The Salt Path: walking the Cornish coast
6th May 2025
When Raynor and Moth Winn found themselves on the brink of losing their house, it sparked an extraordinary journey of self-discovery for the married couple – trekking the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path, armed with a tent and a little over £100.
Ray’s poignant memoir, The Salt Path, did an amazing job of capturing their resilience. It beautifully expressed the healing power of nature too.
Thanks to a new film adaptation, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, we now have another chance to accompany this inspiring couple – while savouring the sight of the breath-taking Cornish coastline on the big screen.
Image credit: Steve Tanner
We hope their story encourages others to discover the magic of the coast path, whether exploring it for the first time, or returning to well-trodden stretches to find fresh delights.
As Ray and Moth learned, when you wind your way through the dramatic coastline – stumbling on hidden coves, stepping through enchanting woods, and finding a warm welcome in its harbours – you’re not just exercising your body. It can change your life.
Here, we spotlight some of the evocative Cornish locations featured in the film, inviting you to follow in the footsteps of Ray and Moth, Gillian and Jason, to get a taste of The Salt Path for yourself…
Image credit: Steve Tanner
Sandymouth Bay Beach
While not directly mentioned in Ray’s memoir, it’s easy to see why Sandymouth Bay was chosen for the film. The National Trust-owned beach is rugged, dramatic and unspoilt, embodying the profound power that lies in wait when you step beyond the everyday.
But the town of Bude is just 5.5 miles away. Here you can balance Sandymouth’s raw beauty with charming independent boutiques and restaurants. You can also swim at Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches. Summerleaze features a magnificent sea pool – the perfect spot to relax and observe the walkers enjoying the path above.
Padstow
Padstow, a picturesque fishing port nestled on the Camel Estuary, is renowned for its bustling harbour, charming streets, and culinary delights.
The film captures Ray and Moth’s stop here, where they stop and enjoy Rick Stein’s fish and chips by the harbour (Paul Ainsworth’s No6 is another Padstow foodies’ favourite).
A westward walk on the coast path leads to the tranquil haven of Hawker’s Cove, where the golden sand is framed by rugged cliffs and idyllic clear waters – an ideal spot to stop and reflect, just as Ray and Moth do in the film.
Newquay
The Salt Path eventually thrusts Ray and Moth back into society, passing through the lively streets of Newquay, in a marked contrast to their time spent out in the wild.
Newquay is great for a dose of excitement, whether that’s water sports or nightlife. But Ray and Moth end up itching to get back to the captivating coast path – which leads up from the town centre to some incredible beaches.
The surf hub of Fistral is famous for its golden sands and consistent Atlantic waves. The beach attracts surfers of all levels, while also offering excellent facilities for families. Further along the path lies the sprawling Holywell Bay, where you can explore the grassy dunes, enter the mystical Holywell Cave at low tide, and watch the spectacular sun as it sets behind the iconic Gull Rocks. Both beaches play starring roles in The Salt Path.
Land’s End
In an interview to promote The Salt Path, Ray recalled a powerful moment at Land’s End during a storm, where she and Moth stood alone against the crashing Atlantic waves.
‘We really could have given up,’ she told the Guardian. ‘But at that point we just realised how much that path was giving us, how much life it was giving us back.’
The exposed West Penwith coast has held a similar power over visitors for centuries. Take the path to nearby Sennen Cove and Gwynver Beach, and you can experience a life-affirming side of Cornwall that seems almost untouched by time.
Rame Head
Rame Head, a distinctive landmark on Cornwall’s south-east coast, marks the halfway point of Ray and Moth’s extraordinary walk. Here, they pause to reflect on their achievements and begin to wonder what the future holds.
The couple smile at each other before tackling the hill to the medieval chapel that crowns the hill. Panoramic views stretch across Whitsand Bay to the west and Plymouth Sound to the east. On clear days, you can see Eddystone Lighthouse in the distance.
Take the path a couple of miles further, among the butterflies of the heathland, and you’ll find Cawsand, a former smugglers’ haven where the inns still extend a warm welcome – and well-deserved rest – to weary travellers.
Inspired to set off on your own Salt Path adventure? Here are some places you could stay…
Whitsand Bay beach huts
Our Whitsand Bay ‘beach huts’ – Brackenbank, Alpha and Whirlwind – are perfect for anyone looking for somewhere convenient and comfortable to rest after a long day on the saltwater trail.
On the rugged cliffs of Tregonhawke Beach, close to Rame Head and part of the three mile stretch of Whitsand Bay, you’ll spot handfuls of perfectly sized wooden huts. This virtually traffic-free location is the perfect place to begin a coastal hiking adventure.
These smaller stays are ideal for a quick stop as part of a longer route, or book one as a base and explore the miles of south coast wonder either side of you, returning each evening for sunset.
The Bay, Cawsand
Stay nearby in The Bay, a selection of Cawsand retreats close to several filming spots around Rame Head. These fully kitted-out apartments are directly on the beach and benefit from a warm and friendly restaurant downstairs, too – ideal for refuelling after a coastal ramble.
Gwynver Beach House
If you feel inspired by Ray and Moth’s visit to Land’s End, opt for a beach house directly on the Penwith coast path. Gwynver Beach House is just a little further along the shore overlooking Gwynver Beach, near Sennen Cove.
The rolling garden takes you straight down to this rugged cove where you can continue along the South West Coast Path and roam for miles, spotting pods of dolphins as you pass.
Cape View
Cape View is a romantic converted barn overlooking the captivating beauty of Cape Cornwall, just a short distance from Land’s End.
Surrounded by rugged shorelines, fresh sea air, and wild ponies roaming the clifftops, this remote retreat is perfectly placed for guests seeking to explore dramatic National Trust trails and the area’s rich mining heritage.
The Lookout, Widemouth Bay
The Lookout is a collection of five contemporary retreats overlooking the waves of Widemouth Bay, just along the rugged coast path from Sandymouth Bay Beach. Here, you can step straight from your front door onto the coast path for a day of hiking.
When you need to take a rest, sit back on your balcony and soak up panoramic views of Black Rock Beach—from rolling waves and rugged rocks to dolphins on the horizon.
The Sail Loft and No 5 The Longstore, Padstow
Our stylish and comfortable Padstow apartments, The Sail Loft and No 5 The Longstore, offer the perfect base to experience the picturesque harbour town, just as Ray and Moth do in The Salt Path. Stroll the streets and savour Rick Stein’s famous fish and chips on the harbour wall.
Driftwood, Padstow
If you’re staying with a bigger group, opt for Driftwood, an Edwardian home in the heart of Padstow. A short walk west along the coast path leads you to the tranquil beauty of Hawker’s Cove, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters – mirroring the reflective moments captured by the film.
All of our retreats are walking distance to the beach and coast path. Start your adventure along the Cornish salt path…
