The South West Coast Path has inspired much, from paintings and sculptures to blockbuster backdrops. In recent years, this breathtaking stretch of coastline has tracked its way into people’s hearts once more through the incredible memoir, The Salt Path, by Raynor Winn.
The story follows Raynor and Moth Winn as they lose everything, from home to health, and turn to the South West Coast Path for sanctuary. Embarking on the journey of a lifetime, they trek from Minehead all the way around the coast to Poole Harbour in Dorset, wild camping along the way. The book speaks of endurance and resilience, encouraging you to seek your own restorative adventures within the natural world.
Having stolen the hearts of millions, The Salt Path will be stealing many more when the incredible film adaptation hits cinemas on the 30th of May, filling screens everywhere with the wild beauty of the South West Coast Path.
Whether you want to compile a list of bucket-list places to visit during your travels, or you seek to become ‘salted’ along the South West Coast Path yourself, we’ve compiled a list of the incredible filming locations for the book-to-screen adaptation starring Gillian Anderson (Raynor) and Jason Isaacs (Moth).
Lace up your walking boots, these Salt Path filming locations aren’t to be missed…
Minehead, Somerset
The start of the South West Coast Path, Minehead was always going to appear in the film adaptation of The Salt Path, offering a poignant moment for the couple as they embark on their journey. The golden arc of sand and pebble is a wonderful send-off when setting off on the trail, with lots of beachfront cafés and shacks offering an ice cream for your travels. One of the few beaches along the South West Coast Path to sit in Somerset, you can also add a bit of moorland to your visit to this beautiful filming location as Exmoor National Park is a stone’s throw away and promises heather-topped hills and ancient woodlands alongside fabulously cosy pubs.
Porlock Weir, Somerset
One of the prettiest beaches in Somerset, Porlock Weir is a mesmerising mix of pebbles, with tree-topped hills providing a beautiful backdrop to the salt-kissed setting. The beach offers an emotional moment of respite for Raynor and Moth as they traverse the undulating coast path, pausing in this peaceful haven to marvel at the salt-worn trees and refuel in the charming cafés. In both the book and the film, Raynor and Moth visit the nearby café at Kitnors Tea Garden in Bossington, where they enjoy a delicious Devonshire cream tea (clotted cream first).
Valley of Rocks, North Devon
A film-worthy backdrop if ever there was one, the Valley of Rocks is one of the most spectacular sections of North Devon’s coastline and is instantly recognisable in the film. The dramatic rock formations and towering cliffs offer a truly breathtaking setting, whether you’re walking the South West Coast Path or looking for a memorable circular walk during your stay on the north coast. Home to a herd of free-roaming goats, this rugged stretch really must be seen to be believed.
Clovelly, North Devon
Another North Devon favourite, Clovelly is utterly unique and well worth a visit. The steep - and completely car-free - village is breathtaking in every sense of the word, inviting you to soak up the picturesque charms of bygone times as you explore the chocolate-box lanes. In the film, Raynor and Moth can be seen walking up the iconic cobblestone street in search of food during their journey, but the quaint fishing harbour and beautiful garden are worth exploring too.
Hartland Quay, North Devon
Appearing on many on-screen favourites, including The Night Manager and House of the Dragon, it’s little wonder the dramatic cliffs surrounding Hartland Quay were chosen for some scenes in The Salt Path. The area is renowned for its rugged, wind-hewn cliff faces that hold up the winding coast path, creating the perfect backdrop for a story about resilience. Beneath the undulating cliffs, fascinating beaches promise geological formations aplenty, with rock pools emerging at low tide and rocky ridges disappearing beneath the waves as the seas rise.
Padstow, North Cornwall
A prominent stopping point along the South West Coast Path, Padstow invites you to pause in the pretty harbourside setting and soak up the views over a plate of fish and chips - just as Raynor and Moth do in the book and film. Padstow is famous for its exceptional waterside eateries, from Michelin star favourites to cosy pubs offering hearty dishes and flowing pints. It’s also the end of the beloved Camel Trail, one of the best cycling routes in Cornwall, making it a perfect resting place for walkers and cyclists alike.
Newquay, North Cornwall
Home to some of Cornwall’s best surfing beaches, Newquay is a popular spot along the Cornish coast. One of Newquay’s greatest charms is the captivating contrast between the bustling town and the wild coastline surrounding it, a theme explored throughout The Salt Path. Plop down on the golden sands to watch the waves roll in, or take to the South West Coast Path to explore this stunning stretch of North Cornwall on foot, discovering lovely beachfront cafés as you go.
Holywell Bay, North Cornwall
Another of the South West’s coastal spots to enjoy lots of screentime (thank you, Poldark), Holywell Bay and its iconic rock formations are instantly recognisable in The Salt Path. Backed by dunes and boasting golden, sun-warmed sands perfect for snoozing, the beautiful beach is a rather special setting for any beach day, especially when exploring the coast path for a picnic spot. Children will love the rockpools revealed at low tide, while dogs can make the most of the spacious sands.
Port Quin, North Cornwall
One of the prettiest coves in Cornwall, Port Quin is a lovely spot to pause and take in your surroundings, just as Raynor and Moth do in The Salt Path. Patchwork fields slowly slope into rugged rocks and sheltered coves, creating an unspoilt beauty spot you won’t want to leave. Pack a picnic from one of the local farm shops and enjoy a magical day basking in the beauty of this North Cornish gem.
Rame Head, South Cornwall
A heady mix of grassy headlands and golden beaches, Rame Head Peninsula might be known as the ‘Forgotten Corner’, but it will soon be immortalised as one of the most beautiful filming locations for The Salt Path. Marking the halfway point of Raynor and Moth’s emotional journey, the couple spend an entire week here, resting on the sun-baked sands and soaking up the salt-kissed surrounds as they swim in azure waters. There are some lovely walks around the headland, with the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand promising an idyllic place to explore.
Hidden locations
The Salt Path might be set along the South West Coast Path, but there are several guest appearances from around the UK, from the sunny streets of South Wales to the sprawling coastline of Sussex.
Playing the role of a quaint Cornish village, Chepstow’s high street can be seen in The Salt Path, with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs spotted filming back in 2023. Over the river, the pair also filmed some scenes in Gloucestershire’s Aust in one of the charming country pubs. Over in West Sussex, East Head at West Wittering also appears in the book-to-screen adaptation - can you tell which South West beach it’s filling in for?
Embark on your own unforgettable journey along the South West Coast Path with a stay in one of our gorgeous holiday cottages in the South West.
