Friday 28th March - Sunday 30th March, 2025

We will be based in Dolgellau and our main walk for the weekend will be the incredible mountain of Cadair Idris.

Cadair Idris is a prominent mountain in Snowdonia National Park, located in Gwynedd, Wales. Known for its striking beauty and dramatic landscapes, Cadair Idris reaches an elevation of 893 meters (2,930 feet), making it one of the highest peaks in Wales. The name "Cadair Idris" translates to "Chair of Idris," referencing a giant in Welsh mythology said to have used the mountain as his seat. The area is popular among hikers and climbers, offering challenging trails and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coast. Cadair Idris is also steeped in local folklore, with legends suggesting that those who spend a night on the summit will either be driven mad or become a poet.

On the Sunday, we will undertake a gentler walk, taking in more incredible photography opportunities. The exact walk will be decided on closer to the time and may be dependent on weather conditions and other such factors such as group fitness.

On arrival on the Friday night we will also head out for a gentle sunset walk.

Eryri, known as Snowdonia in English, is a region of extraordinary natural beauty in North Wales, renowned for its rugged mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, and lush valleys. Dominated by the imposing peak of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, Eryri offers a diverse landscape that captivates hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. This national park is rich in Welsh culture and history, with ancient castles, quaint villages, and traditional local hospitality. Eryri's unique blend of dramatic scenery and serene environments makes it a haven for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the heart of nature.

Photography in Eryri (Snowdonia) is a captivating experience, offering an array of stunning landscapes to photograph. Whether shooting the dramatic sunrise over the mountains or the tranquil beauty of ancient woodlands, Eryri's diverse scenery provides endless inspiration for photographers of all levels.

Eryri has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with ancient stone circles and burial mounds dotting the landscape. Throughout the centuries, Eryri has been a stronghold of Welsh identity, featuring prominently in Welsh legends and folklore. The medieval period saw the construction of imposing castles by Welsh princes and later by English monarchs, symbolising the region's strategic importance. Eryri's rugged terrain and remote valleys have also been a refuge for rebels and a centre for Welsh resistance, shaping its historical narrative as a land of resilience and cultural pride.

Helen is a photographer and mountain guide. She has been published in magazines such as 'The Great Outdoors' and 'Outdoor Photography' on many occasions, She has been shortlisted numerous times in 'Landscape Photographer of the Year' and 'Outdoor Photographer of the Year' and her work has been printed in the accompanying books.

Born and brought up in Southern Snowdonia, Helen Iles is a qualified Mountain Leader  and active member of the local South Snowdonia Mountain Rescue Team. She has been a member of Barmouth RNLI crew for over 23 years. You may recognise her from the recent BBC Documentary series SOS Extreme Rescues.

Learn from leading UK photographer and qualified mountain guide Helen Iles.

The photography on this weekend will be aimed at beginners and those new to photography. This is not an in depth photography workshop but a gentle introduction on how to take better photos while out walking or on your own adventures! This can be on a professional camera or just your mobile phone. Both are welcome!

Learn basic composition skills, working with different and changing light conditions, different photography techniques and terminology, sunrise & sunset photography, mountain photography, photography equipment advice and more!

You are welcome to attend just for the walking (although be prepared to stop plenty and often for photography!).

You can also use just your mobile phone for this weekend if you wish too. No professional photography equipment is required. Helen will give you some top tips on how to take great photos on your phone!

Cross Foxes, Dolgellau

The Cross Foxes is luxurious and stylish accommodation, nestled at the foot of Cadair Idris mountain and only 4 miles from the spectacular Mawddach Estuary and the historic town of Dolgellau in South Snowdonia. The Cross Foxes provides the perfect accommodation for this trip.

The Cross Foxes have been awarded an Alistair Sawday’s Special Pub with Rooms, and voted by the Independent as one of Britain’s Top 50 Country Pubs. The Western Mail also awarded them as one of Wales’ BEST Posh Pubs.

You will travel around all the locations in a comfortable minibus as a group.

