With the release of the acclaimed film The Salt Path, Somerset is calling on residents and visitors alike to explore its breathtaking coastline. The movie, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, tells the story of Raynor and Moth Winn, a married couple who embark on a transformative journey along the entire South West Coast Path after facing homelessness and a terminal diagnosis.
Locals in Minehead enjoyed an exclusive screening at The Avenue Cinema on May 20, ahead of the film’s nationwide release on May 30. The depiction of Somerset’s coastal beauty has already drawn attention from fans worldwide, with visitors traveling from distant locations such as Canada and the Netherlands to experience the trail firsthand.
Stretching 630 miles from Minehead to Poole, the South West Coast Path covers the coastlines of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset. Approximately 295 miles of this path are maintained by the National Trust, including the stretch between Minehead and Bossington in Somerset.
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Somerset’s 35-mile section may be relatively short but offers some of the path’s most challenging and rewarding terrain. Walkers traverse steep hills, scenic moorland, and charming historic architecture, including Culbone Church—England’s smallest parish church, featured in the video for Mike & The Mechanics’ hit “The Living Years.” Both Minehead and the nearby village of Porlock play prominent roles in the film, where filming took place in spring 2023.
Producer Elizabeth Karlsen emphasized the logistical challenges: “Shooting in remote locations and carrying equipment down narrow paths was demanding.” Director Marianne Elliot added, “The natural beauty and changing weather became vital characters in the story, captured visually to convey their powerful presence.”
The film’s production was supported by Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office dedicated to attracting and assisting film and TV projects. In 2024/25 alone, film productions contributed an estimated £4.2 million to the local economy, especially benefiting the hospitality sector.
Councillor Mike Rigby highlighted the wider impact: “Filming boosts the economy and promotes Somerset’s stunning landscapes to new visitors, creating excellent opportunities for the region.” Emma Thomasson, CEO of Visit Exmoor, echoed this enthusiasm, noting the film is a chance to showcase the area’s diverse coastal scenery and year-round outdoor activities.
Dan James from Exmoor National Park emphasized sustainability: “We welcome new visitors while encouraging safe, responsible enjoyment of this special landscape.”
To improve access, Screen Somerset is collaborating with partners to promote visits by public transport. The popular EX1 bus service, rebranded as the Exmoor Explorer and operating with open-top double-decker buses from July 24, connects the national park with nearby coastal towns. Subsidies from Devon and Somerset councils have made this affordable option possible, with fares capped at £3 per journey.
The South West Coast Path requires significant maintenance, costing about £1,500 per mile each year to keep open for around nine million visitors annually. For those inspired to walk the entire route, the South West Coast Path Association offers an official 52-day itinerary guide.
Julian Gray, SWCPA director, remarked, “The Salt Path has sold over a million copies, inspiring many to explore this beautiful trail. The film further raises awareness of the South West’s stunning coastline and the transformative power of walking. Visitors drawn by the film will boost the local economy by staying in accommodation and dining locally.”
The South West region saw nearly £40 million spent on TV and film productions in 2024/25, with Somerset poised for continued growth. Charlotte Wood from Creative England praised the area’s versatility as a filming location, supported by Screen Somerset’s efforts.
Visit Somerset CEO John Turner described the region as “a cinematic canvas like no other,” from Wells’ timeless beauty to dramatic gorges and historic estates. He expressed pride in ongoing collaborations that position film tourism as a key economic driver for Somerset’s future.
For those ready to explore the trail or support its upkeep, visit the official South West Coast Path website.