Residents and visitors in Somerset are being invited to explore the county’s iconic coastline following the release of the acclaimed film, The Salt Path. Starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, the movie tells the true story of Raynor and Moth Winn, a married couple who embark on a life-changing journey along the South West Coast Path after facing homelessness and a terminal illness diagnosis.
The film, adapted from Raynor Winn’s 2018 memoir, received an exclusive preview in Minehead on May 20 at The Avenue Cinema. Since its general release on May 30, the coastal trail has attracted visitors from across the globe, including fans from Canada and the Netherlands eager to experience the filming locations firsthand.
Stretching 630 miles from Minehead to Poole, the South West Coast Path showcases the breathtaking coastlines of Cornwall, Devon, West Somerset, and Dorset. Somerset’s section begins at a striking map sculpture on Minehead’s seafront and journeys past landmarks like The Old Ship Aground pub, Culvercliffe Walk, North Hill, and into the heart of Exmoor National Park.
READ MORE: Glastonbury Grapples with Rising Issues of Drinking, Drugs, and Violence
READ MORE: The Paradox of Yeovil: Affordable Homes with Rapid Sales in Somerset’s Cheapest Market
Though just 35 miles long—only about five percent of the total path—the Somerset stretch offers challenging climbs, stunning moorlands, and charming architecture. Notably, it includes Culbone Church, England’s smallest parish church, featured in Mike & The Mechanics’ ’The Living Years’ music video and still accessible only on foot.
Both Minehead and nearby Porlock are prominently featured in the film, with cast and crew filming in the area during spring 2023. Producer Elizabeth Karlsen described the shoot as demanding due to the remote locations and logistics, while director Marianne Elliott emphasized nature’s vital role, declaring it almost a silent character of the story.
The film’s production received valuable support from Screen Somerset, the county’s film office dedicated to attracting and assisting productions. The regional economy benefits significantly from this activity, with an estimated £4.2 million generated in 2024/25, much of it supporting local hotels and hospitality.
Councillor Mike Rigby highlighted filming’s positive economic impact and the opportunity it provides to showcase Somerset’s natural beauty to new audiences. Visit Exmoor’s Chief Executive Emma Thomasson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the region’s diverse outdoor activities and vibrant communities featured in the film.
Dan James, Exmoor National Park’s Enterprise and Communications Manager, expressed enthusiasm for featuring the park’s landscapes in the film while committing to fostering sustainable tourism that protects this special environment.
To make visits more accessible, Screen Somerset is collaborating with the South West Coast Path Association, Visit Exmoor, and Visit Somerset, along with local transport providers. The popular EX1 bus service, now called the Exmoor Explorer, runs through the summer, connecting coastal towns and national park destinations with affordable fares and open-top buses starting July 24.
The South West Coast Path itself requires significant upkeep, costing about £1,500 per mile annually to maintain for its nine million yearly visitors. For those inspired to walk the entire trail, the South West Coast Path Association offers an official 52-day itinerary guide.
Julian Gray, SWCPA’s director, noted that The Salt Path has already sold over a million copies of its book and is expected to boost awareness of the trail’s stunning scenery and the transformative power of walking. The film should further stimulate the local visitor economy as fans support hotels, restaurants, and attractions along the route.
With nearly £40 million spent on TV and film productions across the Southwest in 2024/25, Somerset’s role as a filming destination continues to grow. Charlotte Wood of Filming in England praised the region’s varied locations and Screen Somerset’s contribution to managing productions and maximizing benefits.
Visit Somerset CEO John Turner hailed this as a milestone moment for the county’s recognition in the global film industry. He emphasized Somerset’s rich heritage, cinematic landscapes, and ongoing efforts to leverage film tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
For those planning to explore the South West Coast Path or to help maintain this treasured trail, more information is available at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk.