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A panel of three judges included Heidi Morstang, Associate Professor in Photography at the University of Plymouth, who said of the winning image:

“Throughout the judging process, this image repeatedly captivated our attention. We were drawn to its serene atmosphere, where the soft, low light gently highlights the wildflowers and winding path, while the woman walking evokes a sense of freedom. The scene embodies the very essence of what many seek when exploring the South West Coast Path—a harmonious blend of natural beauty in an accessible environment. The photographer has perfectly captured a fleeting moment, where the setting sun breaks through the clouds, casting light that intensifies the vibrant colours of the wildflowers.”

Jasmin Fernholz said of her winning image, “My ‘Walking on Sunshine’ photo was taken at Tintagel in May 2024. It was my fourth time to Tintagel, but the first time travelling with my Mum, and in the evening, we chose the path up to St Materiana's Church in the hope of seeing a wonderful sunset. I was afraid that the clouds wouldn’t move fast enough, and I had carried my 1.2 kg Sony A7III for nothing. But we enjoyed the warm light of the evening for taking photos, the gentle breeze, the perfect view over the coastline and the King Arthur statue in the distance, when suddenly, out of nowhere, an impressive capercaillie appeared. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments when everything around you feels just perfect; the meaning of a capercaillie is to bring love into your life. It means a lot to me that this goosebumps moment now makes me the ‘South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year’.”

This year, the number and quality of outstanding images in the nature category, especially the great photographs of birds and sea life, prompted the judges to split the category into two, one covering wildlife images and the other covering wider nature and landscape.

NATURE

Photo caption: Jurassic Coast, Hooken Cliffs, Devon 
Taken by Stephen Holdway (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Nature category winner)

“Stephen’s photograph captures the power of Hooken Cliffs. It connects you to the historic Jurassic Coast where dinosaurs used to roam. The image also demonstrates the vibrancy of nature along the cliffs and undercliffs covered with trees and other vegetation.”

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association, SWCP POTY 2024 Judge

WILDLIFE

Photo caption: Jumping for Joy, Devon
Taken by Robert Hughes (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Wildlife category winner)

“This beautiful image of dolphins leaping out of the sea reminds us of the amazing wildlife on our doorstep.”

Alex Fisher, Editor, Coast Magazine, SWCP POTY 2024 Judge

PEOPLE AND PATH

Photo caption: Park Run Past the Map, Minehead, Somerset
Taken by Sally Durow (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – People and Path category winner)

“This dynamic image vividly captures the energy of runners along the path. The photographer has skilfully framed the start of the South West Coast Path, with its iconic sculpture, and the use of perspective and black-and-white photography adds a striking sense of movement and expression to the scene."

Heidi Morstang, Associate Professor in Photography, University of Plymouth, SWCP POTY 2024 Judge

URBAN LINES

Photo caption: Natural Mirror, Polzeath, Cornwall
Taken by Ayla Rinke (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Urban Lines category winner)

“Some images just jump out at you. The reflection of the sun in the puddle brightening up a cloudy day. The photograph captures the Coast Path as you enter Polzeath on the North Cornwall coast. This is a short distance from the dramatic coastline of Pentire Point and The Rumps but feels like it could be 4,000 miles away.”

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association, SWCP POTY 2024 Judge

SKY SHOT

Photo caption: Clifftop Down, Rinsey, Cornwall
Taken by Pete Courtis (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Sky Shot category winner)

“The perspective and clarity in this image are striking, beautifully highlighting the vivid colours of the Atlantic and the intricate geological formations. It’s a captivating portrayal of what the South West Coast Path offers—an intimate connection between land and sea.”

Heidi Morstang, Associate Professor in Photography, University of Plymouth, SWCP POTY 2024 Judge

CLIMATE CHANGE

Photo caption: Safety Just Around the Corner, Newlyn, Cornwall
Taken by Mark Gowan (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Climate Change category winner)

“Following last year’s overall winning shot this is another stunning photograph showing the power of nature and gives insight into how the Coast Path is under threat from more powerful and frequent storms.”

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association, SWCP POTY 2024 Judge

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The second year of the SWCP Young Photographer of the Year Award has been won by last year’s winner, 16-year-old William Curzon, for his photograph, Path to Kellan Head. William said of being named Young SWCP Photographer of the Year, “Having won previously, I was keeping my eye out for interesting scenes as I walked the path with a friend following our GCSEs. The leading lines and great lighting instantly jumped out at me as something that would create a fantastic photo. It feels amazing to be chosen as the Young Photographer of the Year - I feel a big connection to the path, especially after my thru-hike last summer.”

Photo caption: Path to Kellan Head, North Cornwall
Taken by William Curzon (South West Coast Path Young Photographer of the Year) 

“This beautiful view of the winding coast path is complemented by cloud formations that seem to guide the way along the coastline. The outline of the farmland evokes the region’s rich agricultural history meeting the rugged, exposed coast. The photographer has captured the warm golden hues of summer, and the image serves as a reminder of the ever-changing colours that transform the path throughout the seasons.”

Heidi Morstang, Associate Professor in Photography, University of Plymouth, SWCP POTY 2024 Judge

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2024 EXHIBITION

PLATFORM 8 & 9, PADDINGTON STATION, LONDON

22 MAY – 19 JUNE 2025

You can view all the winning images plus more at the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Paddington Station, London. The exhibition will highlight the diversity, beauty, wildlife, heritage, and seasonality of the coastal environment, on and around the South West Coast Path.