Spirit of the Mountains.
Exclusive Carneddau Pony Retreat.


April 06-10 2027  | AVAILABLE

Join an intimate weekend retreat in the heart of the Carneddau, where ponies, dramatic landscapes and creative photography come together

Where Wild Heritage Lives.

Escape to the mountains of North Wales for an intimate photography retreat with the iconic free-roaming Carneddau ponies.

Limited to just four photographers, Spirit of the Carneddau is designed for those looking for more than a traditional photography workshop. Over two full days, we’ll explore the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), photographing these remarkable ponies in their natural environment while working with changing light, weather and landscape.

Your stay includes two nights in an authentic Welsh cottage, with home-cooked meals and relaxed evenings around the fire. Between photography sessions, there’s time to slow down, share stories and enjoy the unique atmosphere of being immersed in the heart of the Carneddau.

With personalised tuition, creative guidance and image reviews throughout the weekend, the retreat is as much about developing your photography as it is about experiencing this extraordinary landscape.

A small group. Two days in the mountains. Ponies, changing conditions and the freedom to create.

Stay. Slow Down. Connect.

High above the valleys of North Wales, the Carneddau ponies have lived alongside this rugged landscape for generations. Hardy, independent and perfectly adapted to their environment, they are as much a part of the mountains as the weathered peaks and open moorland that surround them.

The character of the Carneddau changes constantly. Mist can roll across the mountains in minutes, sunlight can break through dramatic skies, and the same landscape can feel completely different from one hour to the next. For a photographer, that unpredictability is part of its magic.

I’ve spent many years photographing these mountains and their ponies, learning their behaviour, their rhythms and the places where the landscape comes alive. That knowledge allows me to take you beyond simply finding the ponies and towards understanding how to photograph them within their environment. This is about learning to see the landscape, anticipate the moment and use the conditions creatively creating photographs that capture not just a pony, but a sense of place, atmosphere and wildness.

AUTHENTIC CAMARGUE EXPERIENCE

Stay Amongst Medieval History

Throughout the workshop, our base will be in the historic town of Aigues-Mortes, one of the most distinctive towns in the Camargue. Founded in the 13th century by King Louis IX, its impressive medieval ramparts and ancient streets have remained remarkably preserved, giving the town a unique character and a strong sense of history.

Away from the busy resorts of the Mediterranean coast, Aigues-Mortes offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The town's cafés, restaurants and quiet streets come alive in the evenings, making it a lovely place to return to after a day out in the Camargue.

There will be time to explore the town during the workshop, whether that's wandering along the historic ramparts, discovering its narrow streets and squares, or simply sitting outside with a coffee or a glass of wine and watching the world go by.

It is a beautiful setting in which to experience the character of the Camargue where medieval history, French culture and the wild landscapes of the Rhône delta come together.

Rather than simply being somewhere to stay, Aigues-Mortes will form an important part of the experience: a historic little town to return to each evening and enjoy at a relaxed pace.

Why Join The Retreat?

  • “The pony workshop with Kevin was a rare and unique experience. Kevin knows the hills like the back of his hand. The session was informative, providing photographic guidance and technical support and rare encounters with the majestic animals gave me a fascinating insight into their behavior. We wandered across stunning scenery on an exciting and rewarding day capturing mystical silhouettes and intimate close-up shots of one inquisitive youngster. Kevin’s passion for the ponies is infectious and I have since viewed these beautiful animals with an entirely new lens!”

    — Spirit Of The Carneddau

  • "I had a wonderful time on a Carneddau pony workshop with Kevin, which, given the weather, was an amazing achievement! When I look at the photos I took, I can see a difference between those I took with Kevin’s guidance and what I would have taken on my own. I have more variety and they are technically better. I’m really chuffed to feel that I learned something and I loved the ponies and locations. As well as that, I enjoyed Kevin’s company and appreciated that he went ahead despite the weather conditions (prolonged pouring rain), that he was so good-natured about it all, and that he picked me up from the hotel! It was great to get expert and knowledgeable guidance from such a skilled, award-winning photographer. During the day, Kevin focussed on helping me (rather than taking his own photos) which I appreciated very much. I can highly recommend Kevin’s workshops”

    — Spirit Of The Carneddau

  • “Had a really enjoyable day photographing the beautiful wild ponies with Kevin. His enthusiasm and knowledge knew no bounds and even though the sun didn’t make an appearance I managed to capture the ponies in their natural environment. A brilliant day🐴”

    — Spirit Of The Carneddau

  • “A wonderful day with the beautiful wild ponies. I feel privileged to have been able to get so close to them and be in their territory. Kevin was good company and shared his extensive knowledge about the ponies. It is clear he has a great passion for them. Kevin was generous with his time with individuals giving encouragement and passing on his field craft techniques to help us set up for good shots. We didn’t get the sun but that didn’t dampen Kevin’s enthusiasm in attempting to get good photographs"

    — Spirit Of The Carneddau

Investment: £699 (25% Deposit Secures Your Place)

Group Size: 6

Workshop Leader: Kevin Morgans

Included

  • 2 nights' accommodation in an authentic Welsh cottage

  • 2 full days of guided photography with the Carneddau ponies

  • Breakfast each morning & 2 home-cooked evening meals (Lunch also provided)

  • Personal photography tuition & guidance throughout

  • Image reviews & creative feedback

Excluded

  • Travel To/From France

  • Personal Insurance

Logistics: Arrive Accomodation 6.30pm near Conwy on first day of trip. Depart in your own time on the final day.

Fitness Level: Easy

Duration: 4 Nights

Enquire Now

Experience the Spirit of the Mountains

If photographing the Carneddau ponies in their mountain home has ever been on your bucket list, this is your invitation to experience them differently.

Over two days, we’ll explore two very different locations within the Carneddau, working with the changing light, weather and landscape to create images with atmosphere, character and a real sense of place.

With just four photographers on each retreat, there’s time to slow down, explore, learn and enjoy the experience without the feel of a conventional group workshop.

Email: kevinmorgans@outlook.com