The Salt Path
The South West Coast Path has long been a favourite amongst hikers, but since Raynor Winn’s memoir The Salt Path captivated readers, it has gained even more recognition. We delve into the story’s appeal and the stunning locations that inspired readers and walkers to explore the Cornish coastline.
What is the Salt Path?
Published in 2018, The Salt Path tells the true story of Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth. After Moth’s terminal diagnosis and the devastating loss of their home, the couple embarks on a 630-mile walking journey along the South West Coast Path. With just £115 and a tent, they journey through heartbreak and healing, discovering the redemptive power of nature and human resilience. The book also explores themes around the meaning of home and grief which struck a chord with readers, selling over a million copies and later inspiring a film adaptation.
The healing power of nature
For many, The Salt Path has been a call to reconnect with the natural world. It has inspired readers to hit the trails and trace their own journey along the South West Coast Path. Along the way they can enjoy walking through rolling green farmland, along towering cliffs and soft sandy beaches, where the land meets the azure waters of the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean.
Standing at the water’s edge you can almost see people breathe a sigh of relief and see the tension leave their shoulders. There’s something nourishing about spending time walking in nature.
As Raynor and Moth proved, walking this trail can be as affordable as it is transformative. Whilst they camped along the way in the film, there is no public right to do this on or near to the South West Coast Path. However, there are countless accommodations available for those seeking more comfort.
Locations from The Salt Path film
The South West Coast Path winds its way from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, tracing the entire coastline of England’s south west peninsula. Walkers can expect breathtaking coastline, panoramic sea views, pretty ports and historic market towns which can be enjoyed no matter the season.
Here are some of the Cornish locations you’ll recognise from the book and the film.
Padstow
A picturesque fishing port, home to celebrity chef Rick Stein, Padstow is located on a stunning stretch of coast along the Camel Estuary. Here you’ll find sand banks, reed beds and salt marshes which are a haven for local bird species.
Boscastle
An olde worlde harbourside village tucked into a steep valley, Boscastle offers peaceful waterside walks and the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and witch folklore.
Newquay, Crantock & Holywell Bay
Found on the north coast of Cornwall, this stretch of coastline is known for its fiery sunsets and some of the best surfing waves in the UK. Hiking the Newquay, Crantock and Holywell Bay sections of the South West Coast Path will reward you with long sandy beaches and cliff-top views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Rame Head
Also known as the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall, Rame Head is home to ancient monuments and some of the finest parkland in the county at Mount Edgcumbe. You’ll also discover sandy beaches, shaded woodland, rocky coves and wide open farmland.
Doyden Castle
Perched on the cliffs atop the Port Quin headland, Doyden Castle offers panoramic coastal views. It’s also near the beloved fishing village of Port Isaac where you can walk the higgledy-piggledy streets filmed in the TV series Doc Martin.
Whitsand Bay
Offering over three miles of stunning sand from Rame Head to Portwrinkle, Whitsand Bay is one of Cornwall’s most beloved beaches. Here you can sunbathe, swim and surf to your heart’s content whilst enjoying the nourishment of ocean scenery.
The Salt Path has inspired countless readers to explore the South West Coast Path, and the locations featured in the film are just the beginning. Whether you’re drawn by the stunning scenery, the chance to reconnect with nature, or the magic of walking in Raynor and Moth’s footsteps, it promises an unforgettable journey.
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