Hazlehurst Snap & Social: Runcorn Old Town to Future Flower, Spike Island

Relaxed winter photowalk from Runcorn to Spike Island, crossing the Silver Jubilee Bridge. All cameras welcome. Dogs on leads & kids welcome

Welcome to Hazlehurst Snap & Social! This is a relaxed and informal gathering for anyone with an interest in photography—from complete beginners with a smartphone to experienced users with a DSLR. Digital or Film cameras all welcome! It's also a great chance to meet some of our Hazlehurst Camera Collective members and find out more about what we do at Hazlehurst Studios.

This is more than just a walk; it's a chance to practice mindfulness and boost your wellbeing by slowing down and seeing the world through a creative lens. You'll benefit from fresh air, gentle exercise, and the social connection of meeting like-minded individuals.

Date: Saturday 10th January
Time: Meet at 10:00am
Duration: Up to 3 hours if completing the full route - If you’d rather head home when we get to Spike Island, you’re free to do so — otherwise we’ll be walking back to Runcorn together.
Meeting Point: Hazlehurst Studios, Runcorn

📍 Route Overview

We’ll begin at Hazlehurst Studios, taking a few moments to gather and introduce ourselves before setting off.

From there, we’ll head towards the Silver Jubilee Bridge, crossing on foot and taking in the expansive views over the Mersey — expect industrial textures, big skies, and plenty of opportunities for dramatic compositions.

Once across the bridge, we’ll make our way down onto Spike Island, following the riverside paths at a relaxed pace. This section offers a rich mix of post-industrial heritage, wildlife, waterways, and striking contrasts between nature and infrastructure.

Our walk will take us as far as the Future Flower sculpture, where we’ll pause for photos, a breather, and a chance to soak up the surroundings before turning back or dispersing. The route is mostly flat and steady, with plenty of stops for photography and chat along the way.

Feel free to peel off at any point along the walk, or stay with us for the entire route, we're completely flexible. Children and dogs welcome.

What to bring:

• Your camera (DSLR, Mirrorless, Film, compact, or even just your Smartphone!).
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Water/Snack.
• Weather-appropriate clothing (it is mid-January, so be prepared for cold and potentially damp and frosty conditions).

Let's meet, share tips, feel better, and capture the beauty of our local area!

Good to Know (Logistics & FAQs)

• Meeting Point:Hazlehurst Studios, 71 High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1AH
• Accessibility: Google Maps describes the route as mostly flat.
• What if it rains? The walk will go ahead unless a severe weather warning is issued, keep an eye on your emails up to 2 hours before the event.

🐕👶 Dog & Child Friendly

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on this walk, and children are also welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please note:

• We’ll be crossing the Silver Jubilee Bridge, so dogs and children must be supervised closely at all times.
• The route includes shared paths used by cyclists and other walkers.
• Some sections may be muddy or uneven, especially in winter.
• The walk is fairly long (up to 3 hours), so consider stamina, snacks, and warm layers accordingly.

If you’re bringing a dog or child, you’re very welcome — just come prepared and ready for a relaxed, considerate group walk where everyone can enjoy the space safely.

• Social: Feel free to share your photos afterwards using the hashtag #HazlehurstSnapandSocial or tag us @hazlehurstart @thegladsatsuma_creative

Please note - the cover images were taken by members of Hazlehurst Camera Collective during past events and do not depict scenery we will see during this walk.