South Shropshire
Two Autumn Workshops, November 2023
Clearing Mist, South Shropshire
I’ve been very lucky to live and work in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK but I have to say that having moved to the Clun Valley in South Shropshire in November 2021 I don’t think I’ve experienced anywhere as timeless and unspoilt, certainly within England. Quiet valleys, rolling hills as far as the eye can see, ancient woodland carpeting steep slopes that rise to heather moorland studded with rocky outcrops abound. Only six miles as the crow flies from the relative honeypot of Cardingmill Valley virtually every other location I’ve visited I’ve had to myself or shared with just one or two individuals ( typically someone local out for a gentle stroll).
The Welsh border lies just a short distance to the West with hills steadily growing in size as you approach Plynlimon. The Shropshire hills providing balcony views to it’s slopes as well as Cadair Idris, Aran Fawddwy, The Berwyn Hills and even Yr Wyddfa on a good day. That said, there is more than enough very close to our base to keep us busy for the duration of the workshop.
Travelling by vehicle will be kept to a bare minimum on this four day course. There are half a dozen great hilltops within a twenty minute drive of our base and we shall make the most of these at sunrise or sunset but with so much top quality landscape on our doorstep I only expect to make a few five to ten minute journeys during the day and there is plenty of top quality woodland within walking distance of the farm. Rowton Grange farm offers us open access to over three hundred acres of mixed farmland on the side of Goat Hill, a steep escarpment which is essentially a continuation of Wenlock Edge. The area is well known for it’s dark skies and if clear there is the plenty of opportunity for some astro photography literally right outside the lodges.
Water Breaks It’s Neck
Your accommodation for the duration will be in the luxury wooden lodges on Rowton Grange Farm. Each has two bedrooms, bathroom, a generous lounge/dining area and should you wish a Hot Tub out on the deck where you can enjoy the night sky should your shutter finger be too tired to photograph it. Please note that food is not included on this workshop so you will need to bring all that you need for breakfast and lunch with evening meals out at local pubs/eateries.
Following the launch of our Youtube channel, Simon Peter King will be joining me as fellow guide and tutor on this course. Having lived in the area for much of his life he has a wealth of knowledge about South Shropshire’s landscapes. Working at a different pace to me, often using the camera handheld he brings what I think is a great counterpoint to my tripod based approach. If you need any help or advice regarding drone photography and filming we are both well placed to provide this too. If it’s peace and quiet you require we can assure you that Shropshire will provide.
From Clee Hill
The course fee of £695 covers four days of guidance and tuition from two leaders, accommodation and transport to/from locations. Not included; meals or drinks for the duration. A deposit of £200 is required to secure a place of either workshop with the balance of £495 due 56 days prior to the start of the course. Please follow this link to the workshops page for full details, terms and conditions.