These images are part of the 2026 Photographer of the Year Exhibition held at Paddington Station, London, from 9 to 31 July. These are the stories behind the images, written by each photographer, providing insight and background to how the images were captured. A huge thank you to all the amazing photographers that enter our annual competition each year.
The 2026 competition will open for entries in October and close in January 2027, and we can’t wait to see the images captured this year!
South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year
OVERALL WINNER
Neil Barnes
Falling Fog
East Cliff at West Bay, Dorset
It was a particularly foggy morning, I live approximately 1.5 miles from the sea and thought it would be good to take my dog Betsy for a walk and see what it was like down at the coast. We walked down to the end of the pier at West Bay and the fog was now clearing so I sent my drone up to take a look (a DJI Mini 3 pro), which I affectionately call Minnie.
The cliffs are just a short distance from the pier and although I could see Minnie from below when she got high enough I could see from her camera how the fog and mist was steadily moving from the land at the top of the cliffs and spilling over down towards the beach, an incredible sight to see. As I approach my fiftieth year as a photographer, very very occasionally I get that feeling of amazement and excitement when I see something really special and this felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to capture it.
In those fifty years I have never felt the need to enter a competition but on this occasion I thought it would be good to show it to a wider audience, the people who have seen it have always expressed amazement at the scene. With the bigger and more frequent storms and extreme weather we have been getting, the cliffs at West Bay have seen an acceleration in the number of falls that have occurred, most likely attributable to climate change.
Primarily as a landscape / seascape photographer, I spend many hours on the SW coast path locally looking for photo opportunities and have seen quite a few changes not just to the route of the paths but to the landscape too. My portfolio features many pictures taken from National Trail and portrays what a beautiful part of the country I am lucky to live in.
I feel very humbled to have this picture chosen as the overall winner and hope people get as much enjoyment and wonder at seeing it as I did when I captured it.
People and Path
Reflecting personal connections and experiences on the trail
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Keith Mason
NCI – Monitoring the seas at Cape Cornwall
National Coastwatch Institute station, Cape Cornwall, West Cornwall
I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that my photo at the National Coastwatch Institute (Cape Cornwall) has won the People and Path category of the SWCP POTY for 2025. I am particularly delighted as 2025 was the year when I finally completed hiking the Cornish section of the SWCP. Hiking on the path is my favourite thing to do. It feeds my soul, breaks my body, but lifts my spirits even when I am out of breath, my back is aching and feet are sore. I’m also very pleased because Cape Cornwall, where the picture was taken, is one of my very favourite places. I took the picture last August. It was a few days after I submitted my final project on an MA Photography at Falmouth University. I stopped inside the NCI watch station to get out of the wind and struck up a conversation with the watch keeper. After a while, on a whim, I asked if I could take her photograph. I have had to do a little research but, today, I found out that her name is Melita and that she is happy to give permission for the photo to be included in the exhibition and promotion. I had just submitted my final project for my MA Photography and I was thinking about what might be my next project.
Speaking to Melita made me realise that so many people volunteer to help other people. People quietly helping others without fanfare or thanks. It was in this moment when I took her photograph, I knew that there was a new project for me to explore – One about celebrating those that volunteer. Since then I have started visiting charities and organisations to learn about their work and take some pictures for this project. All that was down to my conversation with Melita. The large window of the NCI station looking out to Atlantic and Longships lighthouse provided a massive soft box which gives the picture the soft light. Sure – I am a regular hiker on the SWCP and love getting out on the path. Over the years, I realise the work that goes on the maintain the path to be useable by hikers, and I have learned about SWCPA from a podcast of a hiker and fundraiser (“Keeping the sea on the right”) who walked the path in 2024 (iirc).
I am absolutely delighted to win this competition. It will be a big thrill to see my picture printed on a large scale and used to promote the SWCP and hopefully attract new people to come to visit the path and maybe hike a few miles along it. Moreover, I hope that interest in my photograph may lead to some further interest in my project about the volunteering community and some new opportunities to make additional photographs. For now, it looks like I may be able to take some photos next month at NCI Cape Cornwall to celebrate their 30th Anniversary.
