Snowdrop Ride to Benington Lordship Gardens

Each year in February, Benington Lordship Gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops around the remains of the Norman Castle and surrounding moat. Hellebores, Aconites and winter flowering shrubs are also in flower, as well as the coloured stems of Acers, Cornus and Willow around the lakes. A collection of rare and unusual Snowdrops has been built up over the years many of which can be found growing in the borders & a labelled collection of 200 varieties is kept in and around the walled Kitchen Garden. Refreshments are available in the village hall. On this ride, we are going to start at the Lee Valley White Water Centre and cycle cycle up the Lee Valley to Hoddesdon. We then cycle through the countryside along Lord Street and Mangrove Lane which takes us to Hertford. We then continue on to Watton at Stone and Benington. After spending a couple of hours at the garden (entry charge £5), we will return to Herford, where we follow the course of the Lee Valley to return to the White Water Centre via Ware and Broxbourne. Please bring a spare inner tube and lights (as it will be dark by the time we get back). Ride Leader: Nigel Bee (tel 07415 315 690, email [email protected] )