Sunday afternoon stroll through the Cotehele Estate

Well, well, well, the afternoon was drier than expected so we took ourselves off for a constitutional around parts of the Cotehele Estate. Starting at the quay, we followed the Morden Stream up past the Mill to what used to be the weir (washed away around Xmas last), thence to the house and garden and back down via the riverside path. it's one we've done many, many times and one that we've enjoyed through all the seasons. This time around, we were surprised by the number of small streams that had appeared as a result of the recent rains. For most of the walk, we were accompanied by the sounds of running water. Very pleasant. And we'll start off with a video clip of the Morden Stream up by the site of the weir.

Cotehele House from the front. Funnily enough, we only seem to go into the house when we've got visitors.

Drifts of crocuses everywhere, pretty much at their best. OK, this is a trio rather than a drift. Trio? Drift? Whatever. They still look attractive.

The snowdrops were passed their best but I did get a couple of decent shots. If I were pushed to name my favourite flower, it could very well be the snowdrop,

Some more snowdrops. That's almost it until this time next year.

The courtyard. Nice and quiet as the Covid restrictions mean that entrance to the gardens is restricted to locals walking. Suits us but then when we normally walk - late afternoon, early evening - there are relatively few people around anyway.

The island in the pond at the Upper Garden. At this time of year, the coloured stems of the dogwood really stand out. Not too sure about the black Ophiopogon, though. I guess it's there as a contrast to the snowdrops. In theory, it should work: in practice, nah.

The house from the rear. The daffodils are not out yet but the flowerless clumps give a good idea of how many there will be when they do. A little part of me would like the lockdown to last long enough for us to seem them at their best without the hassle of the usual crowds when this happens.

We never tire of this view of the Calstock Viaduct. And the sky is almost, but not quite, blue.

The riverside chapel with a glimpse of the viaduct to the right.

And we finish with more water, the cascade down through the Himalayan Glade in the bottom garden. For most of the year, this is obscured by the Gunnera that grows in profusion. With this tinkling in our ears, we reach the end of another delightful stroll. Boo hoo, we couldn't finish with a drink as the refreshment kiosk down on the quay was 'card only'. Quelle domage.