Words from Melita: I feel very honoured and pleased for Keith. I have been qualified as a watch keeper at Cape for two years and really enjoying the role as I work within a great team, ensuring safety at sea for passing vessels, kayakers, swimmers and also sea and wild life. There is so much to see in the lovely area of Cape Cornwall but the Minky Whale swimming past in November 2023 may well be the most impressive, although the dolphins, seals birds and deer are also amazing. Many coastal path walkers come into the watch and are fascinated with our role and equipment, and after walking the amazing coast path, what’s not to like? My husband has family connections to St Just and we have always holidayed here in convoy with children and dogs and always (and still do) walking varying parts of the SW coast path. We retired and moved here nearly three years ago and I cannot imagine being happier anywhere else.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
Heather Atkinson
December Dawn Dippers
Saunton Sands, North Devon
I wished I were with them. Five of us met on a Chill swimming course and since then we regularly have an early Saturday Morning dip (we aim for weekly but that’s weather and waves permitting). This particular day I was unable to go in the water but I still wanted to meet up…I joked I’d be the official photographer for the day . More and more people are enjoying cold water swimming and the benefits it brings. There are so many beautiful places to have a swim along the SWCP and I thought this image illustrated the beauty of a morning dip. I’m lucky enough to live very close to the SWCP and walk on it daily. Even though I often walk the same sections it is different every time whether it’s the wildlife, the flowers, the waves or the clouds. It’s beauty never ceases to amaze me. I loved the morning light reflecting off the clouds as my friends headed for a chilly but invigorating swim a little like the Trail on a December morning…chilly and invigorating. Thanks again for selecting this image, I am genuinely so happy and grateful.
THIRD PLACE (IMAGE 3)
Chris Lucas/ Lena Welch
Close to the Edge
Durdle Door, Dorset
Chris thought when taking the picture that it was such lovely scenery and the angle he took it at makes it look like me and my friend are so close to the edge we would fall off if we went a step too far which is why he feels it’s such a wonderful photo and how lucky we are to be walking the coastpath with some wonderful friends enabling those of us with Sight Impairments to access the path by being their guides. Me and my friends are visually impaired and our guide dogs have joined us too on this journey. We’ve needed to be a team so extra friends have come along to take care of the dogs, who work hard and do a great job, but we do need people to guide us too on a path like this with its varied terrain, steep edges, cows, bumpy paths and at times mud! There’s a lot to enjoy along on the SWCP whatever your ability.
I entered the image into the People and Path category because it clearly depicts the diversity of people who walk the coast path and the incredible scenery that goes with climbing a hill! I am currently attempting to walk the entire south west coast path in aid of Guide Dogs UK as they have changed my life by providing me with 4 incredible guide dogs who have given me confidence and independence and sustained mobility. This is a true challenge for me having Cerebral Palsy and a Sight Impairment and it certainly wouldn’t be possible without the help of my wonderful friends and this picture shows how important relationships are and that relying on others isn’t always a bad thing as they certainly have helped me achieve my dream of walking the SWCP. We have raised over £3.5k for guide dogs so far and my aim is to name a guide dog pup in memory of my second guide dog Texan. This picture shows the beauty of the coast path and I just love looking back at how much we have already covered with so much still to go and the determination of the walkers as they support each other to access this incredible trail. Every step we take we realise how much goes into maintaining the coast path and it is a blessing to be able to do it as we don’t know for how long parts of path will be there as it’s fragile. We are very fortunate in the south west to have such a beautiful coastline and that we have been granted access to enjoy it while we can.
