friend?