Residents and visitors to The Valleys have until Saturday July 10 to get inspired by the scenic views along the National Cycle Network and take part in a photography and film competition.
The ‘Sights, Camera, Action’ photography and short film competition – led by sustainable transport charity Sustrans in partnership with The Valleys Heart and Soul campaign – is open to everyone.
It asks competitors to film or photograph any part of the National Cycle Network in the South Wales Valleys that means something to them, concentrating on one of three themes – people, places or wildlife.
Competitors can express their chosen theme and enjoyment of the Network in any way they wish.
Entries to date capture the open landscape and green hills on ‘Route 46’ above Clydach Gorge, ducks and daisies at Caerphilly Castle on the ‘Celtic Trail’ and Polyommatus Icarus butterflies on the ‘Trevithick Trail.’
Documentary photographer David Hurn, famous for his shoots with icons like Sean Connery and Jane Fonda, will lead the judging panel, which includes film director Ryan Andrews.
Top prizes include a Saddle Skedaddle cycling holiday and a four-night stay for up to 10 people in Windways Neuadd Afan a luxury four star accommodation in the Afan Valley.
All the winning photos and films will be announced and showcased at this year’s National Eisteddfod of Wales in Ebbw Vale from July 31 to August 7.
The competition is part of this year’s 15th anniversary celebrations for the National Cycle Network, which is now more than 12,000 miles UK-wide – 250miles of which are in the south Wales Valleys.
An extra 100 miles are currently being created in The Valleys, which will bring the Network to within two miles of a further 636,000 people.
Angela Spiteri, Sustrans Officer for the new routes, said: “People certainly won’t be stuck for ideas as there are magnificent walking and cycling routes in the South Wales Valleys through some of the most dramatic landscape, iconic buildings and historic towns in Britain, and many of the routes can also be easily accessed by train.”
Competition entries should be submitted to www.thevalleys.co.uk/SightsCameraAction by Saturday July 10.