“I’m updating this page - make sure to check back regularly.”
— Paul
“Paul’s walks are fully tailored to the needs of the customer, and come with the benefit of his photographic expertise as well as his vast local knowledge, making for a unique experience. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”
— Andrew McAuley

Dartmoor Guided Photography Walks

Dartmoor Photographic Walks

Good at Photography - Good at Wandering

Unapologetically bad at kissing the puckered butt of Social media giants or pretending I’m something I’m not 😜

Why Choose A Walk with Glavind Strachan?

  • A moody Dartmoor landscape

    A Profound and Intimate Knowledge of Dartmoor.

    Meaning, of course, that I’ve been rained on, got lost in mist or fallen into enough bogs that most of my personality has been replaced with peat, moss or fungi (or all three depending on the day).

    I rarely see any photograph of Dartmoor as having a true “authenticity” unless at least one of the previous scenarios mentioned existed at the time of it’s taking, or the photographer was experiencing a blissful ecstatic shift in consciousness, lost in a haze of deep spiritual enlightenment or being chased by a ragtag group of angry cows.

  • A gnarly oak at Whiteworks, an abandoned Tin Mine on Dartmoor

    A Fanatical Devotion to Moodiness

    Every image must essentially prioritise atmosphere over spectacle.

    Despair, uncertainty and deep contemplative introspection are the only true precursors to great art.

    The bleaker, mistier, or more existential the better.

    The effect is substantially enhanced if the results make me look ever so mystical, deep and/or pious on numerous tedious, insipid and thinly disguised self congratulatory social media posts.

  • Sheep in the mist on Great Links Tor on Dartmoor

    An Obsession With Places So Bleak Even Sheep Refuse to Hang Out.

    The people want photographs of Haytor but I give them abstractly artistic images of bogs and random bits of granite jutting out of even more bogs.

    Bonus points if I can spout some pretentious drivel interspersed with seemingly meaningless phrases like “transitional spaces” or “liminal thresholds” on my posts on Threads that nobody will read and even fewer will understand.

  • Ponies in the mist at Merrivale Stone Rows on Dartmoor

    Historical and Mythological Gravitas

    Every rock is ancient, every puddle has folklore, and every clump of moss is probably haunted. This must be stated loudly and often.

    Every pebble apparently has a mystical backstory, each more tenuous than the last, the chance to exploit tourists with ever increasingly bizarre and unlikely stories or myth’s conveniently transposed from Eastern European fables or some obscure Victorian periodical can never be over estimated.

  • Rainbow over Rattlebrook Railway on Dartmoor

    Weather That Inspires

    Blue skies are for rank amateurs and mobile phone photographers. Real artistry can only be achieved by deep introspection and avoiding airborne cows.

    A devotion to Dartmoor’s raw, untamed essence - Primarily expressed through enthusiastic descriptions of how miserable it was to take the photo

  • Paul Harris - Owner of Glavind Strachan Photography in a lichen encrusted hawthorn tree

    A Truly Personal Emotional Narrative

    Each and every photo symbolises at least three major life crises, none of which I truly explain but all of which are deeply “felt” - your incapability to understand the obvious profundity encapsulated in the images is a reflection of societies collapse.

    My work is a manifestation of inner turmoil. Most commonly as a result of getting lost or rained on again.

  • Paul Harris sits below the canopy of the famous Black-a-Tor Copse on Dartmoor

    Cringingly Niche Social Media Hook

    Some random excessively performative type of interaction - organ grinder/monkey territory.

    The idea that a persons passion might also become their profession is, unfortunately, only something that comes to those who can continually support themselves whilst attempting to be seen amongst the incalculable dross that is social media, or requires you to compromise you ideas or interests to align with whatever trend or fad is prevalent this morning.

Obviously this is a little “Tongue-In-Cheek” look at the maelstrom of drivel that is written about and around the Dartmoor experience, the truth is I obviously feel a connection with Dartmoor, and I do love being out in the wilds, shooting images - if you like my stuff (or even if you don’t, but you can appreciate the time and effort I put into my work) why not come on a walk with me?

“ ‘Paul... Paul who? Oh, that Glavind bloke? Ah yes... ‘

I’ve been taking photos on Dartmoor (and other places like beaches, etc) for a few years - and even had a gift of a photography session with another photographer some years ago (don’t tell Paul).

But, Paul’s friendly there’s-no-such-thing-as-doing-it-wrong approach was really great and helped me to relax into finding my own style of photos - they don’t need to look “correct”, they can be whatever I’d like - and using whatever equipment is available.