Chris Lucas said of the photo: I wanted to capture how friends were supporting each other to access such a beautiful area. By guiding our friends with Visual Impairment it meant the Coast Path could be enjoyed by all of us
HIGHLY COMMENDED (IMAGE 4)
Shaun Selley
Spekes Mill Waterfall
North Devon
It was an early start on the 6th of November, I parked at Hartland Quay with the intension of walking the coast path to Speke Mills waterfall to catch the sunrise. I wanted to photograph the whole of the waterfall so I needed to use my drone (DJI Mini 3) this allowed me to capture all of the waterfalls in one shot showing how vast the landscape is. I also wanted to be in the shot to show the scale and ruggedness of the landscape. I entered this photo into the People and path category because this waterfall is an iconic part of the Southwest coast path and when you walk on this part of the coast its impossibly to miss it. Living in North Devon all my life I’ve had the coast path on my doorstep. It’s always been a place I’ve walked and visited. I have a close connection with the path and the coast which constantly inspires my photography, It’s where I feel most creative and at peace.
Nature
Exploring the diverse landscapes of the coastal environment
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Emma Eccles
In the Pinks!
Trebarwith Strand, North Cornwall
On this particular evening there were some large clouds intermittently drifting across the sun when we arrived at Trebarwith. This made the light too dull initially to warrant many photos, but as Trebarwith is one of our most frequented walks and is always lovely we made the steep climb up Treknow Cliff, keen for fresh air and sea views. Besides, the pinks were in bloom and it’s my favourite time of year! As we made our return descent, the larger of the clouds drifted off to the east and the sun suddenly presented itself as a beautiful vibrantly glowing orb of orange, bathing everything on the most beautiful light. These particular steps are flanked either side by sea pinks during spring time and I knew if the sun remained I’d possibly get a pleasing shot from here. Just as I ducked down behind some pinks to capture the scene, the suns’ intensity increased and everything was aglow!
Honestly, one of my most magical moments and evenings on the coast path! The unpredictable nature of coastal weather means that you never truly know what to expect. Coastal photography is similarly unpredictable, but once in a while you get a chance to capture a little moment of magic. I am out on the coast path in all weathers and am a very regular coast path walker, so my phone ensures I always have a camera with me for those fleeting moments of luck! The landscapes of the South West Coast Path in north Cornwall are diverse and wildly beautiful. It felt poignant that this capture of nature was taken in an area once brutally stripped by slate mining, an industry that changed the very landscape and tore most signs of nature from this very spot. Yet today nature has reclaimed and softened the landscape once again. There is hope. It’s fantastic to have this recognition for my photo and as someone who constantly feels compelled to capture what my eye can see, all the more special to share it with others too. I am forever grateful to have scenes like this on my doorstep, and to be able to access the wild, rugged and beautiful coastline of the South West. In a time when many of us seem to be turning to AI for images of perfect scenery, the real and natural world remains tough to beat! If we just venture outside, it’s there waiting for us.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
Jen Rogers
Mewstone and Milky Way
Wembury, South Devon
It was a stunning clear night and I enjoyed being out under the stars with my pal Jess. I shot with an astro-modified Canon R6 Mk II. I used a star tracker to freeze the motion of the stars and stacked three images of the sky to reduce noise. I took a long exposure of the foreground and then blended the sky and foreground in Photoshop. The image shows the geology of the ledges at Wembury and the Great Mewstone. I live in Devon and spend most of my spare time walking the coast path and on the beach. I particularly love being out on the coast path at night under the stars.
THIRD PLACE (IMAGE 3)
Jen Rogers
Sea Green
Porthcurno, West Cornwall
The image portrays the power and beauty of the sea, an intrinsic part of nature.
Wildlife
Exploring the diverse habitats and wildlife on the coastal margin
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Archie Raistrick
Snail Snacks
North Devon
Snail Snacks captures a young badger cub foraging amongst the vibrant coastal flowers on the Southwest Coast Path in Devon. I’ve not disclosed the exact location to prevent any potential disturbance occurring as they are very secretive and nervous animals. At first glance most people don’t realise that there’s actually a second badger cub partially in the background. This moment was captured on the 20th of May last year. Photographing the badgers became a rather unexpected evening project after finding promising signs such as tracks and bolt holes through the vegetation. After many hours of lying downwind low to the ground in camouflage gear I was rewarded by capturing young cubs as they emerged for the first time.