Breakfast included each morning.

Lunch hamper including sandwiches, crisps and snacks included on the Saturday & Sunday*.

Dinner included on both the Friday and Saturday night. Dinner is served in the hotel’s award winning restaurant.

*Lunches must be pre-ordered in advance. An order form will be sent out a few weeks prior to the weekend.

Experiment using equipment, such as filters & tripods from our photography partners.

Discounts from our corporate and photography partners.

Transport to North Wales.

Personal travel insurance.

Equipment insurance.

Alcoholic drinks.

**Please ensure that you have the appropriate travel insurance in place at time of booking in order to cover yourselves in the hopefully unlikely circumstance that you find yourself unable to attend the workshop.

Camera Equipment:

Camera: DSLR, Mirrorless, point & shoot or even just your mobile phone.

A choice of lenses: We suggest at least a 24-70mm or equivalent and if you have one a 16-35mm and/or 70-200mm.

Tripod (optional): A lightweight tripod, suitable for hiking with.

Filters (optional): UV filter(s) for protection, ND filters for long exposures, polarising filter.

Plus: Fully charged camera batteries, plenty of SD cards, shutter release cable for your camera and rain cover.

A decent camera/hiking rucksack is recommended.

Please get in touch prior to booking to discuss your equipment if you are unsure. We can always try to help you out with some of the photography equipment should you need it.

Outdoor Clothing:

Waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, fleeces, walking tops, walking boots, flask, water bottle, head torch, map, snacks.

Please bring appropriate clothing for long hours spent outdoors hiking in mixed and unpredictable weather conditions.

Please get in touch prior to booking to discuss if unsure.

We will send out a full detailed kit list nearer the time.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

From 2pm: Arrive at your luxury accommodation nestled in the heart of Snowdonia.

4pm: Meet your guides and fellow adventurers during a gentle sunset walk / photography session, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Capturing the Sunrise and Exploring the Peaks

Early Morning (Optional): Early start to capture the stunning sunrise over Snowdonia’s iconic peaks (weather dependant).

Daytime: Guided hike up Cadair Idris, with tips and techniques for outdoor & landscape photography.

Evening: Return to accommodation for a relaxed evening including a group editing session / review of the day’s photos (optional) and dinner.

Day 3: Cascading waterfalls & Eryri Exploring

Early Morning (Optional): Early start to capture the stunning sunrise over Snowdonia’s iconic peaks (weather dependant).

Morning: Scenic walk to a secluded waterfall, perfect for honing your photography skills with long exposure images.

Afternoon: Final group walk, capturing more stunning photographs of Eryri.

Late afternoon (around 4pm): Farewell tea and coffee at a local cafe, sharing your favourite moments and experiences before departing.

None! Complete beginners are welcome or you can be a more advanced photographer.

The photography tuition on this weekend is aimed at beginner level. You can also use just your mobile phone if you wish too. No professional photography equipment required.

You are also welcome to come along just for the walking but be prepared to spend time pausing for photography along the walks. The walks will be taken at a slow pace.

You can secure your place on this photography and walking weekend with just a £150.00 deposit.

The balance payment is due 6 weeks prior to the weekend start date (14th February, 2025).

An email will be sent out 2 weeks prior to this reminding you of the upcoming balance payment date.

Unfortunately, our photography and walking weekends cannot be paid for in instalments.

These walks will require a good, general level of fitness. You will need to have a basic level of hiking experience and be comfortable hiking in the mountains. We will however be taking the walks at a slow pace.

You do not need to be an experienced hill-walker such as knowing how to navigate, read maps etc. You will have two qualified mountain leaders with you at all times.

You will need to ensure you have all the appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment before attending.

We will ask you to confirm at the time of booking that you have the appropriate level of fitness to take part. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss.

Yes, we are! We have financial protection in place through an ABTA approved provider.

In fact, we are one of the only providers of photography tours and workshops here in the UK that financially protects their customers in line with the Package Travel Regulations 2018.