A dark Dartmoor valley under a stormy sky with a break of light in the clouds

Dartmoor Guided Photography Walks

With a Qualified Hill & Moorland Leader

Why Walk With Me?

I'm a qualified Hill & Moorland Leader and a photographer who has spent forty years on this moor. There are fine guides and there are fine photographers on Dartmoor, but very few who genuinely do both, and that combination is exactly what you get on a walk with me. Devon born, all three Ten Tors as a lad, four decades on the moor.

Here's the honest bit: I don't march onto the moor to bag a photograph. I plan to be somewhere worth being around the right light, and if a great picture turns up, brilliant; if not, I just carry on walking. That's the pace of the day. We shoot with whatever you've got, wander to the places most people drive past, and you come away with images that feel like you were actually there.

I'm not a teacher and I won't lecture you. I'm happy to pass on what I've learned, or to shut up and let you get on with it, whichever suits. I shoot nearly everything on old adapted film lenses, often just one lens for the day, because stretching yourself is half the fun, but you don't have to work the way I do. I'd rather help you find your own way of seeing than turn you into a copy of me.

And I'm easy to get along with: fairly opinionated, up for a decent debate, and set entirely on making your day out a good one. Have a look at my work and my reviews (all real), and if it feels like your kind of thing, let's talk.

Nobody Is Going To Ask To See Your Photographs

Something I've noticed over the years is that quite a lot of people would like to go out on the moor with a camera and don't, because the whole thing sounds like a day-long ordeal with strangers who all know what they're doing.

So, for the avoidance of any doubt, here is what does not happen on one of my walks.

Dartmoor Landscape Photography by Glavind Strachan

There's no group critique. Nobody gathers round to look at your screen. I'm not going to ask what settings you used. If you want to show me something, show me. If you don't, I'll never know it existed.
You don't have to talk. Some of the best walks I've done have contained about eleven words, most of them "mind that bog". If you'd rather walk along in silence looking at things, that isn't awkward, that's just a Tuesday.
You can wander off. If you'd like to sit fifty yards away with a flask and photograph the same lump of granite for an hour while I go and look at something else, that is an entirely reasonable way to spend a morning, and I will not come over and check whether you're having a nice time.
You don't have to be any good. This isn't a test and there's no wrong way to do it. Plenty of people come out with a phone and no intention of ever calling themselves a photographer. If you like being outdoors and looking at things, that's the whole qualification.
You don't have to know where you are. That's my job. You don't need to navigate, read a map, make any decisions, or work out whether the weather is about to become somebody's problem. You get to switch all of that off for the day, which for a lot of people turns out to be the entire point.
Nothing ends up on social media unless you want it to. I won't photograph you, tag you or write you up. If you'd like a picture of yourself out there, say so and I'll take one. Otherwise, as far as the internet is concerned, you were never there.

That's it. No icebreakers, no hoops, and absolutely no going round the group saying what we each hope to get out of today 😂

What people say

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

‘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

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

‘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

Read about my Guided Walk with the Museum of Dartmoor Life

Try Something New

A landscape scene with a solitary tree on a hill, dark clouds in the sky, and tall dry grasses in the foreground, illuminated by a warm golden light.

Guided Walks on Dartmoor

Take a look at some of my experimental photography

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 and a few hours away from the hustle bustle, get in touch and we can discuss where you’d like to go.

What to Bring on one of my Photography Walks on Dartmoor

Dartmoor Landscape by Glavind Strachan Photography

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 only Photographs, leave only boot prints.

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.

Guided Walks FAQ’s

What experience do I need to join a guided photography walk on Dartmoor?

I custom design my walks for all types. I’m a Hill & Moorland Leader, so am happy to take people further onto the lesser known parts of the moor, or can plan routes for beginners. Everything is discussed beforehand.

Are your photography walks suitable for beginners?

Absolutely, I can design a walk around your personal needs. I’m happy to design a walk around your requirements, or we can alter a route depending upon circumstances on a given day.

What equipment should I bring on a guided photography walk?

You should always bring sturdy boots and waterproofs to Dartmoor as the weather is really unpredictable! More details on what to bring and other important information can be found here

How are the walks different from a standard photography workshop?

My walks are exactly that, we walk and we talk and we take photographs. If you specifically want to “Take some sunrise photographs on a tor” I can organise that, but these walks are designed to make you think on your feet, not to plan too far ahead, because you’ll never be able to predict what will be around the next corner!

Are you a qualified guide?

Yes, I’m a fully qualified and insured Hill & Moorland Leader with over 40 years experience of walking the moor.

What locations do you visit on guided walks?

My walks are always bespoke, you can ask to visit anywhere. Walks have included places like Scorhill Stone Circle, Great Mis Tor, Burrator Reservoir, Tavy Cleave, Belstone Village, Foggintor Quarry and numerous other locations.

Can I book a private guided photography walk?

Absolutely, I am happy to guide a group or an individual - don’t be worried about feeling daft, I can do daft for the both of us!

I'm not very confident around other people. Is that going to be a problem?

No. Most walks are one to one anyway, and the ones that aren't tend to be quiet. There's no expectation that you'll chat, share your photographs, or be interesting about photography for four hours. You can walk along thinking about something else entirely and that's a perfectly good day out.

Do I have to be a photographer?

Not remotely. Plenty of people come out with a phone and no intention of ever calling themselves a photographer, which is a fairly sensible position to hold. If you like being outdoors and you like looking at things, that's the whole qualification.

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