With its treasure trove of cinematic landscapes, the South West has long been a firm favourite with filmmakers, often standing in for far-flung places on screen. But the Salt Path is different. This time the landscape doesn’t just play a part – it is the story. We get to see it in all its raw beauty in the film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir.
After losing their home and livelihood and facing a devasting health diagnosis, we follow Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and her husband, Moth (Jason Isaacs) walk the entirety of the Southwest Coast Path, rebuilding their lives one step at a time. Many of the film’s moving scenes were shot in locations that you can explore on the SW660. This is your chance to step into the story, to live, to breathe it, to feel it!
In this blog, we’ve covered the South West 660 in reverse, following the route taken by Raynor and Moth in The Salt Path.
Minehead and Porlock Weir – Route 12
“Excited, afraid, homeless, fat, dying, but at least if we made that first step we had somewhere to go, we had a purpose. And we really didn’t have anything better to do at half past three on a Thursday afternoon than to start a 630-mile walk”. Extract from The Salt Path.
Minehead is the official start of the Southwest Coast Path (SWCP) and it marks the beginning of Raynor & Moth’s journey. Stroll along the promenade and you’ll come across the SWCP Monument, an impressive bronze structure showing giant hands gripping a map, designed by a local art student. From here you might choose to step into the couple’s footsteps and take on the first section of this iconic trek – an 8.9 mile walk to Porlock Weir. With some steep climbs and descents it’s a dramatic start, no surprise – as Exmoor boasts the highest coastline in England.
Whether you choose to traverse either the rugged coast path or stay inland on the moors you may well be spoiled with sights of the local wildlife (Exmoor ponies, Red deer, Dartford warblers and nightjars) as well as incredible views out over the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast.
Arriving into the ancient seaside port and picturesque coastal village of Porlock Weir, we’d recommend finding a spot to relax and recuperate overlooking the water. Here you can watch what is Europe’s highest tidal range and see how the seascape constantly changes.
Further along route 12 you can also take a slight detour off route to visit Valley of the Rocks, as seen on the big screen when Anderson and Isaacs wind their way around the jagged pinnacles that rise from seaside moorland like a mini mountain range
Ilfracombe – Route 11
Ilfracombe, has long been a favourite with holiday makers flocking to Devon and with he Salt Path putting it on the cinematic map demand will likely increase. But visit off-season and you can enjoy its sandy beaches, independent eateries (featuring seasonal, local produce) and art and craft galleries without the crowds. Don’t miss Damien Hirst’s 20m harbourside statue, the hidden Tunnel Beach and St Nicholas’s Chapel on Lantern Hill, Britain’s oldest lighthouse.
Clovelly, Hartland Quay, Port Quin & Padstow – Route 10
You could be forgiven for thinking you’d wandered onto a film set when exploring the enchanting fishing village of Clovelly with its winding cobbled streets that are inaccessible by car! Having previously welcomed film crews from the ‘Guernsey Literacy and Potato Pie Society’ as well as a mini-series of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ its residents are becoming used to seeing tv and film stars pass through. From here you can take on the 10-mile stretch to Hartland Quay just as Raynor and Moth did. From clifftop forts and WW1 memorials to extraordinary rock formations and sweeping views it’s an invigorating trek! If you’re lucky you might even spot grey seals.
Nestled between renowned surf beach Polzeath, and Port Isaac (home to TV favourite Doc Martin) is the peaceful sheltered inlet of Port Quin. This part of the SWCP offers you the chance to experience a particularly unspoilt stretch of coastline where the peace of the countryside meets the power of the sea. In the film we see Anderson and Isaac pause on a bench overlooking the cove as they recreate a moment of emotion and resolve from Winn’s memoir.
The charming fishing village of Padstow is often referred to as ‘Padstein’ thanks to celebrity chef Rick Stein who firmly put the village on the foodie map. But it was Anderson and Issaac who were the talk of the town when they were spotted filming scenes here. Like most visitors Raynor and Winn couldn’t resit enjoying Rick Steins famous fish and chips by the water! Today, Raynor and Moth live in Fowey, Cornwall (on route 6 of the SW660) and even featured in ‘Rick Stein’s Cornwall’ 2024 when Rick visited the ancient apple orchard where the couple make cider!
Holywell Bay – Route 9
Although not explicitly mentioned in the book, Holywell Bay lies along the South West Coast Path and would have been part of Raynor and Moth’s journey. Unsurprisingly, it was chosen as one of the filming locations, with the stars spotted shooting scenes on the beach. Its expansive sandy shores, dramatic dunes, and striking rock formations have also featured in Die Another Day, Poldark, and the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon.
Rame Head & Fowey – Route 6
Rame Head marks the halfway point of the Southwest Coast Path and a significant milestone in the book and film. We see Raynor and Moth pause to reflect on how far they’ve come, and how the journey has begun to change them. The Rame Peninsula, tucked away in south east Cornwall, is a real hidden gem. Even if you’re not on foot like Raynor and Moth, the journey there is worth it – especially the scenic coastal road via Whitsand Bay. For a glimpse of this stunning stretch of coastline, take a look at the Visit Rame digital postcard—you’ll even get to enjoy the view from Rame Head.
Finally, we have to mention Fowey. Though not a film location, in the book there is reference to the river Fowey and the surrounding area where the couple spend time. And today, its it’s not far from where their farm is located. With its pretty harbour full of bobbing yachts and fishing boats, pastel coloured terrace houses and winding streets its easy to see the appeal. Take time to explore the semi-tropical gardens, walking trails and boat trips – you might just find yourself wanting to settle here too!
Whether you’re retracing Raynor & Moth’s footsteps, or simply exploring the SW660 in stages over time, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with this special stretch of coast. With its dramatic views, fresh sea air and wonderful array of towns and villages take things slow and soak it all in. Like Raynor & Moth, you might see a while new way of looking at the world!
The Salt Path is in UK cinemas 30th May 2025.