My main camera kit setup consists of a Nikon D7500 DSLR with a Sigma 150 to 600 mm telescopic lens often sat on a video head mounted onto a tripod or converted frying pan used in this instance for more stability when lying down low. I’ve learnt through my own photographic journey that being at the same eye level to any subject is crucial as it has greater impact and makes the shot more personal. Most of my wildlife photography involves long projects where I document and get to know the chosen species and their habits so I can locate my set up successfully. Light is very important, this shot was taken during golden hour at the end of the day.
I was shocked to see badgers especially cubs so close to the coast last year and thought that this was quite a unique wildlife experience which I could share in this photographic competition. I’m often walking the SWCP taking photographs but I never expected that my image would end up winning a category. I’m so glad I entered this competition. I can’t wait to see fellow likeminded photographers and the final exhibition once it’s all completed.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
Scott Willcocks
Green Hairstreak (Callophyrs rubi)
Chapel Porth, West Cornwall
I am delighted to have been selected as a runner-up for the new wildlife category. I travelled to Chapel Porth on the 25th of May last year. I did this as I believed the Green Hairstreak butterfly would be peak for it’s on the wing period at this favourable location, which is one of the best in Cornwall for this little green gem!. Although the sky was mostly overcast the wind was strong, however I was able to spot several specimens. I managed to find this one on the SWCP in a gully sheltering in some bramble. It was very hard to spot as the undersides are completely camouflaged with the plant at rest! I habitually enter butterfly photos into the competition as this is and always my life passion. Not only is the SWCP scenic it is diverse in habitat that allows the perfect environment for so many species including many specialist butterflies!
Young Photographer of the Year (under 18)
Through the lens of young eyes
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Arthur Allan, age 17
Rubbing Shoulders on Gwennap Head
Gwennap Head, West Cornwall
This photograph was taken on the coastal path from Porthcurno to Gwenapp Head on the grasslands below the footpath on the edge of the cliff on Saturday 27th September 2025.
I was lying down within the heather and gorse whilst waiting and watching this pair of Cornish Choughs feeding on worms. I began experimenting with angles and I followed the pair for around two hours. I made sure not to disturb them and kept a good distance. I stayed extremely still whilst laying down around 5 metres away from the Choughs on the cliff edge.
They began coming closer to me as time went on as they realised I wasn’t a threat. This allowed me to get some extremely close-up shots of these beautiful birds. I was watching the two Cornish Choughs feeding and then realised that they were about to cross paths. I felt that being able to capture two Choughs in one frame would be extraordinary as these birds are still in low population despite conservation efforts. This is changing however, as I witnessed several nesting sites that were ready for when mating starts. Before I took the shot I had several seconds to get my settings ready and then rotated my camera so that it was portrait to best capture the choughs socialising.
I couldn’t believe the shot I had captured, I was so pleased. My heart was racing but I remained still so as to not scare the Choughs away. This was one of my favourite wildlife encounters as the Cornish Chough almost went extinct before conservation efforts were made. I felt extremely lucky to witness this rare species. I am really happy I could capture this special moment.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
Benjamin Osborne, age 17
Snipe in the Reeds
Marazion Marsh, West Cornwall
I was quite proud of this image on the day when I reviewed it on the back of the camera because not only is there a nice effect created by the reflections, but snipe are a difficult species to photograph. This is because they are critically camouflaged and fly extremely fast and low, so I was very pleased that I managed to create an artistic shot of the snipe in its environment. I entered this image into the Young SWCP POTY because I live on the Cornish coast and I wanted to showcase the diversity of nature in Cornwall, which I feel is often overlooked for other locations around the UK, when we have exceptionally diverse wildlife in due to Cornwall’s unique position in the UK, where we receive many different species such as migrant wheatears and ring ouzels, red-billed choughs, bluefin tuna and cetaceans to name a few.
