on 20/02/2025
Raynor Winn's memoir, The Salt Path, has captivated readers with its heartfelt true narrative of resilience and adventure. Now, this inspiring story is set to grace the big screen, with a UK release in cinemas scheduled for April 25, 2025. Starring Gillian Anderson as Raynor Winn and Jason Isaacs as her husband, Moth, the film brings to life their transformative journey along the South West Coast Path, from homelessness, to freedom.
Faced with unexpected homelessness and a challenging medical diagnosis for Moth, the Winns made a bold decision: to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path, stretching from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. This journey, chronicled in The Salt Path, is a testament to human endurance, the healing power of nature, and the unbreakable bond between two people navigating life's adversities.
The South West Coast Path offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes, many of which play pivotal roles in both the memoir and its cinematic adaptation. Here are some notable locations featured:
The official starting point of the South West Coast Path, Minehead is a charming coastal town that marks the beginning of the Winns' epic journey. Its picturesque promenade and the iconic sculpture of hands holding a map symbolize the path ahead.
As the trail progresses into Exmoor, the quaint village of Porlock offers serene landscapes and a glimpse into rural English life. Nearby, the Valley of Rocks presents dramatic vistas with its unique rock formations and wild goats, capturing the rugged beauty of the coastline.
This seaside town is known for its historic harbour and artistic community. Ilfracombe serves as a waypoint where the challenges of the path meet the warmth of local hospitality.
The ancient fishing village of Clovelly, with its steep cobbled streets, offers a step back in time. Further along, Hartland Quay provides dramatic seascapes and rugged cliffs, epitomizing the wild essence of the North Devon coast.
Padstow's bustling harbour and culinary delights make it a memorable stop. Just a mile away, Hawker's Cove offers tranquil sands and clear waters, a stark contrast to the challenges faced on the trail. Notably, filming took place in Padstow Harbour and Hawker's Cove, capturing the area's traditional charms.
Fistral Beach is famed for its surfing culture, while Holywell Bay, with its rolling dunes and iconic Gull Rock, provides a picturesque setting. Both locations feature in the film, showcasing Cornwall's coastal allure. Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs were spotted filming scenes in Newquay, including at the Headland Hotel.
The secluded cove of Port Quin offers peace and reflection next to neighbouring, far busier Port Isaac, while Rame Head's promontory provides panoramic views of the coastline, marking significant moments in the Winns' journey.
To authentically portray the Winns' trek, the film's production closely followed the actual route of the South West Coast Path. Filming locations spanned from Minehead and Porlock Weir in Somerset to various sites in Devon and Cornwall, including Lynton, Ilfracombe, Clovelly, Hartland Quay, Padstow, Fistral Beach, Port Quin, Holywell Bay, and Rame Head.
