Sunset over the sea wins top photography prize

An image of a sunset over the sea has won the top prize in the 2024 South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year competition.

More than 1,700 images taken at points along the path which stretches 630 miles (1,014km) around Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset were submitted, the South West Coast Path Association said.

Jasmin Fernholz, a photographer from Germany, won the competition with her photo taken from the coast path near Tintagel, Cornwall.

The association said the number and quality of outstanding images in the nature category prompted the judges to split the category into two, one covering wildlife and the other covering wider nature.

Heidi Morstang, a lecturer in photography at the University of Plymouth, was one of the judges.

She said of the winning image: "We were drawn to its serene atmosphere, where the soft, low light gently highlights the wildflowers and winding path, while the woman walking evokes a sense of freedom.

"The scene embodies the very essence of what many seek when exploring the South West Coast Path - a harmonious blend of natural beauty in an accessible environment."

Ms Fernholz said: "We chose the path up to St Materiana's Church in the hope of seeing a wonderful sunset.

"I was afraid that the clouds wouldn't move fast enough, and I had carried my 1.2 kg Sony A7III for nothing!"

Other winners chose sites across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset to take their winning images.

The association said the winning photographs will go on display at an exhibition at London Paddington railway station in May.

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