Where is the BBC’s Poldark Filmed?
With the fourth series at a close and news that the fifth (and possibly final) series of Poldark has...
The Salt Path is a film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s best selling book, set to arrive in UK cinemas this April. Having already been successfully released in America, the film has been celebrated as a triumph, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Issacs… and of course, the South West Coast Path!
We’ve put together a collection of Salt Path filming locations here in Cornwall, for those wishing to experience the Coast Path’s stunning scenery first hand. Use the quick links below to view a specific location, or read on for our full guide.
The Salt Path is a fascinating memoir based on the South West Coast path – a 630-mile trail encompassing the coasts of Somerset, North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon, and Dorset.
This true story follows Raynor and her husband Moth’s inspiring journey. When left with nothing, and facing a host of battles, the couple embark on an epic adventure, hiking the rugged route in its entirety. The path is a dramatic backdrop to this tale of resilience and strength; a journey of self-discovery in which the couple face many adversities and learn countless lessons along the way.
Famed for its beautiful harbour, and home to Rick Stein’s impressive collection of eateries, this is just one of the pit-stops visited by Raynor and Moth on their journey. Seen on screen when the characters pause to enjoy fish and chips, this filming location is popular with tourists and locals alike.
With fantastic food and drink options, watersports opportunities galore, and beaches aplenty, this pretty town nestled on the Camel Estuary has it all. You can also visit nearby Hawker’s Cove around 1.5 miles away, which is another Salt Path filming location.
If you fancy a walk from Padstow, why not traverse the Coast Path to Trevone, taking in some stunning views of Stepper Point along the way? Or for a less strenuous option, the Camel Trail offers a great walking or cycling route, with many opportunities to spot wildlife.
One of the walks from The Salt Path clearly seen in the film, is the route surrounding Rame Head, complete with its ancient chapel on the summit of the mound. Not far from the South Devon / Cornwall border, this impressive headland is frequented by many looking to experience the easy two-mile stomp from the car park to the hill top. Those who tackle the short route are rewarded with stunning, far-reaching ocean views… When visibility is at its best, Eddystone Lighthouse can even be seen.
Particularly popular with bird spotting enthusiasts, hobbies, peregrines and short-eared owls have all been spotted here. Look closely and you may even see a Cornish Chough, a type of crow with striking red legs and beak – these are a reoccurring symbol throughout The Salt Path film and book, spotted by Raynor and Moth on their travels.
Another impressive landscape featured in The Salt Path film is Holywell – a golden sandy beach, complete with dunes, owned by The National Trust. A beautiful, dog-friendly bay, this is not far from Newquay, and offers the ideal option for those looking for unspoilt sandy bliss. Walks around Holywell and Kelsey Head will offer you scenes from the Salth Path, but bear in mind there are some steep climbs and sand dunes that can be moderately difficult to navigate.
If you recognise Holywell from The Salt Path film, it’s probably for good reason – the location has been used in a variety of other productions, including the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, and more recently in the hit TV show Poldark.
Another of the Salt Path’s filming locations is the much-loved seaside town of Newquay. Not far from Holywell, during the film Raynor and Moth are seen passing through. Reportedly scenes were filmed on Beach Road, and at The Headland Hotel. Filming is also rumoured to have taken place at Fistral beach, around a mile away.
During the story, Raynor and Moth take to the South West Coast Path on a healing mission, in the face of extensive hardship including losing their home and Moth’s ill health. The stop at Newquay is just one of the places the couple take time to process the enormity of the challenges they face, and to reflect on how much their lives have changed.
If you are looking to embark on your own life-affirming journey with one of the walks from The Salt Path, why not try the Newquay Discovery Trail? This will show you all of the town’s most significant landmarks. Alternatively, head further along the coast path on a 3.5 mile stroll from Porth to Watergate Bay, admiring sights of islands, caves and seascapes along the way!
Located between Port Isaac and Polzeath on the North Cornwall coast line, Port Quin is a small hamlet that features as another of the Salt Path’s iconic filming locations. Throughout the film, this dramatic coastline, alongside the nature and beauty found along the way, helps Raynor and Moth to navigate and process their inner turmoil.
For those looking to explore this picturesque cove and experience its glory first-hand, why not swap your walking boots for a wetsuit or swimmers, and try paddleboarding? Or sample another of the walks from The Salt Path and hike along this stetch of the coast path, sampling food from one of the many fantastic restaurants in Port Isaac to fuel your stomp!
We have a complete list of Cornwall’s best walks, for those yearning to experience some of the scenery found in The Salt Path, without completing all 630 miles themselves!
Another recognisable landmark, often seen in the media, is Land’s End. A symbolic and pivotal point within The Salt Path film, the arrival of Raynor and Moth here is significant in their long journey.
Of the 630 miles Raynor and Moth walk, an incredible 286 miles of it is located along the Cornish coast. Whilst the South West Coast Path Association recommends a 52-day itinerary for the entire distance, we’ve created a much more manageable three-day option, for those looking to cover a shorter stretch within Cornwall. Reaching from Penzance to Land’s End, taking in Mousehole and Porthcurno along the way, this 21-mile hike can be enjoyed by walkers of all abilities. Truly this will give ramblers a taste of The Salt Path walk, without spending weeks on the trail!
To plan a route around Cornwall, visiting The Salt Path filming locations, use this map:
If you are looking to stay on the South West Coast Path, Cornish Cottage Holidays have a stunning collection of coastal holiday homes well-placed for navigating Salt Path walks from. There’s also a wealth of pet-friendly accommodation for those looking to explore the clifftops, sand dunes, or even nearby woodland walks with their dogs. Looking for a little added luxury in the form of a hot tub, to soak weary feet after a day of hiking? Explore our hot tub cottages today.
I have worked in the South West tourism industry since 2010, and am incredibly proud of what we have to offer as a holiday destina...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
With the fourth series at a close and news that the fifth (and possibly final) series of Poldark has...
