Walking The
Salt Path
With the eagerly awaited release of The Salt Path, the film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir, audiences will soon be immersed in a deeply moving story of resilience, love, and the healing power of nature. For guests at Carlyon Bay Hotel, this tale is more than a cinematic experience, it’s a journey that begins just steps from our door.
The Salt Path chronicles the true story of Raynor and Moth Winn, a couple who, after losing their home and facing a devastating medical diagnosis, decide to walk the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path. What starts as an act of survival transforms into a powerful odyssey of self-discovery and connection with the land.
This iconic trail winds through some of the UK’s most extraordinary landscapes and cultural treasures, including one National Park, five National Landscapes, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Each step offers a new perspective, not only on nature, but on what it means to live fully.
Salt Path Stops Near Carlyon Bay
Charlestown Harbour (Approx. 20-minute walk from the hotel)
This beautifully preserved Georgian port is a key stop for many walking the coast path. With tall ships and charming cafés, it’s a perfect blend of heritage and seaside charm. In The Salt Path, small ports like Charlestown became symbols of momentary rest, and for visitors today, they still offer a welcoming pause.
Fowey (A short drive or ferry ride)
The charming town of Fowey, nestled at the mouth of the River Fowey, is a highlight on the Salt Path. With its narrow lanes, and breathtaking estuary views, Fowey feels like a place suspended in time. For walkers, it’s a mix of challenge and reward, a point of arrival after winding clifftop paths, and a place to watch boats drift by with a sense of deep calm.
Par Sands & Polkerris (A short drive or walk from Carlyon Bay)
Par is a stretch of open sand where the path flattens out briefly, while nearby Polkerris is a tiny cove village with a pub and panoramic sea views, ideal for lunch before resuming the path. These were likely much-needed moments of respite for Raynor and Moth and remain special to many walkers.
The Gribbin Head and Daymark
A dramatic promontory with 360-degree views, the Gribbin Daymark marks one of the most visually striking points of this section. With red-and-white stripes towering above the sea, it’s a beacon for walkers and a powerful symbol of orientation and clarity, fitting for a story that’s all about finding one’s way again.
Walk, Reflect, Reconnect
Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth or simply seeking a coastal adventure of your own, the Salt Path offers a journey through Cornwall’s rugged, poetic landscape. At the Carlyon Bay Hotel, you can let your feet rest and your mind reflect — wrapped in warmth, hospitality, and the sound of the sea.
