We can’t wait for The Salt Path to hit the big screen in May. With Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs bringing Raynor Winn’s powerful story to life, it’s bound to inspire a whole new wave of adventurers to the South West Coast Path. Yet even up against a stellar cast, we’re pretty sure that Cornwall’s wild and rugged coastline will steal the show.
Spring is the perfect time to get ahead of the crowds and go set-strolling in the footsteps of Raynor and her husband Moth, while tapping into the transformative powers of nature along Cornwall’s wild coastline. So here’s where to walk your own Salt Path and witness some of the stunning Cornish locations from the big screen.
Bude’s dramatic cliffs and wave-lashed beaches captured along Raynor and Moth’s journey, mark the start of the Cornish leg of The Salt Path. Making their way south, the pair pass Widemouth Bay’s sweeping sands and the mighty cliffs of Millook that fold into the wild Atlantic Ocean. The walk from Bude to Crackington Haven is one of the toughest on the entire route, with steep ascents and descents that mirror the emotional highs and lows of their journey. But the rewards are plentiful – breathtaking sea views, secluded coves, and the untamed beauty of Cornwall’s north coast.
Against the dramatic backdrop of Port Quin’s sheltered inlet, the film captures the emotional weight of Raynor and Moth’s journey. Sunlight glinting off the waves, the distant silhouette of Doyden Castle, and the sheer vastness of the coastal landscape make this a powerful place to visit. Whether you hike this wild stretch of the South West Coast Path, paddleboard through the sheltered inlet, or embrace the elements with a sea dip and sauna, Port Quin’s rugged beauty offers the same sense of renewal experienced by Raynor and Moth in the film.
Anderson and Isaacs caused quite a stir when they were spotted filming in Padstow. However, when Raynor and Moth passed through the harbour town on their monumental hike they went almost unnoticed, and could hardly afford a Cornish pasty between them. We’d recommend fish and chips beside the water before setting off along the coast path, where you’ll witness wild promontories and collapsed sea caves on the way to Hawker’s Cove – a peaceful spot to sit and reflect, take a dip, or treat yourself to cream tea by the sea
Not only for wave hunters ands beach parties, the UK’s surfing capital is a wonder for walkers wanting to experience where the waves meet the wild, open skies. Raynor and Moth are seen walking along the surf-lashed shores of Fistral Beach – one of Cornwall’s most famous surfing destinations, that has lured walkers and holidaymakers since Victorian times. This creative beach town is a great spot for a day walk – whether you stroll the town’s beaches at low tide or venture further afield to Porth and Watergate Bay.
Rolling dunes, sea caves, and iconic rock formations make Holywell Bay one of the most recognisable beaches in The Salt Path. Already famous from Poldark and other roles, this breathtaking stretch of sand is perfect for a springtime beach walk or longer stroll to surrounding coves. Being no stranger to stardom on the big screen, let’s hope that Holywell retains its pristine beauty in the face of its ever-growing fame.
By the time Raynor and Moth reached Rame Head, they were more than 400 miles into their journey. This remote, wind-swept peninsula marked the beginning of their homeward stretch, even though they had no home to return to. Strike out to St Michael’s Chapel, perched at the very tip of the headland, to feel the full impact of this cinematic landscape and experience the transformative power of this wild territory steeped in a rich history of smuggling and seafaring.
Walking the South West Coast Path can be a life-changing experience. Whether you tackle a single section or dream of completing the full 630-mile trek, Britain’s longest National Trail offers much more than just a scenic hike – it’s a space to reset, reconnect, and rediscover resilience in the rhythm of the waves.
Plan your own adventure and experience the landscapes that inspired both a bestselling book and an unforgettable film. Who knows? You might just find yourself changed by the journey too.
The South West Coast Path can be accessed from multiple points along its 630-mile route. Whether you want a short coastal stroll or a multi-day trek, use the trip planner and distance calculator on the official South West Coast Path website. There are also many circular walks, as well as routes that link to public transport on the walks section
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