Are you ready to step into the world of The Salt Path before it hits cinema screens this May? You don’t have to wait for the big-screen release of Raynor Winn’s epic hike to experience the transformative magic of The South West Coast Path. Unlike Raynor and Moth, you won’t need to wild camp along the way – you can rest your weary legs in one of our handpicked cottages along the trail in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.
Kittiwake, Minehead, Somerset
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Start your journey along The Salt Path in Minehead, the beginning of both the 630-mile trail and Raynor Winn’s transformative experience. Whether you choose to set off on your own epic hike, take a circular hike to Porlock Bay, or wander inland to Exmoor, make a base at this stylish apartment with sea views. Plan your route while gazing out over the expansive bay from your open-plan living space, or sipping coffee on the balcony, and after days on foot soak in the bubble bath and whip up a feast in your well-equipped kitchen.
The Coach House, Porlock Weir, Somerset
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Looking for some peace and quiet a little further along the trail? Soak up the wild tranquility of Porlock Weir, where you’ll recognise some of the breathtaking scenery from the big screen whichever way you wander. The beauty of staying at The Coach House is that you can step straight out onto the South West Coast Path, or you can simply soak up the ever-changing seascapes from your cosy abode packed with traditional charm and modern style. Dogs are welcome, too.
Baywatch, Lynton, Devon
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The ancient landscape of the Valley of Rocks is even more magnificent in real life than on screen, and well worth a visit to walk amongst these iconic rock formations in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth – and in turn Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in the movie adaptation. Couples will adore exploring the glorious coastline from this romantic retreat in Lynton, with easy access to the Valley of Rocks, Exmoor National Park and the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
Ocean Breeze, Ilfracombe, Devon
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Marking a transformative point of Raynor Winn’s journey, Ilfracombe is a popular destination for coastal holidays in Devon, and no doubt the release of The Salt Path will throw it even further into the limelight. From here you can follow The Salt Path to secluded coves, towering cliffs and the rocky summit of Capstone Hill, or dip into the sea pools, art galleries and waterside restaurants. However you choose to while away your time, it’s all at your fingertips from this contemporary apartment boasting stunning views to the North Devon coast.
The Old Post House, Higher Clovelly, Devon
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There are very few places to stay close to the historic village of Clovelly, with its cobblestone streets winding to a 13th-century quay. However, just five minutes’ from this timeless waterside hamlet, you can relax in a charming country house with low-slung beams, a woodburner and far-reaching sea views. And from here you can strike out towards Hartland Quay and the wild North Devon coastline at the heart of Winn’s epic story, or stroll into Clovelly for just-caught seafood or a cream tea – luxuries that Raynor and Winn couldn’t afford on their own journey.
The Fish Cellars, Port Quin, North Cornwall
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When you tackle the ups and downs of the South West Coast Path around Port Quin, no doubt you’ll need to stop for a breather on one of the path-side picnic benches – maybe even the very same one where Anderson and Isaacs were filmed with the sun on their faces and Doyden Castle winking in the distance. Bag this stylish slate-floored ‘fish shed’ just footsteps from the water, and it’s up to you if you want stomp along The Salt Path to Port Isaac, or simply soak up the scenery with a stroll and a sea dip, before coming back for a glass of wine beside the fire.
Upperdeck, Padstow, North Cornwall
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The pretty harbour town of Padstow plays a pivotal role in both the book and the film, and Anderson and Isaacs caused quite a stir when they were spotted filming here. When you commandeer this contemporary apartment overlooking the harbour and estuary, we’d suggest that you not only follow Raynor’s footsteps along the coast path to Hawker’s Cove and a necklace of beaches on the outskirts of Padstow, but by fuelling up with freshly-caught fish and chips beside the harbour.
270 North, Newquay, Cornwall
Whether you hit the waves or simply trace the surf-riddled coastline around Newquay, it’s plain to see why this stunning section of Cornwall’s coastline made it to the final cut of The Salt Path. You’re seconds from the coast path and a plunge in the ocean, whilst being enveloped in absolute luxury from your wow-factor coastal home with floor-to-ceiling sea views, a myriad of mod cons and a full width balcony so you can bask in those soul-stirring sunsets.
The Old Signal House, Cawsand, South Cornwall
When Raynor and Winn were 400 miles into their walk with no tangible home to go back to, the wild beauty of the Rame Peninsula symbolised both the hope and despair of their situation. However, when you strike out along this hawthorn-hemmed peninsula to St Michael’s Chapel, you can turn back to the warmer and more welcoming luxuries of The Old Signal House – which is just as close to the shoreline as Raynor Winn and Moth stayed in their tent, but comes with a log burner, a light-filled open-plan living space and panoramic sea views that you don’t have to unzip the doors to enjoy.
Hidden Well, Aust, Wales
The historic town of Chepstow on the River Wye is the gateway to the Wales Coast Path. Nestled where dramatic limestone cliffs meet the Severn Estuary, it also features on the set of The Salt Path. So when you stay in this large barn conversion with a hot tub on the other side of the estuary, you can go set strolling off the main trail, explore a different section of the UK’s coastline, or take breathtaking views of the ever-changing tidal landscapes.
Book a Holiday Cottage to Walk The Salt Path
Inspired to walk The Salt Path? Book now and beat the crowds to explore some of the key filming locations when you stay at one of our seaside holiday cottages.
How to Plan Your Walk Along the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest National Trail and can be accessed from many points along its 630-mile route. Whether you want to walk for a hours, days or weeks, it’s easy to plan your hike with 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.