IT'S only small, but Galanthus nivalis or galanthus nivalis flore pleno is the best sign that this tough winter will come to an end. This little flower, the diminutive snowdrop, heralds great joy that spring will be sprung.
VisitScotland's Snowdrop Festival, which celebrates the blooms' arrival, runs until March 16. To find one of a host of gardens, estates and parks open to the public with vast swathes of the flowers to enjoy, log on to www. visitscotland.com/snowdrops
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One such place, just outside Glasgow and nestled right by the Clyde, is Finlaystone country estate. Despite the proximity of the industrial and urban sprawl, this is a surprisingly tranquil place all year round. It is worth a visit in the coming months for daffodils, bluebells and rhododendrons as well as snowdrops.
This walk takes advantage of waymarked trails, using a couple of these to explore the estate before dropping down to a pleasant dell with as many snowdrops as you could wish to see.
There is a little uphill walking to do, but you can cut the route short to follow a so-called Snowdrop Stroll, using a leaflet available from the Eye Opener visitor centre near the start. You can also explore the gardens of the estate – seat of the chief of the Clan MacMillan no less.
The first section is uphill and is the muddiest part of the route, but you do get to walk through a twisting tunnel of rhododendrons before gaining even higher ground. Once you have dropped back down towards the main drive, the snowdrops will become more apparent, and then unmissable, as you follow the side of a burn.
After crossing a wooden footbridge, look out on the right for three large yew trees which are thought to be about 800 years old. It is around this area – known as the Paradise Path – that you will see most of the snowdrops and also a fantastic waterfall.
The walk can be muddy and is rocky in places, so wear sturdy boots.
Distance 13/4 miles.
Height climbed 140ft.
Time 1 to 2 hours.
Map OS Landranger 63.
Park Drive to the western end of the M8 and continue on to the A8. Then, after passing Langbank, go left at a sign for Finlaystone and follow more signs for the car park. Admission costs £3.50 for adults, and £2.50 for children and concessions.
In summary Cross the road in front of the Eye Opener visitor centre and go right, along a path by a tumbling burn, to reach a bridge. Cross the bridge and follow a wide path for about 30 yards before going right, up a steep bank signposted 'Scout Trail'.
Go left at a yellow waymarker to follow a path to a twisting tunnel through rhododendrons and then down to another waymarker.
Cross a small burn, then climb quite steeply and round to the left to reach the edge of some conifers and the high point of the walk, where you go left.
Drop down to another waymarker and take a sharp left, through conifers, then follow a waymarker, right, to cross a small burn before going left to go down a path through mixed woodland.
Go right just before a small burn and follow a path down, following a red-and-yellow waymarker to the left at the bottom. Just before reaching the main drive there is a waymarker with two arrows pointing in different directions; go left, following the red one.
Follow the path as it runs parallel to the drive, but when a red waymarker points left, go right, to drop down some steps and cross the drive.
Follow a path to the right of an ornamental stone bridge, down the side of a burn. Go right at a wooden footbridge (instead of crossing it) and, after reaching the bottom of some steps, go left to follow a yellow waymarker.
Cross a bridge over the burn and follow the path past yew trees and a waterfall to reach a track, where you go left. This track leads back to the main drive. Go right here, then left, to return to the car park.
Refreshments The Celtic Tree Tearoom is open at weekends. For the duration of the Snowdrop Festival, you can enjoy a free tea or coffee in the Eye Opener visitor centre.
While you are in the area Head for Glasgow for its various attractions, or cross the Erskine Bridge and head up to Loch Lomond for a more peaceful time.
