Welcome to the Western Region

The walk is a variation of the Pocket Park Walk and can be found here Calne Photo Walk. It is 2.5 miles long mainly on public footpaths with a small section on grass over a canal bridge (bit uneven) and up a small incline (which can be bypassed if required).

Parking can be found in New Road Car Park or in The Pippin (2 hours free, £2 for 3 hours). Public buses are available operated by Stagecoach the 55 or 42 routes are the main ones. A number of cafes are dotted around the town centre and there are public toilets behind the Welcome to Calne sign and at Sainsburys. The walk will take 1.5 - 2 hours.

Photo opportunities include:

• The head sculpture outside the library
• Bronze sculpture of pigs for which Calne is famous
• Sheep sculpture
• St Marys church
• A number of wall art paintings completed in the last few years, one of which features Joseph Priestley who discovered Oxygen

Date: 22nd June 2025

Time: 10.15am-2pm

Location: Calne, Wiltshire, UK

The walk introduces the photographer to the delights of Cheddar Reservoir built in the 1930s with sweeping views of the Mendips and Cheddar Gorge. Sights include sailing on the reservoir, waterfowl, and dramatic landscapes. The reservoir is influenced by the surrounds and can change mood in a moment and is often very windy so come prepared for all weathers. The walk will take approximately 2.5 hours.

From the reservoir we take a gentle walk of approx. 1km into the beautiful architectural market town of Axbridge referenced in the doomsday book, weather permitting, we will have the opportunity to stroll around the monthly farmers market with a range of local products for sale. The market is framed by the Church of St John the Baptist and the 15th Century King John’s Hunting Lodge run by the Axbridge and District Museum Trust.

Photo opportunities include:

• Cheddar Reservoir with views of surrounding Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge
• Axbridge Farmers Market – every first Saturday of the month (weather dependent)
• Medieval Market Square – range of well-preserved architectural buildings
• St John the Baptist Church – looking over the market square
• King Johns Hunting Lodge Museum – open at 10am (free entrance)

For more information and to book, please click below. 

Date: 5th July 2025

Time: 10.15am-2pm

Location: Cheddar Reservoir, Cheddar, Somerset BS26 2DL, United Kingdom

What happens when you slow down with your camera—and let the landscape speak?

In this day-long workshop, hosted by the Royal Photographic Society Western Region, we’ll explore Chepstow not just as a place on a map, but as a canvas for memory, emotion, and poetic reflection. Inspired by the tradition of the ginko—a contemplative yet playful walk taken to inspire photo-haiku—we’ll move gently through the landscape, using photography as a way to pause, observe, and respond.

Ginko-inspired photo-haiku is a quiet yet powerful practice that blends image-making with the distilled clarity of haiku poetry. You don’t need to be a poet—this goes beyond syllables and structure—it’s about seeing differently. Listening. Feeling. Finding the golden moments that often pass us by.

Led by Stewart Wall—professional photographer, photo-haiku creator, and engaging educator—this workshop is designed for those who want to deepen their photographic voice. Stewart began his career as a press photographer in 1978, working across local newspapers and Fleet Street titles, before turning his focus to community photography, creative documentary, and, for the last decade, teaching. He holds a degree in photography, an MA in Visual Communication (Photography), and a Level 7 PGCE in teaching. An Honorary Life Member of the RPS and recipient of the Fenton Medal, he has chaired the Society’s Licentiate panel, and written the criteria for and chaired the Photobook Distinctions for two years. He continues to champion photography as a meaningful, expressive artform.

Whether you’re a seasoned image-maker or just beginning your creative journey, this gentle, enriching workshop invites you to pause, wander, and connect—with place, with self, and with others.

Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. And maybe, a notebook too.

Date: 13th September 2025

Time: 10am-4pm BST

Location: Chepstow, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom