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These are the jaw-dropping photos that have been honoured for capturing Britain at its magical best.

From fairy-tale pathways to misty hills, these stunning frames of the United Kingdom display the patience and expertise of outdoor photographers.

Now in its 14th year, the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition showcases exquisite images of landscapes and cityscapes from around the UK.

This year's overall winner is Mara Leite for her mesmerising image of the Mill Lane tree tunnel in Halnaker, West Sussex.

Ms Leite, from Seattle, USA, said: 'I was looking for a different composition when I decided to turn the other way and saw this beautiful sight.

Mara Leite, from Seattle, USA, won the overall award for Landscape Photographer of the year with this image of Mill Lane in Halnaker, West Sussex said: 'I was looking for a different composition when I decided to turn the other way and saw this beautiful sight.

This image, which is a runner up, was taken by Itay Kaplan. It features a full moon shining above the Prince of Wales bridge over the River Severn. The moon is bracketed by the bridge's two pillars

Daniel Langer was highly commended for this atmospheric image of a pair of rutting stags in Richmond Park, London

'I love the gate in the background and how the morning light is hitting the leaves and softly entering the tunnel.'

Patient Andy Gray scooped runner-up in the Your View category with a snowy photo captured near his Derbyshire home in Matlock in the Peak District.

Mr Gray said: 'I first discovered this spot while commuting to work a few years back.

'It's located just off a main road with no obvious parking so I only ever glanced at it briefly through the window while passing.

'In my mind's eye I could sense it had potential.'

He finally made the trip to the pathway last winter with his camera in tow.

Reflecting on the winning shot, he added: 'I liked the combination of snow, mist and light coming from the left.'

An awe-inspiring shot of the Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland's highlands - as seen in Harry Potter movies - tops the podium in the Lines in the Landscape category.

Lensman Malcolm Blenkey said: 'I decided on this viewpoint rather than using the usual vantage points as I thought that if the sun broke through the cloud as the train arrived it would be the best way to show the juxtaposition of the natural beauty of the location in contrast to the mighty man-made structure.'

Snapper Daniel Langer's magnificent shot of Richmond Park, in Richmond upon Thames, south-west London, was highly commended in the Urban Life category.

He says that the photograph shows 'two juvenile red deer stags developing skills of the rut in preparation for the real event in seasons to come'.

Mr Langer added: 'I got lucky with a combination of being at the right place at the right time during the right conditions.

'I noticed a small raised clearing within the bracken and several red deer nearby so I set up my tripod looking in the direction of the sunrise.

'These two stags climbed onto the mound and locked antlers for a practice rut.

'I couldn't believe my luck.'

Philip George visited Chesterton Windmill in Warwickshire several times before the weather conditions were perfect

Matthew Turner was in position as the Alberta crossed the Dent Head Viaduct in Cumbria as a heavy rain shower approached from the hills in the background

James Ewer captured this image of the Golden Rocks in Bat's Head in Dorset, England as the beach was illuminated by the low sun

He compared the scene to 'a street fight, with the deer entering the arena and the spectators watching on from afar'.

This year's competition also incorporates three special awards, including the Historic Britain and separate youth categories.

Winners share a prize fund worth £20,000, with a top prize of £10,000.

The competition's founder Charlie Waite, a leading landscape snapper, said: 'With the glorious ring lighting and splash of golden light at the top, there is a sense of security and protection as much as secrecy that emerges from this delicate photograph where we are beckoned to go forward.

'Despite the gate at the far end, perhaps there is an additional feeling that one would never wish to reach it.'

An exhibition of shortlisted and winning entries will premiere at London Bridge on November 15 until January 9, before going on a tour of the country.