Following on from the successful OPC photography field trips in 2022 to Northumberland and Whitby in March and October respectively, 10 intrepid members headed to the South West on Monday 6th March 2023. The weather forecast looked grim but for photographers the weather is simply a challenge to be flexible about how to shoot images.

Using 4 cars leaving various parts of Debry after the rush hour, we used Gloucester Services as a comfort break before dropping off the M5 to visit and lunch at the National Trust property at Tyntesfield in North Somerset. A beautiful house with a very interesting history and gorgeous rooms plus beautifully kept grounds provided us all with our first chance to get the cameras out.

The stop-off at Tyntesfield allowed us to get to HF Holidays venue in Selworthy after the 4pm check in time; our base for the next 4 days and nights. Although greeted by some rain and uncharacteristically rock-hard scones, this was the first time we were all together at the same time and a chance to review plans for the following days. The sky was grey the first evening so sunset photography was not going to happen so we simply enjoyed the 3 course meal in the evening and retired early ready for the next day.

Tuesday morning and its subsequent forecast indicated rain. After breakfast we all headed to the village of Porlock Weir, spending a couple of hours enjoying the pebbled beach, old wooden groynes, pretty cottages and houses, and a low tide harbour. From there we ventured up to the edge of Exmoor as the rain turned into snow and the clouds descended all around us. We met at County Gate car park off the A39 in mist but within minutes the sky cleared to reveal Doone Valley landscape and views out to the coast. Linda, Chris and Moy spotted a strange orange fungus on gorse and Kevin snapped a wild ram, whilst others took in the beauty of a variety of trees resplendent in the ever changing light. What started as a perceived whiteout ended up being a couple of productive and interesting hours.

After a packed lunch we headed back to Porlock (including a tea room – not for the first time!) and split up to take more shots with a much bluer sky than earlier. Some of us braved the ankle breaking pebbles to get down and dirty with lone coastal trees, groynes into the sea and huge pebbles, whilst others enjoyed the village views again. We subsequently moved up the hill to Porlock Common, enjoying wonderful views from this high spot and several of us capturing an image from the ‘Photographing Devon and Cornwall’ book, putting our own personal spin on it of course.

On the way back to the accommodation we dropped in at the pretty village of Selworthy itself with the sky still blue and full of light. With only one road in and out and a church car park the village consists of thatched cottages and church. It is England from the 19^th Century and well worth a visit.

A long first day and increased cloud cover didn’t encourage the searching of a sunset so we retired early after a quiz evening versus the HF walkers.

Wednesday morning was greeted with a deep covering of snow around the grounds and weather reports advising against travel; not a great combination for a photography group. Some of us walked the grounds trying to keep our cameras dry whilst capturing some relatively unique snow-covered images (this is Somerset after all) and by mid-morning it was agreed Mick, Kevin and David B would try driving to Selworthy village as a reconnaissance group. Despite not making it to the car park a parking space was found and the 3 brave souls captured the cottages covered in snow – even more picturesque and somewhat rare. Incredibly the tea room was open and whilst enjoying coffee and cake the rest of the group appeared, having walked from the HF location to the village. Wet through but all felt it was worth it to see Selworthy in the snow.

Snow turned to rain and we headed to Dunster Castle and Village. Sadly, the castle and water feature were closed so after a little walk around the village we gave up for the day.

Thursday promised better weather and although we were peppered with showers in between blue sky and cloud formations we visited the village of Lynmouth where the harbour and cottages are overlooked by the famous cliff railway which several of the team experienced. With all the recent rain the river was flowing torrentially and provided slow shutter moving water photography options.

From Lynmouth we all headed to the Valley of the Rocks which provided magnificent views of the coastline, with cliff edges enhanced by yellow gorse and wild (and frisky) goats. As we finished lunch the rain came again so some retired for the day whilst a hardy handful drove to Watersmeet and took the windy path down to (you’ve guessed it) where two rivers meet by a tea room. After sheltering from the rain (except David B who’d thought to bring an umbrella) the sun burst through and gave the opportunity to capture some beautiful light on moving water and green trees.

Fortunately, Dave G managed to get his car repaired by a friendly local mechanic which was a relief to him and his passengers!

Again, no sunset on Thursday evening or even sunrise opportunities on the last day, and with road works meaning an earlier start than preferred, we were all on the road early. Some of us stopped off at Weston Super Mare, where Annette and Sharon enjoyed the run-down old pier as much as the traditional ‘fish and chips’ Grand Pier. Martin, Dave G and Linda dropped in at Croome National Trust near Worcester but Moy and Chris headed straight home.

So, most of us were back to a snow covered Derby by late afternoon on the Friday having enjoyed a new location, great company, and challenging weather conditions whilst producing a variety of brilliant and individual images. Everybody seemed to enjoy it and a huge thanks to Martin for arranging the accommodation and of course our drivers who battled some dodgy weather and big hills! Sadly, Peter had to drop out at the last minute but everyone else seemed to be keen to plan for the next trip. Watch this space for what part of the UK we plan to visit next.

Members

Organiser: Martin Arrowsmith

Drivers: Mick Govan, Chris Calverley, Dave Gilbert, Annette Amery

Passengers: Linda Peel, Moy Calverley, Sharon Price, David Bull, Kevin Lane