Great Western Railway collaborates with South West Coast Path Association for upcoming photography competition

Great Western Railway (GWR) has partnered with the South West Coast Path Association for its annual South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year competition.

The Photographer of the Year competition is free to enter and open to all. The competition will have a choice of five different categories that potential winners can choose from.

With the deadline fast approaching at midnight on January 31, photographers need to be quick to submit their images if they wish to be in with a chance to win a very large prize package that includes guaranteed inclusion in the exhibition, £500 towards a luxury holiday in the South West courtesy of competition supporters Luxury Coastal, and GWR train tickets to facilitate the journey to the holiday destination.

This collaboration will result in a large-scale exhibition in 2024, showcasing the expansive 630-mile South West Coast Path National Trail.

Having played a vital role in enabling exploration of the south west for over a century, GWR's involvement in supporting an exhibition that celebrates this iconic trail aligns seamlessly with its commitment to connecting people with the region's natural wonders.

The South West Coast Path Association, a charity dedicated to safeguarding and promoting England's longest National Trail, is eager to collaborate with GWR to promote sustainable transport, and has highlighted the integration of rail travel to enhance access to the Coast Path.

The announcement of their photography exhibition has been an originative approach for the charity to broaden its outreach, shedding light on the awe-inspiring coastal landscapes awaiting discovery along the South West Coast Path.

The exhibition will also spotlight the challenges posed by climate change to the trail and underscore the charity's ongoing efforts to preserve the path for present and future generations.

Aletha Mays, Head of Comms at the Association, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Great Western Railway to inspire more adventures along this world-class walking route, as well as encourage photographers to get involved in what will be a beautiful exhibition.”

Amanda Burns, GWR Sales and Marketing Director, added, “This competition will help to promote the beauty it has to offer, and we can’t wait to see some adventure-inspiring images.”

Julian Gray, Director of the South West Coast Path Association, commented, “We are looking forward to working with GWR on the exhibition to showcase the beauty of the south west and the charity’s work to protect and care for England’s longest National Trail.”

The Photographer of the Year competition, open to all, offers a platform to celebrate the magic of the South West Coast Path. With categories like 'Your Path,' 'Urban Lines,' 'Nature,' 'Climate Change,' and 'Sky Shot,' the competition aims to capture the diverse essence of the trail. The deadline for entries is January 31.

For those captivated by the allure of the South West Coast Path, entering the competition is an opportunity to share their favourite images and contribute to the celebration of this iconic trail. For more information and to enter, visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/photographer-of-the-year