Following in the Footsteps of The Salt Path: Filming locations and where to stay in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset
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Following in the Footsteps of The Salt Path: Filming locations and where to stay in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset
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In an era where holidays are increasingly driven by meaning, narrative-led travel is taking centre stage.
Whether inspired by the silver screen or a beloved book, more and more holidaymakers are seeking to step into the stories they have read, and in 2025, this phenomenon is gathering pace.
Expedia’s latest travel trends report revealed that two-thirds of travellers are now choosing destinations based on film and television exposure - a 16% year-on-year rise.(1). While the term “set-jetting” may be relatively new, the concept of travel inspired by a good story is timeless.
Now, The Salt Path, the best-selling memoir by Raynor Winn, is set to debut in UK cinemas on the 30th May starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. In line with National Walking Month in May, the film invites more people to walk the same wild coastline that helped Winn heal.
Local travel experts at Perfect Stays have revealed where to head if you want to walk the routes as seen on screen, and where to stay nearby, to highlight the beauty of the South West Coast Path and the significance it holds for so many.
Many Perfect Stays properties sit directly on or within easy reach of the trail - including Salt Spray, where the coast path opens from the front door, and Roscarrock and Red Cove, where it runs past the edge of the garden - ideal for set-jetters this summer.
Follow in Raynor and Moth Winn's footsteps…
Minehead, Bossington and Porlock Weir, North Somerset
Minehead’s seafront marks the official start of the South West Coast Path and the beginning of Raynor and Moth’s journey. From here, the trail quickly dips into the wooded hills of Exmoor, arriving at Bossington — a picturesque, thatched village within the national park. It’s here, in the cottage garden at Kitnors Tea Room, that the couple enjoy their only cream tea of the entire walk — a moment captured in the film’s trailer.
Continuing west, the path meanders another five miles to Porlock Weir, a peaceful harbour village framed by moored yachts and a pebble beach. Known for its oyster beds and serene marina views, this stretch is rumoured to appear early in the film as the couple question how far they’ll make it along the coast.
Nearby properties: Nightjar and Willow's Rest in Dulverton
Lynton and the Valley of the Rocks, 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.
Clovelly, 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.
Port Quin, North Cornwall
© Perfect Stays
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.
Nearby properties: Gwel Arvor or Tregoose in North Cornwall
Padstow, North Cornwall
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.
Nearby properties: Kilden Mor and Harbour Walk in Padstow
Trebarwith Strand and Tintagel, North Cornwall
© Allessendra Frati
Though not confirmed as a filming location, Trebarwith Strand is mentioned in the book and lies just south of Tintagel Castle. With sea stacks, golden sands and legends of King Arthur nearby, it offers a dramatic section of the path for walkers seeking myth and scenery in equal measure
Nearby properties: The Yellow Cottage and The Paddock in Trebarwith Strand
St Ives, West Cornwall
St Ives marks a poignant moment for the couple. Unknowingly, Moth delivers a moving tribute to Seamus Heaney just after the poet’s death. The harbour town hasn’t been confirmed in the filming schedule, but its pastel houses, golden beaches and cinematic beauty make it a likely inclusion.
This stretch is a favourite for day walks - from Carbis Bay and Godrevy to cocktails at Porthmeor Beach, one of Cornwall’s most photogenic corners.
Nearby property: Shun Lee in St Ives
Kynance Cove, West Cornwall
© Perfect Stays
Described by Raynor as a “picture-perfect cove,” Kynance’s turquoise water and snakeskin rocks are unforgettable. Though its appearance in the film is unconfirmed, it’s easy to imagine the camera panning over this iconic spot. A three-mile loop from Lizard Green offers a rewarding route with ocean views and a chance to descend into the cove at low tide.
Nearby property: Laflouder Thatch in Mullion
Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
This golden bay on the South Devon coast marks a return to the trail for Raynor and Moth. With views across to Burgh Island — famously linked to Agatha Christie — it’s a tranquil section rich in literary and maritime history. Walkers can cross the sandy causeway at low tide and explore coastal trails out to Bantham and Challaborough.
Nearby properties: Clifftop and Avocet in Bigbury-on-Sea
Read more on the Perfect Stays blog: https://www.perfectstays.co.uk/blog/the-salt-path-filming-locations
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About Perfect Stays
Perfect Stays is a luxury holiday rental company specialising in spectacular holiday homes in beautiful locations across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. From stunning contemporary houses to waterside retreats and countryside cottages, all feature five-star facilities like private swimming pools and games rooms. Perfect Stays match guests to exclusive, hand-picked homes that are best suited to their needs and occasion.
Breaking the mould when it comes to luxury self-catering holidays, Perfect Stays is about much more than opulent accommodation. Through a tailored approach and inclusive concierge service, their team of local experts can craft a personalised itinerary for the duration of your stay. From private chefs, wine tastings and in-house spa treatments, to foraging adventures and one-to-one surf lessons, the Concierge team will plan and book experiences on your behalf. Also on hand to take care of the practical details, from recommending baby-sitters and dog-sitters to making taxi reservations, Perfect Stays aim to create memorable, bespoke holidays that are hassle-free.
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Website: https://www.perfectstays.co.uk/
Press contact: perfectstays@lemongrassmarketing.com
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Editors notes
Perfect Stays is a luxury holiday rental company specialising in spectacular holiday homes in beautiful locations across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. From stunning contemporary houses to waterside retreats and countryside cottages, all feature five-star facilities like private swimming pools and games rooms. Perfect Stays match guests to exclusive, hand-picked homes that are best suited to their needs and occasion.
Breaking the mould when it comes to luxury self-catering holidays, Perfect Stays is about much more than opulent accommodation. Through a tailored approach and inclusive concierge service, their team of local experts can craft a personalised itinerary for the duration of your stay. From private chefs, wine tastings and in-house spa treatments, to foraging adventures and one-to-one surf lessons, the Concierge team will plan and book experiences on your behalf. Also on hand to take care of the practical details, from recommending baby-sitters and dog-sitters to making taxi reservations, Perfect Stays aim to create memorable, bespoke holidays that are hassle-free.
