An adventure in the mountains of Wales

As a wildlife photographer, Charlie (Left) has spent his career championing British wildlife and chasing the perfect shot. “Unlocking [wildlife’s] secrets has always been a passion of mine,” says Charlie. “Now that Arthur has chosen to follow in my footsteps, I get to be with him for some pretty special moments.” To celebrate spending time together, the pair escaped the city on a bonding trip in search of Arthur’s favorite bird, the red kite.

Getting yourself out into a natural space is hugely beneficial for more or less every aspect of life. Just 20 minutes outside reduces stress hormones like cortisol and actually interrupts negative thought patterns, leading to that sought-after “clearing your head” phenomenon. Increased mindfulness—your attention being drawn out to your surroundings of wind, birdsong, and wildlife—sharpens your attention and acts as a mental reset from the distractions of daily tribulations.

Arthur stands thinking about where his professional road might lead. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures. Humans resonate with the best stories, which good photography can tell, you just need to know where to look. “That can be a pretty calming process when you’re out in the field,” says Charlie, “finding new possibilities and just being in the moment.”

Having journeyed all through Mid Wales, it was the landscapes of the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly known as the Breckon Beacons) that drew Charlie and Arthur in the most. “To find such epic mountain landscapes so close to home always makes me realize we should be out exploring them more,” says Charlie. It was in this picturesque serenity, surrounded by winding roads and culturally rich towns, that the pair found themselves able to paint with light.

You can’t fully explore everything rural Wales has to offer without a capable vehicle taking you to every whim. With its commanding road presence unchanged, the new Jeep Compass is designed with practicality in mind—being equally comfortable traversing city streets as it is on winding country roads or the rugged tracks deep in a national park. “For me, the most fun was hanging out with Arthur and exploring while making stupid jokes,” says Charlie. “But, to him, getting behind the wheel was what he liked the most, and I know that because he’s still talking about it.”

“Kites are true masters of the air,” says Charlie. “Their wing and tail shape makes them just the most spectacular ariel acrobats, able to turn on a dime.” Once persecuted and wiped out of England and Scotland almost entirely, a tiny population of these birds of prey survived in the remote valleys of Wales. Since then, reintroduction programs in the eighties and nineties have brought kites back across the UK, but seeing them soar and swoop amidst the Welsh valleys remains a poignant reminder of their resilience.

“The bird that captured Arthur’s heart the most on our trip was an exceptionally rare leucistic red kite,” says Charlie. “These color morphs have reduced pigmentation in their feathers caused by a genetic mutation.” It’s estimated that there are only about 10 leucistic red kites in the world, and even in their stronghold in Wales, they only account for around one percent of hatchlings.

Seeing the enthusiasm Arthur has for his photography reminded Charlie of himself at that age. “I was always chasing down ‘the shot’ and there was a purity I think I lost over the years—of doing something for the joy and discovery of doing it. Arthur still has that and I hope he keeps it.” If there’s one thing Charlie’s learned from this trip, it’s that there doesn’t always have to be a reason to enjoy yourself and indulge your passion. Sometimes all you need is to load up, get behind the wheel, and remind yourself of your adventurous side.

Continue your journey and uncover even more about the road trip into nature here.