The Salt Path: An Incredible Journey on the South West Coast Path
Friday the 30th May marks the long anticipated release of The Salt Path in UK cinemas. The film brings to life Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir, an awesome tale which has touched readers around the world. The true story follows Raynor and her husband Moth as they embark on a life-changing walk along the 630 mile South West Coast Path after losing their home and livelihood. The journey they embark on tells a story of resilience, nature, love, healing and the powerful connection between people and their environment. The Salt Path‘s narrative brings up topics such as climate change, prejudice towards homeless people, a declining wildlife population, the right to roam, and the importance of maintaining hope despite illness and hardship. With so many emotional themes, the film is one that prompts viewers to reflect on their own lives and views on certain difficult subjects.
About the Author:
Raynor (Ray) Winn is a writer and regular long-distance walker. Throughout her books, she shows her passion and love for the outdoors as well as giving a raw insight into the relationship between her and her husband, who struggles with a rare and terminal neurodegenerative disease. Her powerful storytelling has helped shine a spotlight on the South West Coast Path and she has inspired thousands of others who have since discovered the therapeutic power of walking in nature.
About the Books:
The Salt Path was Winn’s debut memoir, released in 2018, and documenting the walk that began in 2013 after the couple lost their home and Moth received his terminal diagnosis in the same week. The book has been widely praised internationally and has won a number of awards. Since then, Winn has published The Wild Silence (2020) and Landlines (2022) which follow the couple’s life after their Coast Path journey, as they continue to find that walking has mysterious powers to slowly heal them both physically and mentally. A fourth book, On The Winter Hill, is set to be released later this year.
About the Film:
Starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, The Salt Path showcases the raw beauty of the coastline throughout the seasons, as well as showing the emotional journey of a couple going through hard times. It is a must-see for anyone who enjoys heart-felt stories of nature, personal triumph, and hope.
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest and most popular National Trail, with over 9 million visitors each year. At 630 miles long (over 1000km), it stretches from Minehead on the North Somerset coast, around Devon and Cornwall and finishes in Poole Harbour in Dorset. The path passes through a range of significant and protected areas, including Exmoor National Park, Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s home to some incredible landmarks and photo opportunities and there really is an incredible view around every corner.
Due to the length of the trail, the terrain and difficulty varies with the geological make-up of the land, however as it hugs the coastline so closely, the trail must return to sea level with every river mouth, and rise with every cliff, making for a challenging and hilly route in many places. In fact, the total height climbed over the course of the path is thought to be almost 4 times the height of Mount Everest! As a result, the path attracts walkers from all over the world.
The Dorset stretch of the Path boasts some more incredible views and iconic landmarks that are world-famous in their own right. Here are some of our favourites places to visit:
Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove
Chesil Beach
Old Harry Rocks
Golden Cap
Chapman’s Pool
Portland Bill
Start Your Journey
If you’re feeling inspired by Raynor and Moth’s story and want to experience walking sections of the Path for yourself, booking a holiday to the Jurassic Coast is a great place to start. Many of the West Dorset Leisure Holidays Parks are located on or very close to the Coast Path, so you can get walking with ease, and also enjoy some great sea and countryside views from where you’re staying. Highlands End, Eype Beach and Golden Cap sit right on the Path itself, with Graston Copse being just a 15 minute walk and Sandyholme a 15 minute drive away. Whether you want to camp just like Ray and Moth, bring your own motorhome or touring caravan, or want a bit more comfort in the evenings in some of our accommodation, there’s something for everyone, though available accommodation varies by Park. If you’re bringing a four-legged friend with you on your walks, rest assured that all our Parks are dog-friendly and we can welcome up to 3 dogs per booking.
Highlands End
Highlands End boasts stunning clifftop views and a 5-star experience. With modern amenities and pristine facilities, this award-winning park delivers breathtaking scenery, serene relaxation, and vibrant entertainment for all.
View Highlands End
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