DCRS Photo Walk Guidebook
Gideon at DCRS Project Participant, Photographer and Writer When you are an Asylum Seeker or Refugee, getting a status to live, study and work in the UK can be a long waiting procedure. This sometimes leads to all sorts of unhealthy lifestyles. The wait can sometimes take longer than ever, which in some cases triggers the above mentioned stresses. Be part of the DCRS photography walking group on Thursdays, get involved with the friendly atmosphere. There is the chance to learn photography techniques that are behind the scenes of every good image taken, and visit some of the most beautiful coasts and historical places around Plymouth.
Alex at SWCPA Project Coordinator The South West Coast Path is a long distance walking trail which stretches from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. Looked after by the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), the Path is 630miles in length and open to anyone. Walking the whole thing is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 4 times. When walking, follow the acorn symbol. This shows you that you are on the Coast Path. It travels along Plymouth's sea front and continues eastwards towards Wembury, and westwards towards Cawsands, Whitsand Bay and beyond. There is history, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes to explore. It's a great place to get out, breathe in the fresh air, relax, walk or run with friends and family or by yourself. It has been a joy and a privilege to share the Path with DCRS participants, taking photos and making memories. I hope that this book enables more people to go and explore the beautiful coastline.
Gemma at DCRS Volunteer and Activities Coordinator Collaborating with Fotonow and SWCPA on this project was one of the highlights of 2021 for DCRS. These walks gave our service users a unique opportunity to get to know the landscape around Plymouth and to feel more connected to their surroundings. Asylum seekers living in Plymouth have very little opportunity to explore the beautiful natural surroundings around the city, and days out like these have many benefits for supporting mental and physical wellbeing. The walks allowed for participants to express their creativity while making new friends during a time when social isolation had been a concern for many members. We are so grateful for Ryan, Emma and Alex for supporting our service users and for showing such friendship.
Ryan at Fotonow Media Producer and Facilitator I always looked forward to our photo walks. They were moments to put life's trials and tribulations to one side and, with the help of a camera, simply observe the natural beauty of the world around us. It was a privilege to work with the group. They always came with good spirits, wanting to explore the coast path and capture it with the camera. It was great to see friendships being made and confidence growing with each walk, and their enthusiasm for learning photography kept me on my toes as a facilitator! I hope this book can give others the confidence to get out and get to know the local coast path, finding places where nature can help to ease their worries, like it did mine.
Before You Walk Key Information and Preparation
Have you saved important contact details on your phone? Does someone else know where you are going and when you will be back? DCRS Contact Details +44 1752 265952 7 Whimple Street Plymouth, PL1 2DH Emergency Services Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, Ambulance, Police or Fire brigade. Check List • Fully charged Phone • What3words App • Emergency Contacts • Bottle of Water • Snacks & First Aid • Walking Boots • Waterproof Coat or Umbrella • Suncream, Sunglasses or a Hat • Jumper & Gloves Transport Links
Ferry
Stagecoach
City Bus
Coast Path
Photography A Quick Guide to Composition
#1 Rule of Thirds
#3 Cropping
#5 Leading Lines
#7 Depth
#2 Balance
#4 Framing
#6 Horizon
#8 Point of View
Plymouth South West
Coast Path
Key Info Length : 2.1 miles Difficulty : Easy Amenities : Cafe, Toilet, Restaurants Transport : Car, Bus & Foot Accessibility : Part of this walk is a staircase without access for wheelchairs
The Royal William Yard was a Royal Navy victualling depot, built between 1826 and 1835. It is now home to flats, shops, restaurants and the South West Coast Path. Devil's Point is a public park on the Stonehouse peninsula. It has green spaces, beaches and a tidal pool. This makes it a popular spot for Plymouth's swimmers!
Key Info Length : 2.03 miles Difficulty : Easy to Medium Amenities : Cafe, Toilet Transport : Ferry, Car, Bus Accessibility : Wheelchair Access
"This is a very lovely stunning garden, with beautiful art work - as you can see. It is so peaceful out here, and the picture speaks volumes on how homely you would feel when you are at this amazing garden. I especially love the concept of the fountain in the centre. There's a lovely warm cafe next to the garden, with very lovely staff! Where you can relax or have a hot or cold drink. I do hope that you enjoy your visit." - Kingsley
"This picture is one of my favourites. It looks like a mini temple where you could sit and relax - maybe even meditate. It's a very beautiful structure by the pond surrounded by nature and fresh air."
You could sit there with a packed lunch and maybe do some reading as well. I would like to recommend this place for anyone going to Mount Edgecumbe to visit, I reckon you would love it." - Kingsley
Key Info Length : 3.55 miles Difficulty : Medium Amenities : Cafe, Toilet, Pubs Transport : Ferry, Car, Bus Accessibility : Wheelchair Access
"At first glance on the shore, you feel a mysterious aura that makes you want to explore the place. There are unique spots that you wouldn't see every day. The land is inviting you to immerse your legs into the sandy rocky beach." - Shouk "Made me feel we were going to a totally different island, somewhere dark where you would spend time alone." Fatima
"Walk down this road and discover it for yourself." - Shouk "Witch Cottage hehe!" - Fatima
Mount Batten & Jenny Cliff Key Info Length : 1.5 miles Difficulty : Easy to Medium Amenities : Cafe, Toilet Transport : Ferry, Car, Bus Accessibility : No Wheelchair Access on Ferry
"What I love about this walk is the beautiful green grass at Mount Batten, and the yellow leaves during winter. The ferry is nice and I enjoy looking at the fresh and beautiful red and yellow flowers. I also enjoy the water front on sunny days!" - Alpha
"We had to walk to the top. At the top, you could see the beauty of the town and also houses and landscape, birds and you could go fishing. With all this I could guarantee you a fabulous time on Mount Batten." - Shahla
"I really enjoyed going out with my friends to Mount Batten. We had a very long walk by the sea and lovely pictures were taken, great memories were created and I would recommend this to anyone willing to explore the beauty of Mount Batten." - Shahla
Wembury Beach Key Info Length : Short Route 1.13 miles Long Route 2.7 miles Difficulty : Medium Amenities : Cafe, Toilet Transport : Ferry, Car, Bus Accessibility : Not suitable for Wheelchairs
"Knowledge is power and very expensive, but not at the bus stop in Wembury. Freely gifted knowledge is packed into a Red Phone Booth." - Gideon
"This experience is an antidote to stress, anxiety, depression. Tune in, into yourself and enjoy this beautiful landscape. Listen to calls of amazing wildlife. Therapeutic activity." Gideon
"Discover the true existence of souls within the coastal landscape, no matter what their forms, feel connected and be a part of what's around you. Just like a different country" - Gideon
Whitsand Bay Key Info Length : 0.6 miles Difficulty : Hard Amenities : Cafe, Toilet Transport : Car, Bus Accessibility : Not suitable for Wheelchairs
"I enjoyed standing and sitting around the beach in a community. Getting some fresh air for cooling down the brain and exploring the wonders of nature, looking how great is God! Lovely! I hope to return soon." - Leon
"I had a lot of fun, this will be a great memory for me. I really enjoyed the beautiful sea view up the hills and the sand on the beach."
"I wish I had shorts and a towel, I would have had a swim. I will definitely return one day." - Alpha