The upcoming release of a long-awaited film, telling the story of a couple on a journey of discovery along England’s south-east coast, is inspiring people to take to Britain’s longest National Trail.
The Salt Path, based on a best-selling book of the same name, explores the transformative experience of walking the South West Coast Path. This 1,014-kilometre-long trail runs along the breathtaking clifftops and beaches of Devon and Cornwall in the UK.
It takes hikers to some of the south coast’s wildest spots with views of rugged rock formations and sweeping stretches of sea.
The film, due to be released in cinemas at the end of May, has caught the attention of critics. But it has also garnered the interest of travellers inspired by the depiction of the path’s raw beauty – and the mental health benefits walking it can bring.
South West Coast Path is a ‘transformative landscape’
The Salt Path is a screen adaptation of the best-selling memoir by Raynor Winn, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
The untamed landscapes of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) are the perfect reflection of the film’s moving exploration of survival, hope, and the power of the human spirit when faced with adversity.
Filming took place along several stretches of the walking route, which was designated as a National Trail in 1978.
“I’m so looking forward to people seeing the film adaptation of our story,” says Winn.
“The SWCP is more than just a path, it’s a transformative landscape, both challenging and healing, and available to all of us.”
Here’s how you can undertake your own cathartic journey along the path, which passes through one national park, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and one UNESCO biosphere.
South West Coast Path is equivalent of climbing Everest four times
The South West Coast Path is a freely accessible walking trail which can be hiked in its entirety or accessed from many points for shorter stretches.
Named ‘the world’s happiest walk’ in 2024, it can be tackled as a 52-day itinerary by following the Official Guide from the South West Coast Path Association, a charity dedicated to the maintenance and protection of the trail.
The whole journey of walking this undulating trail is apparently the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest four times.
Best sections of the South West Coast Path
If you are looking for a shorter jaunt, there are dozens of standout sections along the route.
One highlight is the stretch between Exmouth and Poole along what is known as the Jurassic Coast.
Here, you walk along over 200 million-year-old red sandstone cliffs and pass Durdle Door, a natural limestone archway that is an iconic landmark on England’s south coast.
Chesil Beach is another famous natural attraction just off the route. It is an impressive 27 kilometres long and is backed by the Fleet, Britain’s largest tidal lagoon, which shelters and feeds myriad wildlife.
For a winsome historic village, visit Clovelly in North Devon. It is known for its steep cobblestone streets (inaccessible for vehicles) and pretty harbour bobbing with fishing boats.
Fowey in Cornwall is a lively little town that fills up in summer with holidaymakers and hikers.
Fans of the author Daphne du Maurier will find a museum dedicated to her novels and can walk to the nearby country house of Menabilly, the inspiration for Manderley in her bestseller ‘Rebecca’.