I feel this image shows the beauty of the South West Coast Path because it shows the beauty of an underrepresented habitat along the coast of Cornwall. When people think of the coast of Cornwall, they think about white sand beaches and towering dramatic cliffs, not coastal marshes. I believe the effect that is created by the reflection of the reeds in the water, combined with the golden morning light, creates a nice effect and is a good example of the fact that Cornwall’s coastline supports a myriad of diverse habitats besides cliffs and beaches. I was trying to create a more environmental shot of the snipe in the reeds in my own style, where the image is a small window into the animal’s habitat rather than a wide-angle shot, and I feel that this image does the beauty of the marsh justice, as this is an underrepresented habitat along the South West Coast Path that I feel is extremely interesting (supporting a number of species and one of the only heronries in the UK that is located on the ground in the reeds rather than in trees), beautiful, and underrepresented.
Climate Change
Capturing the climate crisis and its impact on the trail
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Marlena Ciach
High Tide on Porlock Marsh
Porlock Marsh, Exmoor
This moment stood out because of the powerful interaction between land and sea. From above, the shapes created by the water felt almost alive – constantly shifting and reshaping the coastline. There was a quiet tension in the scene, as if the landscape was in the middle of transformation. Shooting from above allowed me to reveal patterns and textures that aren’t visible from the ground. The editing process focused on maintaining natural tones while enhancing contrast to emphasize the meeting of water and land. I chose this image because it visually represents the fragile balance between land and sea. Porlock Marsh is a place already shaped by coastal change, and scenes like this highlight how dynamic and vulnerable these environments are. Increasingly extreme weather and rising sea levels are accelerating these natural processes, reshaping coastlines and affecting both ecosystems and access along the path. It’s an incredible feeling. I’m grateful that this image resonates not just visually, but also in terms of its message. Being recognised in the Climate Change category is especially meaningful, as it reflects the importance of documenting and sharing these changing landscapes.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
James Loveridge
Cliff Fall near Sidmouth
Sidmouth, Jurassic Coast
A huge cliff fall between Sidmouth and Ladram Bay in Devon with cottages showing how delicate and fluid the Jurassic Coast is and how we are always at risk from this.
THIRD PLACE (IMAGE 3)
Jackson Taylor
Sidmouth Lost Gardens
Sidmouth, Jurassic Coast
I grew up in Devon, went to school in Sidmouth, and my family still lives in the area.30th December 2025 at around 9am. The weather had been poor over Christmas, but that morning looked beautiful so I got up early and headed down to catch the sunrise. This is one of a series I took that morning. What drew me to this spot was the gardens, or what’s left of them. When I was younger, the Coast Path used to run along the end of those very gardens, and I’d walk that route on the way to the next bay at Branscombe. Over the years, erosion has caused the cliff to collapse, taking the path and a large section of those gardens with it into the sea.
The path now diverts inland before reconnecting further along. Standing there that morning, seeing garden walls and everyday life simply ending at a crumbling cliff edge, said everything. I love aerial photography because it puts you somewhere you’d never normally be, and that shift in perspective can completely change how you see something familiar. From the ground, the erosion is easy to miss, but from above, it’s staggering. The 100MP Hasselblad sensor also means the image holds up well at large print sizes. Coastal erosion doesn’t have the drama of a flood or a wildfire, but it’s relentless and irreversible. This image makes the loss tangible, you can see normal garden life right up to the point where the cliff simply falls away. No graphs needed. It speaks for itself. The Coast Path has always been part of my life. I grew up walking sections of it, and the stretch between Sidmouth and Branscombe is one I know well. I now live in Oxfordshire, but I’m never happier than when I’m by the sea. I’ve always wanted to walk the full Devon and Cornwall sections, not managed it yet, but one day. This image is a reminder of why it matters.
Urban Lines
Showcasing the Path’s built heritage and townscapes
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
Shaun Davey
High Tide at Dusk in Lynmouth at Christmas
Lynmouth, North Devon
I had travelled to Lynmouth to capture some drone photographs of the high tide, which coincided with dusk, coupled with the town’s Christmas lights. I had expected the tide to be high but had not expected the heavy swell causing large waves to hit the pier. I decided to take long exposure shots to enhance the motion of the waves in the images, and show the cosy town, defended from the sea by its pier. As I was using a drone, I didn’t know until later when I could properly review the images, whether the platform would be stable enough for an 8 second exposure – but luckily it was. Full credit to the drone manufacturer who has developed a platform almost as stable as a tripod! This seemed an appropriate category for this nighttime coastal image of Lynmouth showing the forces of nature, the sea defences and the town sheltering behind them. I am extremely honoured to have my image recognised in this way, and I am very pleased to have won the Urban Lines category.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
George Cryer
St Ives from Above
St Ives, West Cornwall
I’ve always loved how St Ives balances chaos and beauty. The jumble of houses, narrow streets, and that unmistakable turquoise sea. I feel this image captures the rhythm of daily life in St Ives both natural and built environments blending together.
