Location: Kennet and Avon Canal, Aldermaston Wharf · Camera: Bronica ETRSi · Film: Kentmere Pan 100
A chance encounter with a horse and trap along the canal, photographed on black and white film in the soft tones of an English morning.
Softened by the soft tones of an English morning, this wasn’t a walk that started with any particular plan.
Classic Film Photography on the Canal
I hadn’t set out that day expecting to photograph anything in particular. My Zenza Bronica ETRSi, loaded with a roll of Kentmere Pan 100 black and white film, was simply along for the ride — as it so often is on my wanders through the countryside. But as I strolled down the canal, I found myself face to face with a horse, harnessed to a lightweight trap, waiting patiently through the early light.
The scene stopped me in my tracks.
I asked if I could take a few photos, and to my delight, they not only agreed, but allowed me to spend some time with them and the horse. It was a rare opportunity to witness a slice of living heritage, still very much part of the local modern landscape.
The horse and trap, harnessed and waiting patiently in the early light.
Capturing the Scene with Classic Film Photography
Shooting with the Bronica ETRSi, a medium format film camera from the 1970s/’80s, brought a particular quality to the images — one that digital simply can’t replicate. The Kentmere Pan 100 film has a lovely grain structure and a subtle tonal range that lends itself beautifully to scenes with rich texture and natural contrast.
The detail in the leather harness, the glint in the horse’s eye, the quiet tension in the lines — all of it rendered with a quiet dignity that suits the subject perfectly. Shooting at a slower pace also gave me time to connect with the moment rather than just document it, an approach I write about more generally on my Film Photography hub. There’s a slowness to film photography that mirrors the pace of the canal itself, something I explore further in choosing the right film.
Close detail of the harness and lines, rendered with the grain and tonal range of Kentmere Pan 100.
Why the Kennet and Avon Canal Is a Treasure for Photographers
Stretching from Reading to Bath, the Kennet and Avon Canal is a haven for wildlife, walkers, and anyone looking for a slower way to travel. It’s also a treasure trove for photographers, offering reflections, rustic textures, and the occasional surprise — like a horse and trap — around every bend.
Scenes like this one are becoming increasingly rare. To see it in action, and to be able to photograph it authentically on black and white film, was something truly special.
Thanks to the Young Horsemen
I’d like to offer a sincere thank you to the young lads who so kindly allowed me the time and space to photograph their horse and trap. Their generosity made this experience — and these images — possible. Moments like these are what make photography such a joy: the blend of history, humanity, and the chance to connect with people through shared curiosity.
A Perfect Ending at Aldermaston Wharf
After photographing the horse and trap, I continued along the towpath and eventually arrived at Aldermaston Wharf, a lovely spot on the Kennet and Avon Canal that blends heritage with a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by the Aldermaston Wharf Café, located just beside the canal at the Aldermaston Wharf Visitor Centre, RG7 4JS.
This independent, canal-side café serves excellent coffee, light lunches, and a tempting range of cakes and pastries, many of them homemade. With outdoor seating overlooking the water, it’s the perfect place to unwind, watch the narrowboats go by, and review the morning’s photographs. There’s parking nearby, and it’s a great stopping point whether you’re walking, cycling, or just exploring by car.
The café is typically open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm, but it’s always a good idea to check seasonal hours or closures in advance. It also makes a great starting or ending point for a canal-side walk between Aldermaston Wharf and Woolhampton or beyond.
For those who enjoy blending photography with a taste of local culture, this little café adds a warm, human touch to a peaceful day along the canal. It’s much the same spirit I found further along the same waterway while photographing autumn mornings on the Kennet and Avon at Newbury.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kennet and Avon Canal, Aldermaston Wharf |
| Camera | Zenza Bronica ETRSi |
| Film Stock | Kentmere Pan 100 |
| Developer | Rodinal |
| Subject | Horse and trap, canal heritage |
| Focus | Texture, grain, quiet dignity |
Where is Aldermaston Wharf?
Aldermaston Wharf is a spot on the Kennet and Avon Canal at RG7 4JS, home to a visitor centre and a canal-side café.
How long is the Kennet and Avon Canal?
The Kennet and Avon Canal stretches from Reading to Bath, offering a long, varied route popular with walkers, cyclists, and photographers.
Why photograph a horse and trap on black and white film?
Black and white film brings out texture and tonal contrast in scenes like leather harnesses and animal detail, lending a timeless, dignified quality suited to traditional subjects.
Is it common to see horse and traps along the Kennet and Avon Canal?
No, scenes like this are increasingly rare, which is part of what made this particular encounter feel like a genuine slice of living heritage.
What film camera is best for capturing candid moments like this?
A medium format camera like the Bronica ETRSi works well, offering strong detail and tonal range, though its slower operation means candid opportunities need to be approached calmly and respectfully.
Is the Aldermaston Wharf Café open all year?
The café is typically open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm, though it’s worth checking seasonal hours or closures before visiting.
What makes the Kennet and Avon Canal good for photography?
The canal offers reflections, rustic textures, wildlife, and unexpected scenes, all set within a slower-paced, walkable landscape that rewards patience.
This article is part of my Film Photography hub series.
