tried & tested

During half term we visited Jordans Mill to have a go at their 3D Halloween Poisoned Garden Trail.

We've been avid visitors since moving to Biggleswade roughly a decade ago (even having breakfast there the morning after our wedding) but the half term children's trails have never been something we've tried. Being only 8 months old, Little T is a tad young to have a go herself but thankfully she has many (many many) cousins and Cousin L was kind enough to come along and help out. She had also done the summer trails so was familiar with the concept. 

On the walk through the gardens to where the trail started we met this poor fellow. 

Presumably he's been stuck behind that netting for some time? 

Once we crossed the bridge we discovered that a wicked witch had poisoned the gardens and it was our job to break her evil spell. We walked around different spooky scenes to find the clues that would help us find the magic word. 

We had to use 3D glasses to decipher clues. This was slightly tricky as Cousin L is still learning her letters, but as a family we all pitched in and managed to discover the word. L had also done the summer trail and was pleased to see that this trail went through the woods, and with the leaves falling it was the perfect setting. 

It was really impressive to see all of the effort and thought that had gone into the different stops along the trail. We also went on the Friday and I was impressed how it had all survived the weather for that long! 

Once we had told the lovely people in the shop what the magic word was, Cousin L was able to claim her prize. We also used the opportunity to pick up some more porridge oats and couple of gifts for Christmas before we all went to the cafe for some delicious cake. I got slightly carried away and had an enormous bit of chocolate cornflake cake AND a deluxe hot chocolate (I blame the autumnal weather and the hard work of defeating wicked witches!). 

These trails are a great way to spend some family time outdoors exploring and problem solving. The next one is already planned and featured on the 'Whats On' section. 

Jordans Mill also offers Mill Tours and we look forward to giving that a go when it opens again in the Spring (everything else is open throughout the winter). I remember we had an unguided wonder round when we first moved to the area but it's time we finally learnt all the mill's secrets.

You can watch the reel I created during our visit here.