Falling Fog, East Cliff at West Bay, Dorset Taken by Neil Barnes (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2025)

Neil Barnes, a photographer from Dorset, has been selected as the 2025 South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year for his image, Falling Fog. Neil’s photograph, captured on a winter’s morning, shows the usually imposing cliffs at West Bay softened by a delicate veil of mist as it rolls across this iconic landscape. 

The South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), the charity that cares for the Path, hosts the annual competition, now in its 14th year, and attracts up to 1,500 entries, capturing memorable moments and inspired perspectives on the South West Coast Path.

A panel of three judges were unanimous in their selection of the winning image, including Jessica Lennan, Lecturer in Photography at Plymouth University, who had this to say of Neil’s image,
“A beautiful view of the Dorset coast, where mist drifts gently across the cliffs, creating a profound sense of calm and openness. At first glance, the scene appears serene and almost timeless, but look a little closer, and the signs of a recent landslide reveal the coastline’s underlying fragility. It’s a quiet image that invites both admiration and reflection, showing the coast as a place of delicate balance and constant transformation.”

Neil said of his winning image, “It was a particularly foggy morning as I walked with my dog Betsy to the end of the pier at West Bay. I could see how the fog and mist were 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 occasionally, I get that feeling of amazement and excitement when I see something special, and this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to capture it. 

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.” 

This year, the competition expanded to include seven categories, plus a ‘SWCP team pick’. The following are the winning images from each category, which show the beautiful and diverse landscape that the South West Coast Path travels through, as well as some of the people who visit, live, and work on or near the Coast Path. 

NATURE

In the Pinks!, Trebarwith Strand, North Cornwall. Taken by Emma Eccles (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Nature category winner) 

“This beautifully composed image immediately invites the viewer to follow the path and step into the scene. The photographer’s careful arrangement of the elements creates a natural flow through the frame, drawing the eye gently toward the coastline.

The low light enhances the atmosphere, casting a soft, warm glow that brings a delicate tenderness to the landscape. The thrifts in full bloom add vibrancy and texture, evoking the richness of early summer. Altogether, the photograph captures the essence of warm, inviting days along the coast path—a serene and immersive celebration of nature at its most welcoming.”
Heidi Morstang, Associate Professor in Photography, Plymouth University, SWCP POTY 2025 Judge

CLIMATE CHANGE

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High Tide on Porlock Marsh, Porlock, Exmoor. Taken by Marlena Ciach (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Climate Change category winner) 

“A great image showing the power of water and the dynamic nature of our coast. The high tide waters engulfing Porlock Marsh indicate the threat of rising sea levels to our coastal lowlands.”

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association, SWCP POTY 2025 Judge

PEOPLE AND PATH

 NCI - Monitoring the seas at Cape Cornwall, Cornwall. Taken by Keith Mason (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – People and Path category winner) 

"A strong and engaging portrait that draws attention to the people who live and work along the South West Coast Path. It offers a glimpse into the everyday presence of those who help shape and look after this coastline.”
Jessica Lennan 

WILDLIFE

Snail Snacks, North Devon. Taken by Archie Raistrick (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Wildlife category winner) 

 “This photograph offers an intimate and engaging portrait of a young badger in its natural habitat. The animal’s direct gaze creates an immediate connection with the viewer, capturing a moment of curiosity that feels both gentle and quietly compelling.

The surrounding wildflowers bring subtle colour and texture to the scene, while the softness of the grass beautifully frames the badger and reinforces the sense of being immersed within its environment. The photographer demonstrates a sensitive understanding of wildlife observation, allowing the landscape to support rather than overwhelm the subject.

Altogether, this is a finely observed and atmospheric depiction—an intimate glimpse into the life of a badger in its natural world.”
Heidi Mortstang

SKY SHOT

Pedn Vounder Sunrise, Porthcurno, West Cornwall. Taken by George Cryer (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Sky Shot category winner) 

“This year, we have seen more oblique sky shots entered into the competition. This evocative image of Pedn Vounder beach from the sky shows why this part of Cornwall inspires so many artists. The strong colours and patterns in the water contrast with the soft patterns across the sand. The cliffs rise strongly with geometric strength. This image provokes exploration.
Julian Gray

URBAN LINES

High Tide at Dusk in Lynmouth at Christmas, Exmoor
Taken by Shaun Davey (South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year – Urban Lines category winner) 

“You wouldn’t normally think of Lynmouth in an urban category, yet this image makes it work beautifully. Taken at dusk, just as the lights have switched on, there’s a warm glow that runs along the houses, the seafront, and the bridge, tracing the lines and shapes of the town. The photograph highlights the geometry of the place, showing a side of Lynmouth that feels both familiar and freshly seen.”
Jessica Lennan 

 YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 

Rubbing Shoulders on Gwennap Head, West Cornwall
Taken by Arthur Allan, age 17 (South West Coast Path Young Photographer of the Year) 

This is a charming and sensitively observed image, capturing two resting choughs nestled among wildflowers. The photographer has made excellent use of colour and texture: the rich tones of the birds stand out beautifully against the soft carpet of blooms, creating a striking yet gentle visual contrast.

The scene feels intimate and carefully noticed, offering a quiet moment of connection with these distinctive coastal birds. The framing enhances this closeness, allowing the viewer to appreciate both the birds themselves and the delicate environment they inhabit. It is a thoughtful and beautifully executed photograph, demonstrating impressive observational skill from a young photographer.
Heidi Morstang

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH TEAM PICK

Golden Hour Magic, South Devon. Taken by Charisse Wold (South West Coast Path Team Pick) 

“When I first saw this image, it immediately drew me in, and I felt as though I was sitting on the coast, experiencing the sunset myself. It conveys a strong sense of tranquillity and peace, capturing a magical moment as the young person relaxes and connects with the coast, creating a lasting memory.”
Lorna Sherriff, SWCP National Trail Officer

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2025 EXHIBITION SUMMER 2026

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

Thanks to Silver Sponsor Classic Cottages for their support.

Find out more at: southwestcoastpath.org.uk

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