A stunning large-scale exhibition at London’s Paddington Station in Spring 2025 will showcase over 20 images of the South West Coast Path, and tie into the release of the highly anticipated The Salt Path film.

Great Western Railway (GWR) has been helping people explore the South-West for over 100 years, so its continued support of the exhibition that showcases the 630-mile South West Coast Path National Trail is a perfect way to further develop rail to trail initiatives, and illustrates how the charity is working to protect the Trail now and for future generations.

The South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), the charity that protects and champions England’s longest National Trail, is looking forward to continuing its work with GWR to promote sustainable transport, connecting the trail by rail, and help improve access to one of the region’s most valuable natural assets, the Coast Path.  

Partnering with GWR to present a photography exhibition in 2024 allowed the charity to reach a wider audience and cast a spotlight on the awe-inspiring coastal landscapes that can be discovered when adventuring along the Coast Path. The 2024 exhibition highlighted the threats that climate change brings to the Path, with the winning image by James Loveridge capturing the dramatic impact of Storm Ciarán on the Cobb at Lyme Regis.

Aletha Mays, Head of Comms at the Association, said: “Following a successful exhibition at Paddington Station in 2024, we are delighted to once again share beautiful photography captured along the South West Coast Path. Partnering with GWR to bring the exhibition to the capital, provides a perfect platform for the images to inspire a coastal adventure, and helps to share the work we do.”

Helen da Costa - GWR Head of Marketing said:

“We’re delighted to be able to support the South West Coast Path with its Photographer of the Year competition once again this year. Thousands of our customers will be able to get up close to the awe-inspiring photography which encapsulates the beauty of our coastline, and that will no doubt inspire more coast path adventures.

“So many of our customers use our services to walk the South West Coast Path each year and we are proud that GWR can deliver a sustainable means of transport for them to do so.“

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association said,

“We’re excited to work again with GWR on the exhibition showcasing the South West Coast Path at Paddington Station. It is a great way to connect with people travelling to the South West, especially as the exhibition is happening around the same time as the UK opening of The Salt Path film.”

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Enter the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year competition NOW!

The competition is free to enter and open to all. This is a chance for everyone to celebrate the magic and wonder of the South West Coast Path and all it has to offer.  

There are five categories to enter: People and Path; Urban Lines; Nature; Climate Change; Sky Shot, PLUS Young Photographer of the Year Award (under 18).

Entries close 31^st January 2025.

Prize Package

The winner will earn the coveted title of South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year and guaranteed inclusion in the exhibition, in addition to a 2 night stay at the Pier House, Charlestown thanks to competition supporters St Austell Brewery, plus 2x GWR train tickets. Take a step towards your own south west adventure and enter your favourite images captured along the South West Coast Path!

   For more information and to enter, visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/photographer-of-the-year