Now in its third year at Paddington, the free public exhibition has been made possible through the continued support of Great Western Railway (GWR), showcasing the winning images from the South West Coast Path Association’s annual Photographer of the Year competition. The exhibition brings the beauty and character of the South West Coast Path to iconic Paddington Station, the gateway to the South West, where it will inspire thousands of people to discover the Trail for themselves.

Featuring 23 striking large-format photographs, the exhibition celebrates the beauty, wildlife, and people of the 630-mile South West Coast Path, which stretches along the coasts of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Alongside stunning landscapes and wildlife, the exhibition also highlights the growing impact of climate change on the Trail and the vital role supporters play in helping the

South West Coast Path Association, the charity that cares for the path, protect this extraordinary National Trail for future generations.

The exhibition was officially opened with many of this year’s winning photographers travelling to London to see their work on display. Among them was Young Photographer of the Year Award winner, Arthur Allan, who said,

“I am overjoyed that I was able to win this competition and I am grateful that my photography is being recognised. Thank you so much to the South West Coast Path Association for this opportunity and congratulations to all the others whose work is also in the exhibition.”

The competition attracted more than 1,800 entries across categories including People and Path, Urban Lines, Sky Shot, Nature, Wildlife, Climate Change and Young Photographer of the Year.

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

"The South West Coast Path is a place that means so much to so many people, and these photographs capture the incredible variety of experiences, landscapes and moments that make it so special. Every year, we are amazed by the creativity and skill of the photographers who enter our competition, and the quality of the images continues to go from strength to strength.

We are incredibly grateful to Great Western Railway for their support in helping us bring the Photographer of the Year exhibition to London for the third year running."

 Ruth Powell, Partnerships Marketing Manager, GWR, says,

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year competition. This exhibition celebrates the incredible scenery, wildlife and rich heritage found along the 630-mile trail, while inspiring people to experience it for themselves. At GWR, we are committed to connecting communities and visitors with the region’s most treasured places, and we are proud to play a part in bringing these breathtaking images to a wider audience.”

Visitors can also discover the stories behind each winning photograph in the South West Coast Path Association’s Behind the Lens III blog.

The South West Coast Path Photography Exhibition is free to visit and will be on display on Platforms 8 and 9 at London Paddington Station until 31 July.