The most interesting thing was being shown freelensing, which just blew my mind.

If you want a relaxed, creative walk with a friendly person taking some photos, give Paul a shout... or an email if he’s too far away.”
— Steve Tremayne

Nobody is expecting you to trek across miles and miles of open moorland in torrential rain. On the other hand being out in the mist or the snow is not only exhilarating it lends itself to way more interesting photography.

If you’re after some “chocolate box” images of Dartmoor, you can drive to a nice parking spot and grab yourself some beauties.

If you fancy creating something a little more memorable, then get in touch and we can discuss where you’d like to go.

I was born in Devon, raised in Devon and have been walking on Dartmoor since I was a toddler.

I grew up in Plymouth and remember exploring around Burrator with my parents and lobbing sheep shit at my dad by Yelverton aerodrome.

I completed all three Ten Tors with my school.

Although all of that is true, it could also equally be seen as nothing more than standard marketing BS.

I don’t do marketing. I do photography and I do walking.

“ ‘When the student is ready, the teacher appears’.

I was fortunate to meet Paul on a Hill and Moorland course and from the start he demonstrated how knowledgeable he was about Dartmoor (knowing a hell of a lot more than me!!!)

I was so impressed, I asked if I could do a few walks with him to learn from him and since then we have been on many walks and he has become my Dartmoor learning mentor!

Paul is generous with his time, down to earth, kind and very personable.
He is extremely knowledgeable about the lay of the land on Dartmoor, knows great hidden features, lovely areas to walk and always chooses walks away from the usual ‘touristy’ routes.”
— Nat Michelle
“If you want to discover the real, natural, raw, beautiful, untouched, parts of Dartmoor- Paul is the man to guide you.

He is also a fabulous photographer and shares his great passion of Dartmoor through his beautiful images.

I highly recommend him as he’ll take you to all the good places to take some fab shots. You will leave at the end of a day, not only with great knowledge of Dartmoor but also some lovely pics to take home with you.”
— Nat Michelle

Nobody is expecting you to trek across miles and miles of open moorland in torrential rain. On the other hand being out in the mist or the snow is not only exhilarating it lends itself to way more interesting photography.

If you’re after some “chocolate box” images of Dartmoor, you can drive to a nice parking spot and grab yourself some beauties.

If you fancy creating something a little more memorable, then get in touch and we can discuss where you’d like to go.

Does any of that make me a better guide than the next person?

Does it mean I have better knowledge of the moor than somebody who moved here 5 years ago? Inconclusive at best.

If you’re a photographer and who can’t admit there’s a 14 year old in Bristol with an iPhone 12 on Instagram who is a way better photographer than you’ll ever be, you’re unlikely to either enjoy your photography, or create anything people want to see.

Same with the moor - a friend of mine Max Piper is only 22 and he has probably forgotten more about Dartmoor than I ever knew.

Paul Rendell (or Dartmoor Paul as he is rightfully known) grew up on the moor - he edits The Dartmoor News and runs numerous guided walks and lectures about the moor and it’s history.

Emma Cunis from Dartmoors Daughter will always know more about the legends and

So, why choose me for your photography walk? No idea - check out my work and even if you don’t like my style, do the locations look interesting?

You can read my reviews (they’re all real) or you can message somebody who knows me, or has been on a walk with me.

I’m definitely not everybody's cup of tea and I’m fairly opinionated and I don’t mind a decent debate.

Lets get this straight - I do not walk on the moor to take photographs.

I leave that to the photographers who love to stand on a hillside at the time the sun is supposed to rise and then complain it’s a cloudy day. On many occasions I have definitely decided to be in the rough area of somewhere picturesque at around the time the sun will rise.

If I’m lucky, I get some amazing sunrise (or sunset) photographs, if I’m not, I just carry on walking..

“I invited Paul to organise a walk on Dartmoor, with photo opportunities, for some of the volunteers at the Museum of Dartmoor Life.

He asked many questions about what we required and the abilities of our walkers and from that planned a very accessible route.

We met on the most theatrical of misty mornings which was amazing for photographs and the mist seemed to clear whenever there was another spectacular view to admire.

Paul’s knowledge of the area was vast and we all learned a great deal about its history and he also gave us hints to improve our photos.

We felt safe in Paul’s hands, so we did not have to worry about maps and directions and everyone agreed that it was a marvellous adventure.

