Based on Raynor Winn’s best-selling autobiography—’The Salt Path‘ is a moving movie about a journey through life. The 2024 British movie stars ‘Gillian Anderson‘ and Jason Isaacs and was directed by Marianne Elliott in her first full-length movie. The movie, which has a script by Rebecca Lenkiewicz—shows how strong a couple is as they deal with loss and newfound love. The Salt Path not only narrates a heartwarming tale but also showcases some of England’s most iconic landscapes, making the filming locations an essential element of the film’s charm.
The Salt Path Plot Summary
The Salt Path follows Raynor and her terminally ill husband, Moth, as they face a series of life-altering challenges. They lost their home and way of making a living because of legal problems. Now they are homeless and don’t know what the future holds for them. The couple decides to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path, which is England’s longest continuous trail, to deal with their terrible situation. Along the way, they will go through the rough coastlines of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset on their way from Minehead to Poole.
The movie looks at survival, healing and what home really means. As Raynor and Moth go through the tough parts of their trek, both physically and emotionally, they rediscover their connection to each other and to nature. They find comfort in the simple things that happen to them on the trail.
Where was ‘The Salt Path’ filmed?
The South West Coast Path is the main focus of The Salt Path. The production team—including renowned cinematographer Hélène Louvart—worked meticulously to capture the raw beauty of the South West Coast Path. Elliott and Louvart worked together a lot, planning every detail to make sure the movie’s visuals showed how nature can change things.
The main filming for The Salt Path began in Somerset in July 2023. Some of the first scenes were filmed in places like Aust in Gloucestershire and Chepstow in Monmouthshire. There was also filming on East Head at West Wittering—gave the visual story more variety. These places show off the variety of beauty in the UK’s countryside and fit in perfectly with the story’s themes of nature connection and survival. Here is a full list of all the places where the movies were shot:
1.Minehead, Exmoor (Somerset)
The couple’s trip starts in Minehead, where the trail starts. The movie’s look at nature’s healing power starts in this pretty town, which is surrounded by the natural beauty of Exmoor National Park.
2. Porlock and the Valley of the Rocks (Exmoor)
The breathtaking scenery—such as the rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes of Porlock and the Valley of the Rocks in Exmoo, mirrors the couple’s emotional highs and lows throughout their journey. The director wanted to highlight how Ray and Moth’s relationship with their surroundings evolved over time. . At first, the couple only thinks about their current problems, but as the trip goes on, they become more aware of the natural world around them. The cinematography shows this change by subtly changing the format to show off the beauty of the landscape.
3. Ilfracombe (North Devon)
This cute seaside town in North Devon is a popular place to film because of its lively harbor and coastal charm.
4. Clovelly (North Devon)
The film does a great job of showing Clovelly’s unique personality. The town is known for its cobblestone streets and historical appeal.
5. Hartland Quay (North Devon)
Hartland Quay is on the rough North Devon coast. It has a long history, dramatic cliffs, and stunning views of the Atlantic. It’s a great place for nature lovers, walkers, and explorers because it’s on the South West Coast Path close to Clovelly. Wildlife can be seen, the Shipwreck Museum can be explored, and visitors can unwind at the Wreckers Retreat bar or in cozy rooms with views of the ocean. It’s easy to get to Lundy Island and nearby attractions like Hartland Abbey and St. Nectan’s Church, making it a great place to relax and enjoy Devon’s natural beauty.
6. Padstow, Holywell Bay, and Newquay (North Cornwall)
These famous Cornish towns add a mix of small-town charm and beautiful beaches to the movie which—shows how strong and hopeful the characters become on their journey. Holywell Bay, Near Newquay, Cornwall, was a memorable place where movies were shot. Elliott talked about how hard it was to shoot there: “It was pouring rain when it was supposed to be very hot.” We had to make quick changes because an ice cream truck got stuck in the sand. Even though the weather was unpredictable—the scenes showed the harsh beauty and emotional weight of the trip.
7. Rame Head, South Cornwall
In the southern part of the trip, the peaceful and less well-known landscapes of Rame Head are shown, which adds to the film’s exploration of nature.
Anderson, Isaacs, and Elliott met Ray and Moth in real life before filming to learn more about their story. Elliott said that Ray in real life is “steelier” than her memoir makes her seem because she has been through a lot of hard times and kept her strength. Ray wrote the memoir as a gift to Moth out of love and to keep their story alive. The movie is mostly about this love and strength.
About Winn Raynor
Raynor Winn’s 2018 memoir tells the story of the real-life journey she and her husband took after they lost their home. Moth had a bad outlook after being diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) but the couple’s choice to walk the South West Coast Path became a symbol of love and endurance.
The memoir was in the running for a number of prizes—such as the Wainwright Prize and the Costa Book Awards. Its success brought attention to themes like being homeless, being strong, and how nature can heal. Since then, Winn has written two more books, The Wild Silence (2020) and Landlines (2022) in which she writes more about her travels and how she feels connected to nature.
When Will The Salt Path Be in Theaters?
As a follow up to its successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2024. The Salt Path will be shown in theaters across the UK on April 25, 2025. The 115-minute movie, which is distributed by Black Bear UK.
The Salt Path (2024) Official Trailer
Wanna You Walking the South West Coast Path?
For those inspired by the movie, the South West Coast Path is a freely accessible trail that can be explored in sections or in its entirety. The official guidebook recommends a 52-day itinerary for the full 630-mile journey. With numerous entry points, public transport links and circular walks, the trail offers something for everyone.
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