Monty Halls' Great Escapes
Located next to the Old Market in Dartmouth, the Great Escapes shop is an ideal base-camp from which all manner of adventures are launched. Inside you'll find wildlife books and DVD's, details of the courses we run, and - on most days - Monty and Reuben.
We've got a battered old sofa to rest your weary limbs, we make a very nice cup of coffee indeed, and on the walls are images taken by some of the best wildlife photographers in the business. The home of wild schemes and tall stories, the Great Escapes shop is a haven for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to delve deeper into the natural world.
The Great Escapes Courses:
We are very fortunate over the last few years to have worked with some award winning natural history film-makers and photographers. The courses we run give them – and us – a chance to pass on the tips and experiences that have taken a lifetime to accumulate. Training runs right from basic packages that will get you started, through to advanced courses that will equip you to take outstanding wildlife images, shoot broadcast standard footage, present a natural history programme, or equip you to approach broadcasters with your own idea for a tv series.
Underwater Photography:
Basic (2 days) – This is an introduction to underwater photography, with the simple aim of getting you quickly to the point where you can take a reasonable image. The course includes a description of different camera systems, basic (and relevant) theory, shot composition, and a lot of practical exercises topside and underwater. Cameras not supplied, although if you’re desperate we can rustle some up. Price includes one boat dive.
Date: 26th/27th April - Price: £300
Intermediate (2 days) – Run in conjunction with a noted professional underwater photographer, this course assumes a level of knowledge and previous experience. More advanced techniques including different formats, filters, use of Photoshop, and housed SLR camera systems. There is a heavy emphasis on the practical aspects of underwater photography, and the course includes a day on the RIB taking pictures at a number of local sites.
Date: 23rd / 24th June - Price: £400
Advanced (3 days) – This assumes a sound level of previous knowledge, and is aimed at the underwater photographer who is hoping to ultimately publish shots, or take images to accompany magazine articles. There is a strong emphasis on this course of how to package and present your images for publication or competitions. Run by a professional, full-time underwater photographer, this course is heavily biased towards the practical aspects of taking world-class images.
Date: 13th to 15th July - Price: £450
Presenting Wildlife and Adventure Television Programmes (2 days):
Run by Monty Halls, this course is based on over a decade presenting adventure and wildlife television programmes. Based entirely on the reality of a highly competitive profession, the course includes advice on how to approach production companies if seeking work, general presenting tips, working from a script, interview techniques, and a strong practical element. The latter involves presenting sequences both in the studio and in the field, the latter taking place in various situations in the local environment. A showreel from the course can be produced if requested (editing fees will apply).
Date: 19th/20th April. Price: £300
Underwater Videography (2 days):
Run by a full-time natural history film-maker, this course offers tips and solutions to lift your underwater videography from amateur to not so amateur. The course will not turn you into an instant professional, but will provide an excellent basis to develop your skills and learn from the best in the business. Practical aspects include topside and underwater filming phases.
Date: 24th/25th May - Price: £350
Wildlife and Adventure Television Production (2 days):
This course covers the basic aspects of television and film production, including how to prepare a treatment for submitting to production companies, the phases of pre-production, the production itself, and post production. This course is largely theory based, and includes a full-time television producer as a guest lecturer. If you are thinking of a career in television, or have an idea for a programme or series and don’t know where to begin, this is the course for you.
Date: 4th/5th June - Price: £400
Foraging and Surfing (1 Day):
A flagrant attempt to disguise a really good day out as a training course. Setting out early in the morning in the RIB, the day begins with an eight-mile run along the coast to Slapton (looking out for dolphins and basking sharks en route). At Slapton we moor up and spearfish / gather scallops for an hour, before moving on for another eight miles to Bantham. Anchoring behind the surf, we paddle into the break and surf for two hours, before heading the sixteen miles back to Dartmouth. The day ends with a fishy BBQ and a long discussion about how great we all are.
Date: Whenever the sun shines - Price: £100
The Ultimate Taste of Devon (Half a Day):
The best bits of all the best bits in a single trip. This has a little something for everyone. We set out in the RIB from Dartmouth, travel four miles down the coast looking for seals, dolphins, and whatever pops it’s head up, then land in a remote cove. Here we enjoy a picnic lunch drawn entirely from local producers – the best Devon cream, cheese, fish and organic meat. You’ll then ramble back the four miles along the coast path in the company of a marine biologist who’ll talk you through the coastline as you go. The tour finishes in Dartmouth where – as by then it’ll be a survival situation – you can take refuge in the pub.
Date: On Demand - Price: £50
Boat Trips (90 minutes):
We have an 8 metre Rigid Inflatable Boat moored on the river. With a top speed of 40 knots and a range of 200 miles, the coastline is very much our oyster. Whenever possible Monty or a local skipper will run wildlife spotting trips up the Dart and out along the coast. Look out for when these trips are happening on the notice board in the shop, on our website, or just give us a call if you want to book ahead.
Date: On Demand – Price £30
Diving:
Not a course as such, just an excuse to go diving. The package includes at least one days diving with Monty from the RIB, and a barbeque in the evening. Dive equipment not supplied, although air fills are available. Please call or email for prices and packages. Maximum 8 divers.
Price: Bare boat and skipper £600 per day.
NB: All prices not inclusive of accommodation. Lunch is included on all courses of a day’s duration or longer. Terms and conditions will apply upon booking.
