The Salt Path: filming locations and where to stay in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset

Follow in Raynor and Moth Winn's footsteps

With The Salt Path set to hit the cinemas on 30th May 2025 - perfectly timed with National Walking Month - there's never been a better excuse to lace up your walking boots and take to the South West Coast Path. Based on Raynor Winn's beloved book of the same name, the film follows the couple's journey after losing their home and receiving a life-changing diagnosis, as they walk the full 630 miles of the path from Minehead in Somerset to the rugged cliffs of Dorset. 

Starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, the film was shot on location throughout 2023, with locals spotting camera crews in the likes of Padstow, Holywell Bay, and Newquay. With breath-taking backdrops, remote coves, and soul-stirring moments, many of the filming locations can be explored on your next trip to the South West. Here's where to head if you want to walk the routes as seen on screen - plus where to stay nearby.

A note on sensitivity: as a luxury holiday lettings company, we're mindful of the contrast between the themes of The Salt Path and the nature of what we offer. Our aim in sharing this guide is not to take away from the profound reality of Raynor and Moth's story, but to highlight the beauty of the South West Coast Path and the significance it holds for so many.
 

© Left: Annie Spratt. Right: Paula Dagnall. 

Minehead, Bossington and Porlock Weir

Location: North Somerset
Nearby properties: Nightjar and Willow's Rest in Dulverton

As the official starting point of the South West Coast Path, Minehead's seafront marks the first few miles of Raynor and Moth’s journey. The trail quickly winds inland towards Bossington, a thatched village nestled within Exmoor National Park. Here, they stop for their only cream tea of the entire walk at Kitnors Tea Room - a scene depicted in the movie trailer, where the couple take a seat in the sunny cottage garden. 

From Bossington, the path continues another five miles to Porlock Weir, a quiet coastal hamlet known for its oyster beds and scenic marina views. With moored yachts and a pebble beach, this location is set to appear in the film - possibly early on, as the couple contemplate whether they'll make it as far as Land's End. 

STAY NEARBY

Lynton and the Valley of the Rocks

Location: North Devon

Crossing over Exmoor, the trail reveals some of its most dramatic scenery. Lynton and Lynmouth, linked by a Victorian cliff railway, offer postcard-worthy views of the Bristol Channel. Just beyond, the Valley of Rocks is a rugged, otherworldly landscape that feels as though it were carved by giants. It's here that Raynor and Moth press over the clifftop - a tough yet rewarding section, with Mother Meldrum’s Tea Gardens a welcome stop for provisions.

STAY NEARBY

© Left: Lasma Artmane. Right: Perfect Stays.

Clovelly

Location: North Devon

One of the most iconic filming locations, Clovelly’s cobbled streets and whitewashed cottages were front and centre in the film’s trailer. As a privately-owned harbour village, Clovelly makes a lasting impression - it’s here that Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs can be seen soaking up the sunshine before walking up the steep hill in search of warm pasties at the visitor centre. 

If you’re planning a route around Clovelly, extend your walk into Mouthmill Beach and Blackchurch Rock, looping back via Higher Clovelly for incredible views stretching out towards Saunton Sands and Croyde. 

STAY NEARBY

Port Quin

Location: North Cornwall
Nearby properties: Gwel Arvor, Trelorna, Tregoose, Sunny Seven, The Cove, Doyden, and Waders in Polzeath

Reported as a key filming location, Port Quin is a peaceful, tucked-away cove on the North Cornish coast - not far from Polzeath and Port Isaac. In the book, it's where Raynor and Moth take time to reflect on their journey - questioning whether they have the strength to continue. With its shallow shores, it's a natural pause point and wild swimming spot for fair-weather walkers too. 

STAY NEARBY

© Left: Perfect Stays. Right: Howard Senton.

Padstow 

Location: North Cornwall
Nearby properties: Kilden Mor and Harbour Walk in Padstow

Crossing the estuary from Rock, the couple first weave their way through Daymer Bay and Polzeath before hopping on the ferry to the harbour town of Padstow. One of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers, it's no wonder it was used as a filming location while shooting in Cornwall. With the summer still in full swing at this stage of the walk, it’s likely Padstow will feature and it'll be buzzing with families, crab buckets, whipped ice creams and children splashing in the shallows.

STAY NEARBY

Fistral Beach and Holywell Bay

Location: North Cornwall

Raynor notes in her memoir that they knew they'd arrived in Newquay as neoprene figures emerged from every corner heading for the surf. Fistral is the largest beach in Newquay and Holywell can be found a little further along the coastline - with miles of golden sands, dunes, and craggy rock tors, it's rumoured that they both feature in the film, with camera crews spotted there in the summer of 2023. 

If you're visiting this corner of Cornwall, we recommend walking the coast path over to Crantock, stopping by Newquay Harbour for an ice cream in the sun, or seeking seafood suppers in one of the many restaurants that dot the shoreline. 

