Taking the Trail to the Rail
The South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition has arrived at Paddington Station, London!
For the first time ever, the annual photography competition, now in its 12th year and organised by the South West Coast Path Association, has successfully launched an exhibition in the heart of the capital and at the rail gateway to the South West.
Expect to see 22 images of the South West Coast Path printed on large-scale panels, highlighting the beauty of the Coast Path and the threats to its future caused by climate change.
The exhibition is FREE and can be viewed between platforms 8 & 9 until 30th July.
The exhibition was unveiled on the 3rd July and we were delighted that some of the winning photographers were able to join us.
Image: Jennifer Rogers, Winner, Nature category for her image, 'Gannet View'
'It was a real thrill to see my images printed large and on display in Paddington Station. I am honoured to be part of the South West Coastpath Photographer of the Year exhibition and to have been selected as the winner of two categories. In these days of digital media it is a big pleasure to see large prints, and there is a wonderful collection of photographs showing different aspects of the coast path."
Image: Gary Holpin, Winner Climate Change category for his image, 'Blue Hour over a flooded Porlock Marsh'
"It was amazing to see my photos in such a prominent position on Paddington Station, and the print quality was amazing! I was especially honoured after seeing all of the the other amazing winner photos which showed how tough the competition was and how talented the other winning photographers were! I first got into photography through walking the Coast Path and realising that my snaps just didn't do justice to the amazing South West coastal scenery. Having walked the Coast Path a second time whilst teaching myself photography, it was extra special to feel like I had come full circle; now having my photos of the Coast Path displayed in such an iconic location, helping to show others why they really need to walk the Coast Path too!"
Image: Alex Walton, Winner Urban Lines category for his image, 'Trail lights of Sidmouth'
"It has been a fantastic and humbling experience to have my photograph of Sidmouth chosen as the winner of the Urban Lines category and a very proud moment to see it printed large and on display at Paddington Station.
My father is the reason I picked up the camera when he passed away in 2001 and left me his Pentax SLR. Our favourite family walks were along Sidmouth seafront and every time I raise my camera to frame up a shot of the town I like to think of him looking through the viewfinder with me.
It is incredible to think that my shot of Sidmouth is now on display in one of the busiest stations in the UK and sitting in the company of works by some extremely talented photographers.
I'd just like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in making this exhibition possible and for bringing the South West Coast Path to London."
Thank you to all the incredible photographers who entered their images and showed us so many different perspectives of the South West Coast Path, the longest National Trail in England.
Image: Judges Julian Gray (L) Director, SWCPA and Trevor Burrows (R) with Overall Winner James Loveridge image
If you’re in London, or heading to the capital during July, please do pop alomg and see it and show your support. If you’d like to catch up on all the winning images on display and find out more about the story behind each photo head to our blog https://blog.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/2024/06/17/photo-exhibition/
Thank you to our partners Great Western Railway whose valuable partnership has made this exhibition possible.