In May 2025 audiences were captivated by the film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s memoir The Salt Path, a movie starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. The movie retraces the couple’s transformative 630-mile journey along the South West Coast Path after losing their home and livelihood. While the path spans Somerset to Dorset, Cornwall’s dramatic coastline provided some of the film’s most memorable backdrops. If you’re inspired to follow in Raynor and Moth’s footsteps, here’s a guide to the locations in Cornwall featured in the film The Salt Path, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and emotional resonance.
1. Holywell Bay – Windswept Solitude
Just six miles from Newquay, Holywell Bay is renowned for its expansive golden sands and the iconic twin-peaked Gull Rocks. Though not mentioned in the book, the film captures the couple walking along this beach, symbolising their connection to the untamed coastal landscape. The beach’s dramatic scenery has also featured in productions like Poldark and James Bond: Die Another Day.
2. Sandymouth Bay – Rugged Isolation
Near Bude, Sandymouth Bay’s dramatic cliffs and black-pebbled shore provide a fitting backdrop for the film’s themes of isolation and freedom. While not specifically mentioned in the book, its inclusion in the film underscores the couple’s journey through Cornwall’s wild and unspoiled landscapes.
3. Newquay – A Momentary Respite
In The Salt Path, Newquay offers the couple a brief return to civilisation. The bustling seaside town known for its surf culture contrasts with the wild sections of the path. The film captures this juxtaposition, highlighting the couple’s transient connection to humanity amid their journey.
4. Padstow – A Taste of Comfort
Padstow, with its picturesque harbour and renowned seafood, provides a moment of comfort for Raynor and Moth. In the book, they withdraw funds and enjoy fish and chips from Rick Stein’s famous eatery. The film features scenes shot on the harbourside, capturing the town’s charm and the couple’s brief indulgence.
5. Rame Head – Reflective Solitude
On Cornwall’s southeastern tip, Rame Head’s rugged cliffs and panoramic sea views offer a place of reflection. In the story, the couple pitches their tent near this headland, embracing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. The film showcases Rame Head’s striking scenery, emphasising its role in the couple’s journey.
6. Hawkers Cove – Quiet Contemplation
Just a mile from Padstow Harbour, Hawkers Cove is a peaceful spot where Raynor and Moth pause to reflect. The film captures this serene setting, with its white sands and clear waters, symbolising moments of introspection during their arduous journey.
7. Port Quin – A Glimpse of Hope
Port Quin, near Port Isaac, serves as a backdrop for a touching scene in the film. The couple pauses above the cove, taking in the beauty of the setting. This moment reflects the themes of hope and healing that permeate their journey.
8. The Rumps – Challenging Beauty
Near Polzeath, The Rumps’ rugged terrain represents some of the journey’s toughest moments. The film showcases the area’s spectacular views and seabird sightings, rewarding the couple’s perseverance with natural beauty.
9. Bedruthan Steps – Nature’s Majesty
Approximately 15 miles from Padstow, the towering sea stacks of Bedruthan Steps feature in the film’s backdrop. Standing on the cliffs, the couple is moved by the power of nature, a central theme in their journey.
10. Fistral Beach – Coastal Energy
Fistral Beach in Newquay, known for its surfing waves, appears in the film, highlighting the coastal energy that accompanies the couple’s walk. The beach’s vibrant atmosphere contrasts with the solitude found in other parts of their journey.
Embarking on Your Own Salt Path Journey
The South West Coast Path, stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, offers walkers breathtaking coastline, panoramic sea views, and historic towns. While Raynor and Moth’s journey was one of necessity and healing, anyone can find inspiration and solace along this path.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, the Cornish sections of the path provide diverse landscapes and rich experiences. From the windswept dunes of Holywell Bay to the reflective solitude of Rame Head, each location offers a unique glimpse into the transformative power of nature.
So lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and set out to explore the wild edge of Cornwall. Let the landscapes that inspired The Salt Path guide you on your own journey of discovery and renewal.