THIRD PLACE (IMAGE 3)
Jasmin Fernholz
Colourful Destination of the Day
Brixham, South Devon
It leaves me incredibly speechless and extraordinarily grateful that my photo has once again made it among the best of so many amazing photos. It’s like a cycle, where one event wouldn’t be possible without the previous one: In 2024, I showed my mum the breathtaking beauty of the SWCP and was therefore able to take the photo that made me the overall winner in the 2024 SWCP photo competition. After joining the fantastic exhibition of these winning photos in London Paddington in May 2025, we took the chance for another mother-daughter backpacking trip along the South West Coast Path, which allowed me to take this photo on May 24, in Brixham, as our ‘Colourful Destination of the Day’.
I am truly grateful and proud that my love for and perspective on the SWCP captivated the jury once again.
There is no place in the world I would rather go on a backpacking-tour than on the SWCP to free my mind, enjoying the most awesome views, meet the most lovely people and capturing the world’s vibrancy and colourfulness with my camera.
Sky Shot
Capturing a bird’s eye perspective
WINNER (IMAGE 1)
George Cryer
Pedn Vounder Sunrise
Porthcurno, West Cornwall
Pedn Vounder is one of those places that feels almost otherworldly before the world wakes up. The tide was receding and the sand patterns created shimmering reflections beneath the pastel sky. The first light breaking over Logan’s Rock framed the whole scene perfectly. It felt timeless and peaceful. There was total stillness, apart from the gentle sound of the sea.
SECOND PLACE (IMAGE 2)
George Cryer
Golden Hour Over Crantock
The Gannel, Crantock, North Cornwall
Evening light was spilling across the sand dunes and estuary moments before sunset, just as the clouds made way. It was an afternoon with all the elements as you’d expect to see on the Cornish coastline in winter.
THIRD PLACE (IMAGE 3)
Scott Fisher
Surf Shadow
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, West Cornwall
I had just surfed myself and could see the colours of the sea were looking amazing, so I had to fly the drone to see what I could capture. I love the shadows that are cast as the sun starts to drop in the sky , then I was lucky to see this surfer leaving the sea onto perfect untrodden sand , creating this great image. I always enter the SWCP photography competition as being a surfer and a drone photographer I spend a lot of time on the coast path exploring and capturing its beauty !
Staff Pick
Charisse Wold
Golden Hour Magic
Burgh Island, South Devon
I honestly can’t believe I’ve been selected as the winner in this category. It’s such a wonderful surprise, thank you so much.
The photograph was taken during the summer of July 2025 at Burgh Island while we were on an evening coastal walk. The sunset that day was truly magical, with warm golden light reflecting across the sea, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
In this image, my youngest daughter is sitting quietly among the wildflowers, completely absorbed in watching the sunset. While the rest of us were moving around, she stayed still and simply took in the moment. That quiet connection felt really special, and I knew I had to capture it.
At the time, we were living in Devon, and the South West Coast Path was a big part of our everyday life. We love taking the kids on coastal walks, exploring new places, and enjoying the outdoors together, often with our dog. This image reflects that connection and the simple, meaningful moments we share as a family.
I entered this image into the ‘People and Path’ category because it captures the relationship between a person and the landscape, and how the path encourages you to pause and connect with nature.
Being chosen as the SWCP Team Pick means so much to me. It is a real honour, especially knowing how many incredible images were entered. I am truly grateful.
This exhibition was made possible through the support of Great Western Railway
The South West Coast Path 
Lovely photos 😀
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