STAY NEARBY

© Left: Alex Ovis. Right: Perfect Stays. 

Rame Head

Location: South Cornwall
Nearby properties: Sea Edge and Eden in Downderry

Marking a powerful midpoint in their journey, Rame Head lies on Cornwall’s south coast - not far from the book’s end point in Polruan. The peninsula is less well-known than its north coast neighbours, and it’s a wonderful place for watching the world go by, with yachts passing and the ferry route to the east. In the trailer, the couple are shown looking towards St Michael’s Chapel - a striking moment of reflection as they pause to appreciate how far they’ve come. Readers of the book will know Raynor and Moth pause their walk due to the arrival of winter, and begin again the following summer, rejoining the path in Poole. 

It may be that the filmmakers chose Rame Head - with its incredible 360-degree views - to symbolise a turning point in their emotional and physical journey.

STAY NEARBY

© Left: Perfect Stays. Right: Visit Cornwall.

Trebarwith Strand and Tintagel

Location: North Cornwall
Nearby properties: The Yellow Cottage and The Paddock in Trebarwith Strand

Mentioned in the book but not yet confirmed as a filming location, Trebarwith Strand is a tidal beach flanked by cafés and known for its sea stacks and sunsets. Just a short walk from Tintagel Castle and St Nectan’s Glen, this area is steeped in Arthurian legend. Perhaps we’ll see Raynor and Moth pass through this stunning coastal inlet after leaving the buzz of Tintagel.

STAY NEARBY

© Left: Perfect Stays. Right: Allessendra Frati. 

St Ives

Location: West Cornwall
Nearby property: Shun Lee in St Ives

A pivotal moment in the story, the couple stop in St Ives, where Moth unknowingly delivers a powerful tribute to poet Seamus Heaney just after his passing. While it hasn’t been confirmed as a filming location, it’s likely that this popular town will appear - as it did in Playing Nice - thanks to its white sand beaches and pastel cottages overlooking the harbour. 

Always a favourite of ours, St Ives is the perfect place for a day by the sea, cocktails on the beach, or an extra-special dinner reservation. There are several coastal walks nearby that you can complete in a day - whether it’s walking a longer stretch over to Godrevy or stopping by Carbis Bay and hopping back on the train into town, there’s plenty to keep you and your four-legged friends on your feet.

STAY NEARBY

Kynance Cove

Location: West Cornwall
Nearby property: Laflouder Thatch in Mullion

Though not confirmed as a filming location, Kynance Cove is a jewel of the coast and features in the book as a “picture-perfect cove of snakeskin rocks, calm turquoise water and white sand.” It’s likely to make at least a fleeting appearance in the film.

To visit Kynance Cove yourself, you could park at Lizard Green and complete a circular three-mile walk along the coast path before descending into the tidal beach. The route takes you back past a beach café and across heathland before returning to Lizard Green. We always recommend visiting early as the beach can get very busy, and it's best to check the tide times. 

STAY NEARBY

© Perfect Stays

Bigbury-on-Sea

Location: South Devon
Nearby properties: Clifftop, Overcombe, Beachfront, and Avocet in Bigbury-on-Sea

On the South Devon stretch, the path meanders along Bigbury-on-Sea, known for its sandy causeway leading to Burgh Island - famously linked to Agatha Christie. In the book, Raynor and Moth pick up the trail again after Bantham, walking east toward Wembury and the Devon border. We may see Bigbury Bay in the film, and it's especially magical at low tide, when you can walk across to the island on foot. 

Popular walks nearby include the circular route from Bigbury to Bantham via the Avon Estuary, or the longer, linear stretch through Challaborough, Ringmore and Ayrmer Cove. 

STAY NEARBY

Want to walk The Salt Path yourself?

You don't need to tackle all 630 miles to enjoy the beauty of The Salt Path. Many of our homes sit directly on the trail - Salt Spray opens onto the coast path from the front door, while Roscarrock and Red Cove have the trail running past the bottom of their gardens. For walking holidays further inland, try our collection near Exmoor National Park, the Camel Trail, and The Saints' Way. 

Speak to our team to find your perfect place to stay and start your journey: info@perfectstays.co.uk | 01208 895 570

Accessibility note: Some sections of the South West Coast Path are more accessible than others, particularly for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. For detailed, up-to-date guidance, visit the official South West Coast Path website, where you’ll find easy-access routes and maps to help you plan your adventure.

Image credits: Annie Spratt (Porlock Weir), Paula Dagnall (Lynton), Lasma Artmane (Clovelly), Alex Ovis (Holywell), and Allessandra Frati (Kynance Cove) via Unsplash | Howard Senton (Fistral) via Pexels | Visit Cornwall (Tintagel). All other images are our own.