Over the past few weeks, we’ve been walking, looking and making together in the Golden Valley as part of Make Your Way Wednesdays, a new series of creative walks as part of Our Place Golden Valley.

The walks take us along winding lanes, through woodland and across open farmland. We move at a steady pace and stop often. These pauses create time to look more closely at where we are and to notice some of the details that can be easily missed when moving through a landscape.

Along the way, artists Jenny Cashmore and Adrienne Craddock introduce simple drawing and painting activities. Making becomes part of the walk and a way of responding to a particular place or moment. Attention might be drawn to the line of a hill, the shape of a tree or the changing colours and textures of the landscape.

There is no focus on producing a finished artwork. The activities are small and immediate, shaped by the places we encounter and the conditions of the day. Each person notices and responds differently.

Led by experienced walk leader Sarah Price, the walks also offer an opportunity to become more familiar with local routes and paths. Moving as a group allows time to find our bearings, share knowledge and explore parts of the Golden Valley that may be less familiar.

Each walk lasts around two hours, with the route unfolding through a mixture of walking, conversation, looking and making. The landscape, weather and people present all have a part in shaping the experience.

Here are some reflections from participants from the walks:

“The walks are a focus for meeting in person, exercise in beautiful environments, having an excellent walking guide and different artists that bring a varied view of the creativity and artist form.”

“It’s been enjoyable, fun, interesting, and an activity to look forward to. New friendships and connections made, new skills learnt and a sense of well being.”

“It has been a great way to forget the pressures of home/work life and has been the highlight of many weeks!” 

“The easy and inspiring way of the artists and Sarah’s leadership along with the bonding of the group has been really special.”

“As someone who works alone in a remote location, this has made such a positive difference to me personally.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed these sessions of walking with such a knowledgeable guide as Sarah. exploring different areas of the golden valley has given me more confidence to continue walking using the skills & knowledge gained. The addition of the opportunity to explore art with Jenny & Adrienne has been the cherry on top of the cake. As an absolute beginner I have thoroughly enjoyed this new experience & cherish those times of quiet reflection, sitting in nature with a paintbrush.”

This series of events is part of Our Place Golden Valley, which is a Meadow Arts project. It is part of the Our Place Herefordshire programme funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with match funding from Herefordshire Council and Hereford City Council.