I would recommend Paul as a guide to anyone.”
— Kristy Turner - Manager/Curator The Museum of Dartmoor Life

These Aren’t Photography Lessons

That being said, I am more than happy to pass along my experiences and make suggestions about how you might improve your photography (or to shut my mouth and allow you to do your own thing)

My work is for me and if it doesn’t resonate with you, why would you wish to emulate it in any way?

I’m not in the slightest bit “renowned”, nor even highly thought of for that matter 😂

I’m just some bloke who wanders around Dartmoor and likes to take photographs when the urge takes me.

I love Dartmoor

My love of Dartmoor is authentic and heartfelt. It’s not something I lightly decided to package up and sell on as some kind of half baked commodity.

I’m one of the many people who were fed the lie that working hard meant you got on in life. It’s “way” more complicated, and now I find myself getting on and having zero pension, my proposed solution, to do what I enjoy.

If you enjoy photography or Dartmoor or both, then let me share that love and be able to afford rent and food this month 😂

Guaranteed Better Photographs?

Will my walks drastically change your life? Who knows! They might.

Will you enjoy your time with me, here’s hoping so.

I’m witty, whimsical and not adverse to a good debate - am I always right? nope

My oeuvre is a little odd - I’m drawn to a kind of what I can only describe as a neo classical way of editing - though, I’m also the first to admit that I don’t really have any set idea what I’m doing.

What’s with your odd photographs?

As I’ve mentioned before, I take photographs for myself. I’m not chasing any kind of recognition, if somebody happens to like them, great. If that person then buys a print (or two) even better! You’re not on this page to do that, you’re here to see if I can guide you somewhere where you can take some photographs of Dartmoor.

I shoot nearly all my work with old film camera lenses (adapted to digital cameras) … though I also sometimes still shoot and develop film.

A complete nobody with zero professional qualifications in Photography and nothing more than a passion to create (that’s actually a lie, I got an A in “O” Level Photography at Plymouth CFE (night school course).

Why Choose me to guide you?

Here’s the bit where I try and convince you to spend money with me by either appealing to your own vanity or some kind of misguided hierarchical

I’ve attempted to create videos and other social media things (with very little success) photography is subjective and not everybody will like my take on things.

I’m definitely not the worlds greatest photographer, and although I’ve successfully completed my Hill & Moorland Leader course, I can think of at least a half dozen Dartmoor Guides who could probably do a better job (absolutely none than can do both even half as well though).

I don’t pretend to know everything and if you think that by coming with me on a trip to the moor will automatically

A twisted hawthorn on Heckwood Tor on Dartmoor

Adventure

If you want a totally unique adventure and you’re willing to take a risk on the unpredictability of Dartmoor, I can guarantee you an experience to remember

What to Bring on one of my Photography Walks on Dartmoor

Clothing

  • Waterproof Jacket – preferably actually waterproof, not just “popping to the shops waterproof”. Breathable is a massive bonus.

  • Waterproof Trousers – optional until they suddenly aren’t.

  • Warm layers – fleece, jumper, or just extra t-shirts. Dartmoor really can do “four seasons before lunch” and as the Boy Scouts say - Be Prepared!

  • Sturdy walking boots – waterproof and broken-in - there’s nothing worse than wet or blistered feet.

  • Hat & gloves – even in summer these really are an essential item to pack.

  • Spare socks – for morale, if nothing else.

In Your Rucksack

  • Rucksack – large enough for those essentials, but small enough you’re capable of picking it up!

  • Water – way more than you think you’ll probably need. There are very few convenience stores.

  • Food – Anything you fancy - after all you’ll be carrying it.

  • Sun Cream – Yes! really! Even on the coldest days the sun can be vicious.

  • Personal Medication – inhalers, tablets, EpiPens, etc. Probably best to mention these to me before we embark on our journey!

Nice to Have Extras

  • Map & Compass – I rarely use either when I’m on the moor, but I ALWAYS carry them with me

  • Notebook & Pen – or an app on your phone for jotting down photography tips or writing poetry about the beauty around you.

  • Sense of Humour – Probably one of the most important things - especially if the rain is horizontal!

  • Respect for the Moor – leave no trace, close gates, admire livestock from a polite distance. Take on Photographs, leave only bootprints.

What “Not” to Bring

  • Flip-flops or basically any flimsy footwear.

  • Umbrellas

  • The idea that Dartmoor is fairly flat and it’s tarmacked

  • Any clothes you aren’t happy to get covered in mud and sheep shit.